Bonus Thursday—

The kind that shows up
        on no calendar,
           unannounced,
 but perfectly welcome.

Last night ended—
     Pacers coming back strong,
     stealing victory from OKC,
     celebrations whispered softly
     in Irby’s cozy glow,

     your smile caught in the final seconds
     of a comeback I didn’t expect.

Then, cuddles at the Westin— (after the flame)
               soft breaths,
               softer touches,
 each moment — stretching out,
                       gently,
                       slowly,
 like we could trick midnight
    into staying a bit longer.

Your goodbye kiss
     felt less like “see you later,”
          more like a question mark—
                            hopeful,
                          lingering,
        promising something… *more*.

You whispered you’d return,
    a soft vow spoken with lips
    still warm from our kiss,
    eyes dancing with mischief

    that knew better than to promise certainties.

Today, I’m holding _tight_
          to that promise—
        but loosely enough
to let Mr Universe *laugh*.

Still—
      it’s Bonus Thursday,
      and I’m cashing in
      every bit of hopeful optimism,
      hacking my hacks,
      holding my breath—

      every time the door swings open.

Maybe you’ll be there,
      smiling like you knew all along,
      making Thursday the best surprise

      this week ever snuck past me.

If not—
       it’ll still be perfect,
       in that sweet, longing way

       you’ve taught me to cherish.

But let’s be real—
           I really,
             really, (really)
             really hope…

             you’re planning on cashing
             in this unexpected Thursday.

Because Thursdays—
      like kisses—
 are always better
      when they’re a bonus.