Yvonne Van der Male

Come What May

Come What May Today is the day. The date. The one with the handsome banker, who was so savvy and well spoken. I take a seat at the bar, 8pm sharp! I have been looking forward to this since we met. The waiter comes by and I hesitate, should I order or wait. I toss my options back and forth in a quick race of my mind and my breath lifts; “Merlot please,” I decide. “Six oz or nine oz,” the waiter continues. Of course, more questions, should I, argh, answer the questions! “Six oz,” I decide. Better less for now. I don't want to get too tipsy I think to myself. A few minutes go by and a napkin is placed in front of me with a glass of ruby red delight. I bring the glass to my nose and smell its sweet bouquet notes of cherry and plum as I swirl the wine to the rim of the glass. I wonder if he likes wine, I thought as the wine danced around my palette and the last notes of brassy Merlot left me wanting another sip. I look around the restaurant watching happy patrons laughing and carrying on munching on chef’s latest creations. My nose is tickled by buttery scallops as the dish passes from the kitchen. “May I live another day for just one bite” my hungry mind growls as I realize I haven’t eaten since morning. Why do I do this to myself I think, subdued. What is it about the busy day that takes me to such a preoccupied state? I take another sip of my Merlot and my thoughts soon dim.