the singles building

do you want to tie the knot,

she asks

me as she

finishes off the last shot

of tequila.

let's get married,

adopt little itty bitty children

of different colors. let's

buy a house together, i'd

like a poodle

too

and maybe a little kitten.

i look at her and shake my

head.

no.

we're not tying the knot.

we're not getting married, after

that last fiasco

i'm done with that nonsense.

oh come on sweety pie.

we get along so well.

it's magical when we're together.

we never fight. not once have

we had a fight.

i don't even know you, i tell

her.

what's your last name?

this is our third date.

fiddly dee, she says. and anyway

oh, what's in a name. a rose

by any other name...is....ummm.

we're out of tequila, she says holding

the empty bottle up

to get one last amber drip.

she tosses the bottle across the room

hitting a picture of my mother

on the mantle.  

oopsy!

was that your old girlfriend? i'm sorry.

that was my mother.

i think it's time you get your clothes

on and get out of here.

you don't love me anymore, do you.

okay, okay. i know when i'm not

wanted.

what floor do you live on, i'll walk

you to the elevator.

oh, don't bother, i'll be fine, don't

worry about me.

okay. well. sorry it didn't work out.

see you around

the building perhaps.

this building used to be fun until

you moved here.

i think i'm going to move.

i can't find my shoes, or my dress,

can you set

them outside your door

if you find them.

i'll get them in the morning. sure,

no problem.

night.