There's danger even in the simple word hello. . .

If I was in love with you, this is the mix tape I’d make for you.

At first, you’d read the track listings and you’d find them clichéd and obvious. Maybe not "indie" enough. You'd even let out a patronizing sigh at the inclusion of Jack Johnson song, as you turned and walked away from me.

But then, you'd go home and light a cigarette. And somewhere between the fifth and sixth song, you’d smile, and perform an equally clichéd gesture. You’d be brave enough to send me flowers, which you know I hate.

But I’d love them, because they’d be from you.

Matt Costa- Astair
Bright Eyes- First Day of My Life
The Postal Service- Brand New Colony
Jack Johnson- Cupid
Lowest of the Low- Subversive
Bloc Party- This Modern Love
Tegan and Sara- Underwater
Big Sugar- I Want You Now
Cake- Love You Madly
Aqualung- Brighter than Sunshine
The Meadow- (hed) p.e.
The Futureheads- Hounds of Love
The Perishers- Weekends
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists- Timorous Me
Stellastarr*- My Coco
BigWig- The Girl in the Green Jacket

And then, after the flowers dried and rotted, I’d put these songs on a CD. I’d put it on repeat and write you a long letter, while drinking black coffee in my pajamas, with my hair in a greasy pile on top of my head.

Counting Crows- Anna Begins
The Wrens- She Sends Kisses
Bloc Party- Positive Tension
Stereophonics- Nothing Compares to You (cover)
Emilianna Torrini- To Be Free
Mundy- To You I Bestow
The Magic Numbers- Love is Just a Game
Stars- One More Night
Maximo Park- Postcard of a Painting
Hawksley Workman- Romanticize the Automobile
Jets to Brazil- Sea Anemone
The Stills- Still in Love Song
Jeff Buckley- Last Goodbye
Magenta Lane- The Constant Lover
Matt Pond PA- Closest
The Wrens- Miss Me

I'd finish my coffee, have a shower and get dressed.

The letter would remain unsent, and the CD would become a coaster.