“So what kind of art do you want to do?” Zac asked leaning against the kitchen counter
after learning that Ruby was an art major at NYU.
“I’m not sure yet,” Ruby laughed. “I love painting the most but then the practical
side of me kicks in and I wonder how much I can do with a painting career.”
“You shouldn’t listen to your practical side so much,” Zac smiled before taking
another gulp of his lemonade.
“Good point,” she smiled back. “So what do you want to do?”
“Oh I don’t know,” Zac breathed. “I’m still in high school.”
“Well what are you interested in?” Ruby asked.
“Hmm,” Zac thought and placed his glass on the counter. “I like writing, and
drawing. I like singing. I play guitar,” he listed.
“Wow - multitalented,” she smiled.
“Well,” Zac grinned and looked at the floor. “I also mow a mean lawn.”
Ruby laughed. “That’s right.”
Zac suddenly became aware of the fact that he had no shirt on and at the age of 16
was a tad self-conscious. He cleared his throat and looked back up at her. “I guess I
should get back out there,” he said rubbing his hand up and down his stomach.
“Alright,” Ruby agreed taking his glass and putting in the sink with hers.
“Back to the grind,” he stretched and made his way out of the kitchen. “Thanks
for the lemonade, Ruby.”
“Anytime. And hey, after you’re done feel free to go swimming. No problem.”
“Cool. I might just,” Zac said sliding the door open.
************************************************************************
Ruby came back outside as Zac was wheeling the lawnmower back into the shed.
“You all done?” She asked sitting on the edge of the pool.
“Yep,” Zac said smoothing his hair down. “Is that swimming invitation still
good?”
“Of course,” she smiled.
“Only if you get in with me,” Zac grinned taking his shoes off.
Ruby raised her eyebrows at him. “I’ll be right back then,” she said lifting herself
up off the concrete.
When she came back outside in a Hawaiian print halter top suit with matching
boy-cut shorts, Zac was already in the pool. She walked down the steps taking the rubber
band out of her hair and shook her long brunette mane down her back. She sank down in
the water and came back up and Zac was standing right in front of her.
“Hi,” he smiled.
“Hey,” she smiled back.
“Pool feels nice. Thanks for letting me hang out.”
“Anytime. Honestly,” she nodded. Zac went under and came back up again. “So
tell me more about yourself,” Ruby said.
“Like what?” Zac asked.
