Irby’s reopened—
        quietly,

        through back doors and kitchen-side secrets.

Doug waved me down
     past drying paint
     to reclaim familiar stools
     with Griff,
         Dalton,
     and a few select regulars—

     too loyal to be called VIPs, (what’s the opposite of a VIP?)
     too stubborn to stay gone.

Soft openings
     feel like smiles
     we haven’t shared yet…
        promises whispered,
          warm and waiting
    just under the surface.

Autumn arrived
       just in time—
       bringing July laughter

       to chase away the Summer blues.

I hope your week
       is full-on sunshine,
       brighter than that Buckhead shimmer,
       sweeter than Irby’s not-quite-dry paint,

       and worth every moment of quiet anticipation.

I’ll save your stool—
      always guarded,
        always ready
     for your return.