You’re doing that thing again. No, no. Please. Keep pretending you don’t care. One smile buys another drink, Two can borrow someone’s chair, Three and suddenly a stranger Finds a reason to stand there. Someone laughs a little louder, Someone leans a little near. I have never found attention Particularly hard to steer. I don’t encourage it. That was almost convincing. They know exactly what they want. They make it beautifully clear. No riddles, walls or careful pauses— Everyone else is easier. Everyone else is easier, Everyone else knows the game. They smile when I want them smiling, They come when I say their name. Everyone else is simpler, No mystery to pursue. I could have anyone I wanted— Funny. I keep looking at you. Someone touched me on the shoulder. You nearly broke your glass. Interesting. Was it poorly made? You don’t care who wants me. Obviously. That much is understood. That must be why you’ve watched them all With such remarkable attention. For their safety, I assume. How good of you. They flirt without defenses. They never make me guess. They offer me an answer Before I’ve even asked the question. So why, when every easier choice Is standing close enough to hear— Do I find myself amused by them... And looking for you here? Everyone else is easier, Everyone else knows the rules. They don’t turn every little silence Into something dangerous to lose. Everyone else is simpler, And infinitely less cruel. I could leave with someone tonight. I simply... Usually don’t. There’s the one beside the doorway, Quite determined, very sweet. The one who’s been inventing reasons To keep passing by my seat. There’s the one who bought the bottle. There’s the one who knows my song. There are several excellent decisions I could make before too long. And yet. There you are. Still pretending this has nothing to do with you. Here’s the inconvenient part: They make it very easy. No waiting. No wondering. No war behind their eyes. No wondering what one careless word Might ruin or reveal. No reason not to choose them. No reason... Except I never do. Don’t look so pleased. I said nothing. Everyone else is easier, Everyone else would let me win. No guarded little glances, No wondering where to begin. Everyone else is simpler. That much remains quite true. I could have anyone I wanted— And somehow that keeps failing to matter next to you. So keep telling yourself you’re not jealous. Keep telling me you don’t care. I’ll keep entertaining the room— And checking whether you’re still there. Besides... If I wanted someone else, I wouldn’t still be standing here. ... Forget I said that.
