“Excuse me.” He got to his feet, left Muriel looking unhappy, and strode to his mother’s side.
“You don’t mind if I cut in do you, Jeff?”
“Actually, I do, why don’t you dance with Muriel, I’m sure she’d love to have you take her home.”
“Jeff.” His mother tried to speak to her dance partner but this time it was Michael who shook his head.
“I would like to dance with my date, now back off.”
Michael knew he had at least five inches on Jeff and he stood as tall as he could.
“Ok, geeze, I only wanted to dance. She puts out all the time, but never lets anyone in. Good luck, man, you’re gonna have a lonely and frustrated night.”
“Go back to your date or meet me in the parking lot, the choice is yours, I’m gonna dance.” Michael took his mother’s hand and she almost fell into his arms. He manoeuvred her to a more densely populated part of the floor and then turned so her back was towards Jeff.
“Thank you, baby, I am so sorry.”
“Shhh, he isn’t going to ruin our evening. Just go with me, ok?”
His mom nodded and he took advantage of the situation to do something he’d wanted to do all evening. Pressing his lips against those of his mother’s he tenderly kissed her before running his tongue across the soft skin.
“My date remember? Kiss me.”
He knew his mom had had a few drinks and hoped her inhibitions had been reduced. He heard her moan slightly and then felt his tongue slip into the warm wetness of her mouth.
The music had slowed and as his mom leant against him he pulled her closer, their kiss lasting far longer than he’d ever dare imagine. Gradually though his mom pulled away and, guiltily, smiled.
“Thank you. I know that was naughty but it was wonderful too.”
“No problem.”
The managing director of his mom’s company stepped up to the microphone as the music died.
“Ladies and gentlemen I hope you have had as great an evening as I have. It’s almost time for the last dance but first we have a few awards to hand out. Most of you know we do this every year and, as we do every year, we hope you’ll agree with our choices.”
Michael and his mother stood together on the dance floor. Some of the couples still sitting got up to join them and soon almost everyone was standing.
The two girls who had got the dancing started received awards as heroes of the evening, there were small statuettes for the best dancers, the worst, the best smile, best outfit, and then, the next award was announced.
“The final one of our little statues goes to the best new couple. Apparently last year’s recipients ended up married, so who knows what will happen to this year’s winners. Would Sandy and Mike please step forward?”
“Oh my.” His mother blushed furiously but to his surprise pulled him enthusiastically towards the microphone. “Thank you, thank you so much.” Clutching the gold coloured little man, who bore a startling resemblance to Oscar, his mother smiled and raised the statue above her head. “We’ve had a great time, I hope you all have too. See you next year.”
The music began again; a slow, tender love song and Mike took his mother in his arms, holding her close as she kissed him slowly on the lips.