TEA

She said, "I'd like to make you tea"

which made me grin mischievously.

"Don't get the wrong idea," she said, "It's only tea. It doesn't mean anything."

"Right," I said, "That's fine.

So long as it's hot

�and sticky

� and steamy

� and a little sweet."

"We're talking about tea, here. Nothing more."

"Oh, absolutely," I said, "Tea. That good stuff.

On your mother's special chine

in the living room

where no one goes.

Tea � for two �

you and me.

Alone."

"This might be a bad idea," she said, "It's only tea.

Not as an excuse.

Not used as a pseudonymn.

It's a hot beverage for us to enjoy."

"I get you," I said with a wink. "Whatever you say.

Hot tea."

The tea

was good.