The driver of the car I was in this morning was visibly uncomfortable as we passed a pair of state troopers engaged in their roles on the side of the highway. As our vehicle rolled alongside those that were stopped, lights of red and blue spinning and flashing and strobing, the driver leaned forward in his seat, squirmed ever so slightly and then eased back into his operating position as everything drifted into our past.
This was this morning. This does not define the weekend, nor does it bookend it properly. In fact, I cannot be certain there is an appropriate bookend to these last couple of days. I cannot be certain I want a bookend. I suppose, instead, I prefer an open end with plenty of pages left and an endless supply of pens to fill everything in as it evolves.
Evolution. Revolution. Maryland.
Blue crab, red brick, Annapolis.
A couple of runs and a walk through the history center that is the United States Navy. An exchange that felt transformative in so many ways. A breakfast, a coffee, a coffee cup. Record store album artwork. Book store bargain basement.
I got lost this weekend in the wondrous beauty that is two human beings choosing each other. There were nerves at the courthouse and a line that felt like it wrapped around the block. Photos on the street afterward and a dinner that ended abruptly according to one. A dinner of shellfish and chicken tenders and plastic forks. A dinner of exchanges between folks that hadn’t previously met. A dinner of old stories and somebody that talks a lot. A dinner of drinks made from bourbon and vodka and hops and water and laughter that looked the same as it did twenty years ago. This was a dinner designed around two intended to include ten.
The last night was the best sleep. Hardwood floors that creaked. Couch, chair, pillow, blanket, blinds. Conversations outside the window at all hours. All the kids in their fancy hats standing at attention.
Oysters and credit cards. Hotels and rooming houses. A look forward to Tuesday as I’m sandwiched between two men.
Double middle seats. More this time than last.
What a fucking weekend.