Surprising Lunch

We were having a “business lunch”
Couple of audit projects
At the Office.
Pleasant, quiet little Bistro.
Tried a few times.
French onion soup and buns.
Delicious butter.
Delightful newfound herbal teas.
Each time here, feeling more relaxed.
More familiar.


Some harmless joking about other personnel.
And newly appointed Branch Manager.
(Sort of a Steve Corel.)
But recently more personal things.
Her move from Kansas open spaces.
Three years ago.
Her Brother, a marine.
Both parents gone.
My divorce, several years back.
No children.
Wife got the dog and the semi-detached.
My dear Mom in the Cleveland rest home.
One Sister, unmarried, taken with heart failure.


We were on second cups
When Sue reached into her purse
Pulled out a prepared note.
Slid it over to me.
(An unfamiliar smile noted.)
“Don, I love you. Please move in with me.”
A long pause.
Then my face started beaming
With hers.
Hands embracing.
For a long unashamed time.
Aromatic candle flickering.


Kansas forthrightness, I guess.
Fine by me.