Of Course

I started the sentence carefully—

the part about the appointment,

the part where I said it wasn't serious,

nothing serious,

just the kind where you can't drive yourself after.

She said yes before I finished.

Of course. What time.

I thanked her.

I sent a follow-up text that said

thanks again, really,

and sat with the gratitude still warm

in my mouth

and didn't know what to do with it.

In the car she talked about traffic.

I watched the buildings and kept my hands

in my lap—right over left, left over right,

then just flat on my own knees,

which didn't help.

She parked and said I'll be right here.

I said okay.

The door closed.

The lot was gray.

I stood there for a second

like someone who'd forgotten

how to need a thing

and now had asked for one

and someone had said yes

and the yes was real.