Dinner and neighbors

"Help me with dinner, dear?" Laura asked with a smile. "If you'll cut the garlic and onions, I'll make spaghetti."

"Hey, why don't you sit down and tell me what you did today, and I'll cook. It's been a while since I could do something for you."

Laura blinked for a moment before coming over and hugging Dan tightly. "You are the best son I could ever ask for. You've done so much for me over the years, you just have no idea. Thank you," she finished with a bright smile.

"Hey, I know you've sacrificed more for me than I have for you. I'm glad I got my head out of my... well... I'm glad to help you now."

Laura laughed a rich, silvery tone of amusement. "I know what you were about to say. You were a little terror as a preteen. Ah, most boys are," she remarked with a smile. "You've grown up. I'm so proud of you."

"Aw, come on," Dan laughed as he pulled away.

An hour later, mother and son sat at their new table on the sturdy wooden stools. While not fine dining, Dan thought he made a fairly decent meal. As they were finishing dinner, and talking about each other's day, there came a knock at the door.

Dan got up and checked through the peep-hole. The same redheaded woman from earlier stood there. He opened the door and smile, "yes?"

"Hi, uh, I was wondering if I could borrow a cup of sugar? I need one more cup to finish my cookies," she asked, holding a plastic measuring cup. Her green eyes bore into Dan.

"I just bought some yesterday," Laura answered from somewhere behind Dan. "Come in. I'll get you some."

Dan watched his mother and their neighbor chat like they'd been friends for years. It made him realize how few friends his mom had.

"Uh, can I ask, are you waiting for your stuff to arrive?" their neighbor asked as she peered around. "Sorry, I shouldn't pry."

Laura smiled before telling the redhead their story of recent woe. Dan just leaned on the counter and watched. He had a good view of both women, but his eyes kept settling on his mother more.

"Oh! I might have some ideas on how to help," the redhead said. "Oh, gosh, where are my manners! My name is Amanda."

"Hello," Laura greeted with a smile. "I kind of forgot too. I'm Laura and this is my son, Dan."

Amanda looked back and forth between the two of them. "Oh, I can see the resemblance now. It's the eyes. I honestly thought you were a couple, sorry," she apologized with a faint flush.

Laura flushed as well. "We seem to be getting that recently," she admitted with a strange laugh.

"It's nice to meet you, Amanda," Dan greeted to cover for his mom's awkward response.

"A pleasure," Amanda answered and took his hand. Dan thought Amanda's facial features looked a little masculine, like what he imagined a nordic woman might look like. She was handsome rather than pretty like his mother.

"Is there anything else you need?" Laura asked.

"Oh, I actually feel bad for borrowing you sugar now," Amanda admitted.

"Nonsense, I'd share even if we had nothing else to eat. It's what neighbors do."

"No, it was amazing to meet you both. Do you mind if I pop back by and drop off a few cookies? It's the least I can do," Amanda asked. "They won't be magic cookies either," she joked.

"Aw, darn. I haven't had one in years," Laura remarked with a laugh. It took her a moment to realize what she'd said. Her cheeks turned a little pink.

"You've had pot?" Dan goggled. This was something he'd never expected from his mom.

"When I was young and foolish. I haven't touched it since."

"Oh, wow, cool. I didn't know that."

Laura gave her son a tight-lipped smile.