Hugs and talks

"She seems nice," Dan remarked after Amanda left with her sugar.

"She does," Laura agreed as she took up the plates from the table and moved toward the sink. "I got a text from my sister today," she revealed. "She said she wanted to try and send us some money."

"We will need it," Dan muttered as he grabbed the used napkins and unused utensils from the table. He dropped the napkins in the trash and slid the silverware on the counter beside the sink while his mother thought.

"I think so," she admitted.

Dan wrapped his arms around his mother and hugged her from behind. Laura stiffened for just a moment before sighing and relaxing back into him. "We don't need her help. If you don't want it. We'll figure something out," he said into her back.

"Thank you," Laura said in a soft voice. It felt amazing to be hugged. She took a deep breath. "She and I... well... have history, as you know. I'll think it over. Patricia has a way of catching everyone up in her tornado of a lifestyle."

Dan continued to hold her for a little longer. Laura gave him no indication she wanted him to stop. It felt good to be held, even if it was from her son. "What's up with everyone asking if we're a couple recently?" he mused as he pulled away from her a little.

Laura sighed and went back to washing the dishes. "You've grown into a good-looking young man. I know a few older women who might try to snatch you up. Your boss being one of them," she joked.

"Oh? I still think you're wrong," Dan shot back.

"I saw the look she gave you. She might just sink her fangs into you."

"You didn't say anything about yourself. You're more than attractive... I hesitate to say this, because you're my mom and all, but you're hot. Let's be honest," Dan hedged with a winning smile.

Laura laughed and shook her head. "Honey, I'm in the twilight years of my prime, and that's being generous. I've got stretch marks, flabs, and udders," she snorted. "Ugh, I shouldn't even say that to my son."

"What about your stretch marks? I'm the one the caused them," he joked.

"My chest, you dolt," Laura shot back with a strained smile. "Thank you for the compliment though, it's been a while."

"No way! I don't believe you. There is, absolutely no way, someone hasn't seen how good you look. Come on, mom! Actually, why haven't you been dating? I know you did a little while I was a kid, but you stopped when I was in Middle School. When is the last time you've been out?"

Laura gave a hollow laugh. "I thought I was being sneaky," she mused. "You always were too smart... or nosy, for your own good. I just never found someone I liked enough to bring home that way. You're my world and I wanted to make sure, if I chose someone, that they could be a father for you. That didn't happen." It was mostly the truth. He didn't need to know about casual flings.

"Eh, I don't need a father, never have. I have you, the best mom anyone could ask for," Dan said with a smile. He hugged Laura again.

"Thank you, dear. That means a lot to me to hear. I've done what I could."

"You've done an amazing job," he corrected. "You also dodged my question. Someone has to have said something to you. You're hot mom, try to deny it."

"Dan, don't you think it's a little..." she tried to say but Dan cut her off.

"Nope! I don't think it's awkward or silly for me to tell my mom she is hot. Now, are you going to tell me no one has told you that you are?" Dan challenged.

Laura turned around and looked him in the eye. "There have been a few, but, like many men, they only wanted one thing," she admitted.

"Then let me tell you, that you are attractive and beautiful. Yes, you're my mom, but I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that you are hot as well. There! Now you can't say no one has told you recently."

Laura laughed, a choked sound, as she put her head against Dan's chest. "Thank you, dear," she muttered.