It wasn't even a fancy dinner
or a candle lit one
yet there I was, in that green dress
and with my best s m i l e.
You weren't late.
I was simply early.
Way too early.
Our designated waiter gave a knowing smile
and in the dull light,
the champagne in my flute twinkled
as much as his friendly eyes.
I was happy.
We
never
really
had
a
proper
dinner
anyway.
Just the two of us.
You came right when the clock struck
eight
So devilishly handsome in that
blue turtleneck sweater,
hair so perfect
and a smile to match.
My stomach felt light and for a second,
I was s i x t e e n
and you were e i g h t e e n. Still in that janitor closet.
The light flickered when my eyes
f
e
l
l
on the aphrodite behind you.
And in the dull light,
matching platinum rings shone
brighter
than the long forgotten
champagne.
And though I knew this was coming,
it didn't hurt any less.