carlos

what are you doing,
you ask,
as you call her on
the phone to say
goodnight
and sweet dreams.
I'm in the middle
of a mud bath,
she says. I'm totally
naked and covered
in a beauty cream
lying on a table.
carlos is smoothing it out
with a spatula.
who the hell is
carlos, you say,
sitting up straight.
my new neighbor. he
knocked on my door
asking if I had
any hot peppers
he could borrow.
my skin feels so
luxurious and soft.
we've been drinking too.
he makes a mean
margarita. quite
a talented man.
I hate him, you say.
maybe I should come
over. oh my, she
says, you sound
jealous. no, no,
I'm not jealous,
just concerned for your
safety. oh, don't
worry, but hey, I
have to go, it's
massage time
and carlos wants me
to put the phone down,
bye honey bun.