Date

Could I fall in love with you? This is what I was thinking as I sat opposite her yesterday. We were on a date. She had wavy auburn hair, big brown eyes and a shy smile. We were sitting in the sun, drinking coffee and she was telling me about her job. She taught music. I was also thinking that maybe I should’ve shaved.
As she talked, I examined her face. I looked for I don’t know what, something to hit me, butterflies, something. How long did it usually take?
I told her about me. I made her laugh, she had a nice laugh, coy then opening up. We ordered another drink. It was going okay, the date was going okay. We were talking easily and there were no awkward silences. We were strangers yet to passers-by we probably looked like a couple.
We talked about music. She waved her hands. She had tidy hands. I wondered what she made of me, if she felt anything, if I ticked any boxes. Maybe I should’ve shaved.
A beggar came by and asked for money. I shook my head and said, ‘Sorry.’ Then I thought that I must’ve looked heartless and uncaring. Stupid beggar.
And then it was time to go. We couldn’t spend all day looking for love, we had things to do.
It was nice to meet you. Yes, you too.
There was no shadow in our parting. I walked off and wondered about it all, about how difficult and complex it was. About how before my next date maybe I should shave.