First Date

So... you are.
20 years, one boyfriend, and a throng of flings later
You turned out to be my first intentional date.

Not a date disguised as a hang out.
Not waiting time for the group of friends to arrive.
Not alone together for shopping, movie watching, then to eat
Not "oh it's just dinner"

But a real date when you ask me when I'm free
and you come along an event I previously attended
so we could go to this too-common fast food afterwards
to stay until 11PM without running out of things to talk about

Who knew?
As our friends mistakenly arrive to see us
We could see them questioning why
but could only say goodbye with a giggle and a knowing smile

And this act won't make us together-together.
It's not a negotiation for an upcoming commitment
not even about defining a relationship
But merely getting to know each other --

Getting away from other people to get to know each other --
and just like that
My first date has never went so well.

And how we were too thrifty... or too clingy...
To take the trike home
So instead we walk beside the highway to continue talking
Until we reach my home.

And a kiss was even out of the question.
But we thanked each other for the time.

We both know as we parted ways,
that we really wanted to do this again.

And your words rung in my ears,
"You deserve someone
man enough for you."
Just like that.