Sadie Hawkins on the Subway

Friday morning I’m riding the Q train to work, standing at the doors in my usual spot.

During the ride, I’m consumed with my usual morning miscellany: wiping my nose, my watery eyes, adjusting my headphones, reading the paper.

At Union Square a girl exists at my door. She smiles at me. I smile back.

I look back waiting for the doors to close and I see her hesitating on the platform.

I turn my gaze back into the car.

Through my headphones I hear a faint voice and turn around.

She hands me her card.

I say thank you; the doors close.

I look at the card when I get to work. It’s a card from the School of Visual Arts Career Placement Office. No name.

I can’t tell if she’s the patron or the professional.

On the back her cell number is scribbled, a 212 rarity.

It says: let’s grab a coffee sometime.

A premeditated encounter. I admire her approach. Though, she is shaking when she hands me the card.

And I am flattered.

Maybe…