I park the Valiant in a slant space
drop a dime in the meter
the back of my polka dot dress
clings with car sweat

squinting
hand cupping eyes
I jaywalk between
slow afternoon cars
the sun pounds
a nail in my temple
the scent of burning asphalt
car exhaust
a whiff of Nuway hotdog

Lerner’s dress shop
a shock of cold air
sweet dusting powder
I grab a size 8 blouse
from the sale rack
and pay

he’s waiting for me
just out of the shower
skin flushed warm
smelling of soap

I’ll be home by supper
show off my new blouse
hope it fits
the sale was final

Carol is an attorney in Jacksonville, Florida. Her work has appeared in Belle Reve Journal, Talking Writing, On the Veranda, Cradle Songs, Three Minus One, Everyday Fiction, and Flashlight Memories.