“How did I get so lucky, as to be your date tonight?” I held my arm to her.
“You seduced me with offerings of delicious fruit, sweet pastry, and that devilish tongue. You look hot yourself young man, like a big strong Greek God.” She slid her right arm through my left and linked our hands together.
Holding the ring behind my back I began walking towards the door. After a few steps and a long breath I spun around to face her. Pulling her hand up, I kissed the knuckles of her fingers before adding the final piece of her collection and what had been the most expensive.
I slid the 24 karat gold laced with diamond flakes and a sparkling emerald heart onto her right ring finger. “Happy birthday, I love you mom.”
“I love you too baby, this is beautiful.” She pulled me into a hug so I couldn’t see the tears that I felt dripping onto my collar.
“No, you are beautiful mom. Everything else is just accessories.” I told her.
We reached the restaurant then and I watched her eyes light up with utter delight.
“I know you speak French, so I hope you’re ok with ordering.” I whispered softly as I opened the door and took her hand. The restaurant was everything Mary Jane had promised it would be. A little slice of Paris sitting in the heart of Texas. Mom had always dreamed of going to Paris…I figured this was the next best thing.
After giving my name we were seated at a ‘reserved’ black cherry table towards the back. The lighting over our table was dimmed down and two long red candles were lit, a dozen red roses sat between them. She ordered from the menu almost as soon we were seated. And moments later a bottle of wine was delivered with two glasses.
I waited till she had finished off her first glass before springing my ‘big news’.
“I decided that I’m not going to Cambridge. I’ve enrolled in online classes for the summer.” I watched her closely as I let that bit sink in.
“What about MIT? What changed your mind?” She gave me a look that was both happy and sad.
“I’m not a city boy and wouldn’t fit in there. At least here I blend in. And online classes cost a fraction of what it would cost to move to Cambridge and live on campus. If you want your space I can always move into Grandma’s old house.” I gave her a grin.
“No you will not. You will stay right where you are, with me. I just don’t want you giving up your dreams because of me, that’s all. I know you want to be the next Bill Gates…” She placed her hand over mine.
“That was when I was twelve mom. My dreams have changed to something a bit more subtle and much more frustrating.” I admitted looking into her shiny green eyes.
“I’ll tell you mine, if you tell me yours.” She teased still holding my hand.
“Mine is a little…complicated.” I blushed.
“Here, try this…it might make things less complicated.” She filled the second glass and sat it in front of me.
I tipped the glass up and immediately choked as the rich grape flavor burned down my throat. I coughed and it burned my nose. “Owe” I groaned causing mom to laugh.
“Sorry, I guess I never taught you… You’re supposed to sip wine not guzzle it,” she laughed at me and I turned an even deeper shade of red, my groin instantly throbbed.