Two glasses of water, two menus, and two chairs.

One impatient waiter, and as of now, only me.

The light breeze flowing through the alley messes my nice hair.

But I am not worried.  I am happy.  My heart beats in my ears as

I think to myself.  What if she truly is the one?

I tense my clammy hands under the table.

After 13 sips of water, I check the time.  It is 6:30. Maybe she’s just late.

I sit, waiting in my nice shoes, best button-down shirt, 

and the bow tie my dad gave me when I graduated.

The smile I saw in the mirror while getting dressed had since faded.

The waiter once again approaches the table and asks,

“Are you still waiting on someone?”

I respond, “No, I don’t think so, sorry.”

I take the napkin off my lap and stand up from the table.

I walk away from the patio and into the night.

I gaze up and observe the pairs of stars dancing together

with bliss and radiance, and think,

Why is it so hard for me?