Scenes from an Italian Restaurant

1

8:00 pm2

I do love how the crystal glistens from the candlelight in this little Italian restaurant.3

It constitutes a certain aura that can be found only be found when you're not looking for it, when you're just living breathing being, and falling in love has yet to even cross your mind.4

Mmm, Red Bordeaux.5

Of course.6

Thank you. 7

And it slips down our throats and settles warm inside of us, but not before taking the time to dance a slow jazzy step upon our tongues, which are already soft with philosophies and a coy, flirtatious zeal.8

I laugh and sweep an auburn curl from my face. 9

Your eyes glance up, mahogany.10

And I have to hold my breath for just a moment.11

10:00 pm12

Dinner was exquisite. Chicken Woozie, Parmesan and spinach.13

Where did all the wine go? you ask, smiling.14

Where did all the time go? I mark, touche.15

And we laugh.16

The waiter so resembled Mccully Culkin, did you notice?17

Then, as Michelangelo or Thoreau or Axel Rose plays upon our tongues, I can't help but watch how your hand invariably fingers the stem of your wine glass--gently, methodically stroking the crystal prisms as if subconsciously organizing the reflected colors across my oblivious face.18

11:00 pm 19

The cab ride home smells faintly like cigars and pungently like Ciera perfume. I tell you that I'm feeling a bit drowsy so that you might offer your shoulder to my droopy head.20

Somehow my hand slips into yours between Hamer and Noxin Street. Your neck looks alluring, tucked so charmingly innocently into your collar. 21

Suddenly, I need you.22

There will only be one stop tonight, thanks. 23

And with those words, I leave behind two amaretto lip prints upon your jawline.24

12:00 am25

Our own bottle of Reunite has been emptied somehow, and we laugh, coyly, sleepily, with a warm tone on our breath, as we eye one another from across your dining room table. 26

You rise to collect our glasses, but stall behind me, resting your hands on my shoulders.27

And just as your Mahogany eyes sink into mine, our lips graze 28

and suddenly--neither of us are tired.29

2:00 am30

There's nothing quite as satisfying as eyeing my dress beautifully draped over your leather chair, 31

with the scent of cinnamon seeping into my lungs32

as I'm wrapt tightly in sleep's arms 33

and even tighter in yours. 34