I opened the front door and was relieved to see that the rain had stopped. The sky was cloudy, but the air was fresh with that after rain scent. The country enhanced the smell of rain with the many trees to make the scene even more spectacular.
I looked out the screen door and sighed. Behind me my mother slipped on a pair of black high heels. I could partly see her do this out of the corner of my eyes.
“What’s that sigh for? You sad you have to go out with your old mother?” Mom teased.
“Not at all. It’s just been a long day and I am relieved to be spending it with someone who loves me and isn’t lying to me.” I said.
“Oh, baby. You know I love you. My only son. My first-born. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you, you know?” Mom said as she hugged my back.
I turned to her and returned the hug.
“I know, Mom. I feel the same way. Now, let’s go eat and forget this day ever happened. I said.
I took her hand and opened the screen door. She walked out carefully. As I watched her I wondered why she never did any modeling. She certainly had the looks. She had long legs. Hair that was classic and could be styled in many different ways. A face that could make a heart beat faster at any time. A body that could make most men hard. I’ve even heard a gay man from her work party comment on how lovely she was.
Mom closed and locked the door behind her while tucking her matching purse under her arm. The outside light was on as darkness was approaching. I took my mom’s free hand and held it as we walked toward my silver BMW. I unlocked the door with my remote control and opened the passenger door for her. I closed it behind her as I rounded the car and entered the driver’s side.
As we waited in line at the place Mom chose for dinner, I noticed all the people looking in Mom’s direction. I felt a surge of jealousy and the need to protect Mom. She has always been innocent to the men who lusted after her. I put my hand on her back and kept it there.
Mom jumped in surprise.
“Why did you do that?” Mom asked.
“All these guys staring at you. I don’t want any trying to pick you up tonight. Last thing I need is my mom dating again before I do.” I said and laughed.
She laughed along with me.
“I think you are just overly protective of your mother. Really, who would want to date an old woman like me?” Mom said.
I laughed.
“Mom look around. There are plenty of guys looking at you.” I said.
Mom tried to glance around without appearing obvious. Everywhere she looked men were looking in her direction or trying to appear not to. Obviously, she hadn’t been aware of the opposite sex’s attraction to her. Mom was always naive this way. Much like my sisters were. At least Carmen grew to notice the looks of longing on men and women’s faces. Nadine took after my mom in her innocence.
Not long after our arrival we were being walked to our table near the back of the diner. I noticed how romantic the place was. The lighting was dimmed and there were lit candled on every table covered in glass to protect from accidents. I noticed the waiter checking out my Mom but trying to be slick about it. I felt a slight anger. Certainly, I understood why he was looking, but I felt possessive of her. I was always protective of her and my sisters. I would be the first to defend all three of them from lewd comments of a sexual nature.
We sat in silence and looked through our menus. I decided first as always. I folded my hands on the table. It was then that I noticed I was still wearing my wedding ring. I sighed and took in a breath. Mom looked up from her menu.
“What is it, dear?” Mom asked concerned.
“I just didn’t notice until now that I was still wearing this.” I said as I held up my hand to show her my ring.
I started fidgeting with it, It felt tight on my finger.
“Let me.” Mom said.
She took a cloth napkin from her silverware and dipped it into her water and she wrapped it around my finger. With a gentle pull she got the ring to slide off. I felt relieved to have it off. I would have hated to be stuck with the ring that signified my wife’s betrayal of our marriage.
Mom held the ring in her hand, She admired it some. She liked jewelry but wasn’t one to flaunt it too much. Funny thing is I noticed the ring matched her earrings. I looked at my mom’s hand and noticed she still wore my dad’s wedding ring.
“What are you going to do with this?” Mom asked.
“I don’t know. I didn’t think about it. I guess I’ll give it back.” I said shrugging my shoulders.
“You shouldn’t. She betrayed you. Not the other way around. Do you think she is going to give you your ring back?” Mom asked a bit angry.
“I don’t know, Mom. I really don’t care. It’s only material things. I could live without it.” I said.
“I’ll hold onto it until you decide what you want to do with it..” Mom said as she opened her purse and slipped the ring inside.
“Good idea. I don’t want to make brash decisions.” I said without any meaning.
Mom reached her hand over to cover mine.
“Look, honey. Things will get better. I thought I couldn’t go on without your father. I still have you and Carmen and Nadine. You have us as well.” Mom said.
“I know. Thanks mom. I appreciate it.” I said patting her hand with my other hand.
“Do you know where you are going to live? You are more then welcome to stay at my place, but I am sure you don’t want to drive all the way back and forth everyday.” Mom said.
“As a matter of fact I wouldn’t mind the drive so much. It would help clear my head before going to work. I couldn’t live around her. Right now I don’t ever want to see her again.” I said.
“But you will have to see her. The divorce proceedings. Moving out and other times straightening things out between you as far as possessions. It will be tough, but I will be there for you.” Mom said.
“As for my things I will send for them tomorrow. She can keep anything else besides my clothing and laptop for work. I don’t need the house. I can buy something around here.” I said.