It was ruby red.
******************************
“Thinking about what you want for a graduation gift?” Ned asked. “That set of golf clubs you were talking about are pretty sweet!”
Ned was proud of our son and was looking forward to the next phase of his life as he left our small town for college and the big city.
“I’m pretty sure about what I want. I’ve been thinking of it for a long time, and I have a few more things to weigh before I tell you.” He took a bite of food off his plate and smiled at me, like I knew what he meant (which I didn’t).
“Nothing’s too good for my boy. How many times have I told you that, Cyndy?”
“Just about every night, Ned.
Ned was a good father. He loved Doug as much as a father could. He loved having him around, a child in the house. For years we had tried to have another, but it never happened. Work and some health problems had gotten in his way, and our love life had gone from okay, to routine, to sporadic, to nonexistent. It had been over two years since we “made love.” If Gail hadn’t been experiencing similar complaints, I would have thought I was the exception.
“Anything exciting happen today?” Ned asked.
“I showed Mom something exciting that surprised her,” Doug said while suppressing a laugh.
“And what was that, Cyndy?”
“Doug thought he saw a woodcock, but I think it was a cuckoo!” I laughed, pleased at my own quick wit. Even Doug made a face, then laughed.
“Birds, eh? Real exciting stuff happening around here. The only exciting thing in the office is this charity raffle.” Ned pulled out a ticket from his wallet and handed it to me.
I read: “For the benefit orphaned children. First prize: Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel Cielo.”
“That’s a four star hotel. Love to win that and spend a romantic night away. Wouldn’t that be nice for a change, Cyndy?” He poked Doug and said, “Sorry, no kids allowed. Dinner, some dancing, and then I turn on the ol’ charm, if you know what I mean!”
If charm is falling asleep in front of the TV by 8:30, then yes, Ned, I know what you mean.
“When are you going to teach me that charm magic, Dad? Yanno, pass it along down the line so I can be lucky enough to marry someone like Mom?”
“Luck has nothing to do with it, son. Afraid you either have it or you don’t!” He laughed. We all laughed.
If there was any charm in the family, then Doug had recently proved he had it. Just ask Gail.
“Let’s hope you win!” It would be great if it was like Ned said. A night of romance—but who was I kidding. I’d end up sitting there in bed reading as usual, bored stiff.
“Mom, did you watch that video?”
I nearly spit out my food. “Haven’t had the chance.” I gave Doug my evilest eye.
“Anything I’d like?” Ned asked.
“Naw,” Doug said. “Mom told me you weren’t interested in stuff like that anymore.”
“Far be it from me to disagree with your mother. She knows me best.”
Doug helped clear the dishes and I whispered, “You think you’re funny, don’t you?”
“Lighten up, Mom. You’re too serious. I was just having fun with Dad.”
“Just remember to respect him. Being a father is a big responsibility.” Little did my son know that he too was a father. A father-to-be.