i imagined you were with me tonight at the exhibition

we walked around looking at the various attractions

you clutched my arm tightly and leaned on me slightly

when the group we stopped to talk with went onto a subject that didn't interest me, i looked at you and half-smiled

you tried to wink again and wrinkled your nose and squeezed my arm even tighter

my smile became full-grown

i wanted to kiss you right there but it wouldn't have been polite - i wasn't thinking of a simple peck on your cheek

when the young temptress came and looked at me with her large, hungry eyes i didn't even have to flinch because you were holding me

she didn't even make me feel uncomfortable this time

there's nothing that she has that i would ever want or need

(she probably couldn't compete with your zeal anyway)

at one point i turned to you and apologized for making you put up with all this junk - the business and all

you said you didn't mind

i could tell that you really meant it

nobody ever really meant it before in my life except perhaps God

i asked you if you were hungry and coaxed you into saying yes with a gentle nudge and a kiss on your temple

we walked out - both very hungry