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5
When my mom’s plane touched down, you would’ve thought I was a young kid all over again. See, my parents divorced five years ago, and at my urging, I suggested she go on this single for seniors’ cruise. The stories she told me about the man she met had me quite intrigued. But she wanted to talk to me about starting a new relationship before she jumped into one. I thought it was sweet, seeing how I’m the only child. I think it’s her way for me to low-key tell Daddy to see how he’ll react.
“Mommy,” I shout as I run to hug her when she enters the airport gate area.
“Aww, look at my baby. All grown up with her big financial job.”
Nina Greene, fifty-five years young and currently single. Smooth and flawless mocha-brown skin like ribbons of chocolate. Hazel-brown eyes, with long salt-and-pepper hair that she never puts chemicals in. Wish I could say the same.
“Mom, I am so glad you are here. I miss you being around.” We’re originally from Michigan, but once I graduated from the blue and maize, I moved to Chicago to start my career. I thought Mommy would follow me after the divorce, but she has a paid-off house, car, and other things she obtained in the settlement.
“Well, I am here for a few weeks while Charles gets his business matters together.”
“Oh, you’re meeting him here?”
“Well, yes. Didn’t you get my message, love?”
I recall the missed voicemail on my phone from her but I assumed it was a reminder of when to pick her up.
“To be honest, Mom, I didn’t listen to it. I figured you were telling me the flight schedule. Anyway, let’s go grab lunch. I’m starving.”
“Sure. I want to try this Chicago Cut Steakhouse I’ve heard so much about. It’s right on the river, and they say the views are spectacular.”
“Great idea. We’ll stop at my place and then go there for lunch. I’ll make the reservation.”
“Oh, no need. love. I already did when I got off the plane. I knew you couldn’t say no to Mother.”“
I signal for the skycap to help with her bags and I pop the trunk on my car, giving him a nice tip, and we go to drop off her luggage before heading to lunch.
On the way to my place, Mother casually mentioned I’ll be meeting her beau at this luncheon. I figure it would be best for me to look a bit more presentable than casual, even though she said it would be okay. She also changed her ensemble to this full-bodied jumper with slits in the legs. Now I know my mother is in great shape and doesn’t look like she’s anywhere near her fifties, but this is too much leg for her to be showing.
“Uh, Mom. You’re not going clubbing, and even if you were, that’s still too much skin to be showing. Don’t give him the wrong impression.”
“Oh, my poor, green baby. He’s seen me in my best suit, and I had no complaints,” she says with a smirk as she walks to the bathroom to spray on her perfume.
My eyes roll at the thought of my mother having relations with any man.
“Mom, some things I don’t need to know.” I wave my hands and grab my lip gloss to apply.
Soon we are in the car heading to the Riverwalk for lunch.
We enter the swanky eatery off the Chicago river and follow our hostess to our awaiting guest. Along the way, Mom stops me for a moment.
“Now, Simone, I really like this guy, and he likes me, too. I don’t want you to pass your judgy eyes or comments in his presence. Save them for later this evening, please.”
My mom knows me well and knows how crass and blunt I can be, but I see this is important to her.
“I promise.”
She takes my hands and gives them a gentle squeeze before we continue to the waiting guest.
“Ah, there she is. I was thinking you stood me up.” A tall, gray-haired man with blue eyes, stands to greet my mother.
He gives her a kiss, and I smile when I see how happy she is.
“Now, you know I would never stand you up.”
I feel like a third wheel but even more awkward as I call attention to myself.
