“Thanks for coming, Son,” replied John’s father.
Maureen got up and kissed John’s cheek. “Thanks for coming, sweetheart. I’ll see you out,” she said.
“John!” called his mother as John was about to open the door.
“Yes, Mum?” he responded as swung around.
For a moment Maureen hesitated. “About what you said last week, about, you know? Did you mean it?” she asked her son uneasily.
John took a step back towards his mother and took her hands. “Of course I did, mum. Your happiness and safety are paramount to me. Have you decided?”
Again Maureen spoke uneasily. “If we did do as you suggest we can’t do it here and I’d prefer if it wasn’t at your flat. The other thing is I’d need discretion.” concluded Maureen.
John gave a smile. “Don’t worry, Mum. I know just the place. Just say when,” he responded.
“Would tomorrow night suit?” asked Maureen in an almost childlike tone.
John smiled and then kissed his mother’s cheek. “Perfect, I’ll pick you up at nine thirty. OK?”
“Thank you, sweetheart,” replied Maureen as she stretched up to kiss her son’s cheek.
When John had left Maureen walked down the hallway and thought. She had finally taken the plunge. Would she have the courage to go through with it? Only time would tell.
***
That Friday night Maureen put the finishing touches to her makeup and looked at her reflection in her dressing table mirror. She was wearing her three quarter length pink frock. When she was satisfied she picked up her handbag and coat and went into the bedroom.
“Wow, look at you!” said Dan as he rested in the bed reading his book.
Maureen blushed and smiled shyly. “Dan, you’re sure don’t mind this?” she asked anxiously.
Dan put his book down and extended his hands. “Come here,” he said and Maureen sat beside him on the bed and they held hands. “You are a very beautiful woman just as you were all those years ago when we married. Look at me, Maureen, we both know I can’t give you what you need,” he said.
The tears began to form in Maureen’s eyes. “I do love you,” she said as she hugged her husband’s neck and wept.
“And I love you too, my dearest love. All I ask is that you be safe and happy,” responded Dan, struggling to keep his emotions in check. He broke the embrace and rubbed his wife’s eyes with a tissue. “Now, knock em dead and enjoy. See you tomorrow sometime,” declared Dan.
Maureen nodded and kissed Dan before leaving the room with her coat and handbag. She wiped another tear before opening the door.
As soon as he heard the front door close Dan picked up his mobile phone and sent a text.
Maureen crossed the road and made her way to the shopping centre car park, a few minutes away on foot where she agreed to meet John. Although it was dark she recognised his car instantly.
“You’re a knockout, Mum,” said John as he opened the passenger seat door to let his mother in.
“Thanks, sweetheart. Where are we going?” asked Maureen
“Drakesport, it’s off season and we won’t be bothered by anyone at the Seaccrest.” responded John.
Drakesport was a small fishing village ten miles from where they lived. The Seacrest Hotel did the bulk of its trade in the summer. At this time of the year it was a favourite haunt for couples, married or otherwise. The Manageress, Jean Lovett and another trusted member of staff dealt discreetly with this.
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