About The Author
Jon Paul Olivier lives in south Louisiana with his wife and two children. He was blessed with opportunities to travel starting at a very young age. He often looks at the world in a unique way, seeing things others might not notice. He is grateful that his family puts up with the hours he spends writing.
Connect with me online:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonpaulolivier
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001285325670
Here is a preview of To Be Ordinary:
Archie was afraid someone would figure out who he was – that he wasn’t like everyone else. He dipped his hamburger in the large pool of ketchup on his plate before taking a bite.
“And there you go with the ketchup again. Don’t they have ketchup wherever you come from?” James thought about that. “With all the secrecy, it’s like you’re James Bond or something.”
It took Archie a moment before he caught the reference. Smiling slightly, he said, “No, I’m not in Her Majesty’s service.” He emphasized Her just a little too much but James didn’t notice.
“Heard from your parents lately?” James asked his roommate, still trying to get Archie to talk. He’d roomed with Archie since the fall semester began two weeks ago, but still knew almost nothing about him. Archie made a face. “Okay, I’m sorry. I forgot. We agreed on no questions about your family. You really need to chill out. Nobody knows or cares where you come from or who you really are.”
The lunch crowd was in full force in the university cafeteria. Archie’s ketchup ritual caught the eye of a girl just coming out of the serving line. She thought what Archie did with the ketchup was cute. She said to her friend, “There’s a seat,” and led the way to Archie’s table. Without introduction, she slid into the bench seat next to him. Her friend just giggled and wedged herself into the other side of the booth. Archie looked curiously at the girl who had sat next to him.
The ring leader delicately dipped one of her French fries into the ketchup on Archie’s plate. Archie looked at her with delighted amusement as she popped it into her mouth, and their eyes met for the first time.
“Hello. Like ketchup, do you?” he said to her. “Erica, do you have to be so rude?” the other woman said to the ketchup thief.
Looking into Archie’s eyes, she said, “He has more than enough to share. You don’t mind sharing with me, do you?” All Archie could manage was a wide-eyed shake of his head as he felt himself falling deeply into her green eyes.
Clearing his throat, he managed to say, “Help yourself. The ketchup is very good here.”
“You’re so funny!” Erica told him. “It’s just ketchup.”
“Oh, no. Not just ketchup. You Americans don’t fully appreciate this ketchup because you’ve always had it. For me, it’s a gastronomic treat.”
“I can’t place the accent. Where are you from, Prince Charming?” Erica noticed a momentary look of panic slip across Archie’s face before he answered.
“I’m from Europe,” he said a little too quickly.
The girl sitting next to James pulled out a World Geography book and opened it to the big map on the endpaper. “Europe’s an awfully big place. Where exactly did you say you’re from?”
“Oh, you’ve never heard of it. It’s a tiny country,” Archie told her, his voice quavering slightly.
“Yeah, that’s all he will tell me too,” James said. “And I’m about his best friend here.”
Erica sounded dreamy as she said, “Sounds like you need more friends, Prince Charming. I’m Erica.” She extended her hand. Archie wiped his on a napkin before taking hers. The feel of her skin made him draw in a deeper breath. She was soft and delicate, a lady, in spite of the way she introduced herself.
“Hello, Erica. I’m Archie.”
“Archie? Like in the comic books?” She started to giggle, but changed her mind. “I like that. It’s nice to meet you, Archie.” Archie decided he liked the sound of Erica saying his name. “So what’s with the ketchup?”
“We don’t have it where I come from.”
“What, no ketchup at all?” the other girl said. “I’m Cassie, by the way,” she added, looking at James.
“No, just tomato sauce. It’s not nearly the same. Bland and plain.”
“I’ll say. I can’t imagine dipping fries in tomato sauce.”
“What’s worse is that many people dip their fries in vinegar instead.” Cassie wrinkled her nose at the very idea, but Archie hardly noticed. He was watching Erica, who was very pretty as she tried to look shocked and disgusted at the very idea. “Vinegar and salt. They have no idea what sensual pleasures they’re missing,” he finished as he dipped another fry and ate it.
Erica watched with amusement as he then dipped his hamburger in the ketchup. “You really like ketchup.” Then, after a moment’s pause for thought, “I think it’s cute.” Archie felt himself blushing a little at Erica’s remark.
A bell rang in the distance, breaking the spell of the moment. “I must get to class,” Archie announced. “I mustn’t be late.” He gathered up the remains of his lunch and looked pointedly at Erica.
“Aw, do you have to go? Cut class and keep us company,” Erica begged.
“Perhaps another time. I really must get to class now. It was very nice meeting you, Erica. And you, Cassie. Perhaps we will meet again soon.” He started to move towards Erica.
“I’m counting on it,” Erica said as she reluctantly slid out of the booth to let Archie leave. James and Cassie likewise got up, and the two men walked off to class.
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