On a Friday afternoon, it was time to leave, finally

I’d hoped to leave at 2 but it was 2:45

On Valentine’s Day

All my co-workers asked what I’d be doing tonight

My husband was also stranded at work

Our plans were delayed

It was me and Cleo in the break room

Dr. Fee and Jerry too

My head was spinning

Tired of pretending

I was thinking about meaning like always

Dr. Fee said, “I’ve been here a lot of days”

Cleo spoke of patients knowing themselves

Dr. Fee said they’re better off being disconnected

“The less they know,” he said, “the less dejected”

I thought it was funny

The conversation somehow shifted to alcohol

Maybe because I was holding a slice of pizza

Dr. Fee had bought for the team

We talked about how some love it, about how some don’t drink at all

Cleo drinks with those she used to babysit

Dr. Fee talked about the woman he’d once been with – she was allergic to beer

Jerry just stood in the corner, stirring his cup of coffee

It brought him cheer

I told them my husband says I’m extra pretty – when he drinks

Dr. Fee blinked

He went out the door

Cleo sent me home with a cinnamon roll

Jerry talked a little about his goals

We tried to cheer him by listening, like a cup of coffee

Love isn’t a thing

But on a Friday afternoon at my job, for the first time in 8 years, I found myself lingering

To hang out with the medical assistant in her heart-lined scrubs

And an old, introvert doctor who never gave hugs – but who came out of his shell

And a phlebotomist who I’ve never seen yell

I felt little hearts flowing around that break room

Four very different people shot the breeze like clocks in tune

We all dissipated like creamer in coffee

Out to the roads, to our work, to our families

But I have to admit, spending a little bit of Valentine’s Day with my co-workers was legit