Elsie sits with her back to the wall, legs extended along the length of the bench in back booth. Half a strawberry daiquiri and a basket of fries sit on the table, but all her attention is focused on the beat up medical textbook she’s poring over.
Every now and again Elsie makes a notation in the margins. She’s pretty oblivious to what’s going on around her, so she startles when Tamara plops on the bench opposite.
“Hey, Elsie. How’s it hanging.”
Elsie narrows her eyes. “I’m studying for a test tomorrow. You look like you should be sleeping. Shouldn’t you be home?”
Tamara just stares back. “I just wanted to ask you… um, how do you attract guys? What’s your secret?”
Elsie laughs. “No commitment. If I want a guy I let him know. Look, you aren’t going to get anywhere looking like that.”
Tamara looks defiant. “Like what?”
“Like a mess. Men are romantics, they all want a princess.” Elsie closes her book and sets it on the table beside the French fries. “Come on.”
Elsie gets up and heads for the washroom door. Tamara grudgingly gets up and follows.
Standing beside Elsie at the mirror Tamara appraises her red rimmed eyes and face streaked with make up. A mess.
“Okay, I see your point,” concedes Tamara.
“You’re a pretty girl, just not right now.”
“No Elsie, I’m an idiot. What can I say.” Tamara turns on her heel and leaves.
Elsie watches Tamara disappear through the rear exit door. Elsie shakes her head and goes back to her booth, picks up the book and is again transported into the wonderful world of medicine. Idly she pops a French fry into her mouth.
