“Are you going to the Festival of Books tomorrow at UCLA -youkla?â€? James asked me as he rounded the corner. He seemed genuinely happy to be talking to me. His face was a very light pink and both his mouth and eyes were smiling.
“No, I have homework to finish.â€? I asked as I attempt to put the pump back on the bag of mustard. “It’s tomorrow. Really? I’ve never been to it.â€?
“What kind of nerd are you?â€? his voice full of disbelief. I look up into his smiling eyes and think ‘and what lovely eyes they are’ I think to myself. They are a turquoise-y color, I think; I make it a point not to look at them for too long.
“The kind that has no life…â€? I trail off. This is quite true, if I’m not at home, I’m either at work or school; and I’m not really a nerd, per se. “Besides, I don’t have enough gas.â€?
“Ok, where do you live?â€?
“Umm, Sepulveda and Vermontâ€? I say, giving him a questioning look.
“So it’s what a 20 mile drive?â€? He turns as if to leave, but turns back.
‘Why is he trying to convince me to go?’ I ponder.