It’s Tuesday—
     rudely camped out between me and you,

     just another obstacle masquerading as a weekday.

Last night you walked in—
     Coal’s tail wagging
     like he hadn’t just seen me yesterday,
     his blanket and orange monster in tow,
     a dog’s life scattered on Irb’s floor,

     your smile vacuuming the last of Monday into memory.

OKC edged out the Pacers,
    taking Game 5 before a wild OKC crowd—
                           series now 3-2,

    with your playful smirk as I feigned heartbreak.

Then Ohtani—
     back on the mound,
     one earned run,
     one hit,
     one more reason to cheer
     the Dodgers over the Giants, 6-3,

     a sweet victory made sweeter with your hand in mine.

So now it’s Tuesday,
   with its meetings and spreadsheets,

   water-cooler small talk and inbox invasions.

My hands and head are at the office,
                       but my heart—
                 my heart’s already
                 back at the Westin,
         skipping past dinner plans,
           drinks and easy laughter,
         straight to quiet snuggles,
                    fingers tangled,
               breaths synchronized,

       the world paused just for us.

Tuesday’s in the way,
          but barely—

Because tonight,
the only appointment on my Calendar…
                                    is you.