I watched as she walked away, getting back to the other customers waiting for their food. She was more amazing then I had remembered, and I knew I just had to see her again. A few of the guys were still laughing, poking their fingers into my sides, or making kissey faces. They were easily dealt with, a threatening glare, or reminder of who was currently paying the bulk of the rent shut them up.

I didn’t see her again that day, but before we left the cafe I pulled out one of my more recent sketches. It wasn’t perfect, and i still thought it did her no justice, but she would be able to tell easily enough who the subject was.

At the bottom I scribbled a quick note:

Nate Sanders
555-5123
Give me a call sometime.

I grabbed my bag from beside the table, left my portion of the tip, and slipped out the front door with my friends. The cold winter air nipped at my face, but I felt nothing but warmth. This had to be the best birthday I’d ever had.