What is it, Jen?

“Jennifer Madison Parker, you are staying home tonight. That’s my final word.”

“Yes, Mom.”

Jennifer let her head drop. Whenever Mom used her full name, she knew she was beaten. She might as well have been negotiating with a brick wall.

“You can make yourself a bowl of popcorn and watch a movie. But don’t expect me back anytime soon. Ever since your useless father walked out on us two years ago, I haven’t gotten laid. That ends tonight. I swear it.”

Well, that explains the mood, Jennifer thought, flopping onto the couch.

But the moment her mother disappeared into the bathroom to freshen up, a wicked little idea popped into Jennifer’s head.

She slipped into the bedroom.

Her mother’s date-night dress was already laid out on the bed.

Jennifer looked at the scissors on the dresser. Then back at the dress.

A few tiny snips later, the back of the dress had received some very personal custom tailoring.

Well, Mom, she thought with a grin. Your dress is certainly not the only one that will be laid on a bed tonight.

When her mother finally swept past her toward the front door, looking absolutely fabulous, Jennifer had to bite her lip to keep from laughing.

“What is it, Jen?”

“Nothing, Mum. There was just a really funny scene in the movie.”

Her mother gave her a suspicious look. And was completely unaware of what Jennifer had done.

“Well, have a nice evening, Jen.”

“You too, Mum. And have fun.”

Her mother smiled, blew her a kiss and walked out.

Jennifer watched her disappear down the driveway, grinning from ear to ear.

She was absolutely certain her mother was going to have the night of her life.

/