Michael’s Birthday

We leave the office together and head for the drugstore.
I watch his hands as he drives.
He’s got one hand on the wheel and the other resting on his thigh.
He notices me watching him and my face feels hot.
What is my problem?
He is my friend.
I am engaged to Roy.

We pick out M&M’s, Cup O’ Noodles and a DVD.
We’re shopping for a friend who needs a little distraction.
I grin at him as we reach for the same card.
We get a little something for the birthday boy too.
He reaches for fabric softener and places it in the cart.
“You use fabric softener?” I ask.
I wonder if he can tell I already knew.
I shouldn’t know how he smells.
He’s just my friend from work.
I am engaged to Roy.

He dares me.
I love it when he dares me.
I can’t resist when know it will make him smile.
His voice is soft and he shakes his head slowly when he says “Such a dork.”
He says it with so much…something.
It sounds like it means something else.
I can’t help but grin as I walk away and say, “I hate you.”
He lets me choose the radio station on the way back to the office.
His hand brushes mine as he hands me the bags.
I hold his gaze a little longer than I should.
I am engaged to Roy.

He skates next to me and I feel safe.
He is tall and much better at this than me.
He stays close and if I start to fall I know he will catch me.
There are presents and cake and the tests were negative.
It’s late and the rink is closed but they ask me to talk.
I smile and say: “It was a good day.”
They turn the camera off and it’s time to go.
I really should be getting home.
It’s my job to cook dinner.
I am engaged to Roy.