Convincing in the Kitchen

“Well?”

Nancy had done her best, made her case, laid out her argument. Her mother had listened politely, her eyes wide, gasping more than once. Sure it was a little unorthodox, Nancy had to admit, but it was practical! She could see how her mother had been looking at Tim. She obviously wanted him. Who wouldn’t? So why not share?

“I’m not sure how to answer that,” Nancy’s mother responded in a measured tone.

“Then just say ‘yes’. It would make me so happy!” Nancy couldn’t emphasize that enough. What she had found in Tim had made her truly happy. Sure, right now it was mostly physical, but the more time she spent with him, the more she realized how great is a guy he was, how kind and trustworthy. Why wouldn’t she want to share that with her mother? "Besides, I owe you. You know, for the car."

“Look, sweetie, I’m just not sure it would be appropriate for me to…”

“It can be our secret," Nancy said, "Or not. I don't really care. What I do care about is that you need someone in your life. Tim is an amazing guy. I think you two would get along great. And you know me..."

"I know," her mother said, closing her eyes and pinching the bridge of her nose the way she did when she had to concentrate, "you won't be jealous."

There was a minute of awkward silence. Nancy's mom leaned her lower back against the countertop and sighed. She knew not to rush her, especially when she was thinking. This was, after all, a big decision. Some people might get a little weird about a girl and her mother sharing a boyfriend, although if they met Tim, Nancy was sure they'd understand. But she'd be willing to keep it quiet, if that was what her mother needed to be okay with it.

"I'm not saying that I'm going to go along with this," her mother finally spoke, "but have you spoken to Tim about this?"

"No," Nancy confessed, "I thought I'd talk to you first. You know, so I didn't get his hopes up."

"Hopes up?" her mother laughed, "I think you've got a funny way of seeing the world."

"Mom," Nancy said in a serious voice, "Have you seen yourself? Actually seen yourself? You are drop-dead-gorgeous. If you had the time, if you gave them the time, guys would kill themselves to get at you."

"That's not what I mean, although I'm flattered," came the response, "I mean that Tim's not going to want to go out with his girlfriend's mother just because his girlfriend gives him permission. Men have feelings, just like women. He's going out with you because he likes you. He doesn't even know me."

"Then let's help him get to know you," Nancy pleaded, "Please? We can plan it out, like we go out somewhere together, and I'll disappear, and you two can spend some time alone, and, you know..."

"Fine," her mom said, sounding worn down, "Come up with something and we'll see where it goes."

"Yes! You won't regret this! He's a great boyfriend and such a good kisser and so hot and..."

"We'll see where it goes," her mother cut off the rambling with a tone of finality, "Now you two let me finish my dinner in peace. I'd say give him a ride home, but..."

"I'll order him a ride," Nancy said, still giddy, "We'll wait in my room so we don't bother you. I love you mom."

"Love you too, sweetie."

Then, just as Nancy was about to open the door, her mother spoke up in a meek voice.

"He really is hot," she said, "You think he'd be interested in an old lady like me?"

"He'll be crazy about you."