We talk about some personal things

After calming down and finally grabbing the glasses, we sat down on the couch together. I still felt a little distant from her, but things were better than they had been in years. I couldn't remember the last time Mom and I had talked so casually.

Mom and I made easy small talk as she filled our glasses. Handing one to me, she seemed to propose a toast. We clinked our glasses together, as Mom said, "To being together."

"Together," I agreed, and we drank. "Well, together minus Alice."

Mom laughed. "Well hopefully she'll be joining us soon. I haven't heard from her since."

I shrugged. "Eh, that's just how she is."

Mom laughed again. "So, tell me," she said sitting up. "Is she really going to the airport? Or is she meeting a certain someone?"

I had to stop from spitting out my wine. "Oh uh, I don't think so."

I remembered Alice's words from the previous day so clearly. "I don't want anyone else to touch you." It was so hot when she said that, I was prepared to go another round just from those words alone. The blush was rising on my face.

"Hmm," Mom replied. "I didn't think so either, but figured you must know better than me." She didn't seem to notice my blush, and hopefully chalked it up to the ****.

"No, I think she's pretty busy with school and soccer." I come up with quickly. Then **** to change the subject, I ask, "What about you, mom? You seeing anyone?"

Mom laughed again. I couldn't help but notice how much I liked the sound. "No, no. Oh god no." She took a long sip of her wine. "I haven't been on a date in years now."

"You're kidding me, right?" I was flabbergasted. A woman this hot was just available? The world was cruel and unfair.

"Nope, there were a couple right after your dad left, but it just became such a hassle."

"Mom we have to get you some action!" I exclaimed.

"Christy!" she replied, more embarrassed than mad. "I think I've had my fair share of action."

"Mom, come on," I said, scooting closer to her. "You're still incredibly attractive, like what the fuck." My tongue was loosening from the ****, but I couldn't stop. "You've got an incredible body that I'm sure thousands of guys would drool over. You're nice and you're funny, and you'd make an incredible catch!"

"Okay okay!" Mom put up her hands in polite surrender. "I dunno, dating apps just aren't working for me."

"Ugh, tell me about it," I commiserated. "So many people there are just weirdos."

"Yes!" Mom got excited this time. "Super weird who can't begin to carry a conversation if their life depended on it." Both of us had finished our glasses by now, so we refilled them and continued to drink.

"Look mom," I continued. "All I'm saying is that Alice and I both want you to be happy."

"And I appreciate that, but I don't need a man to be happy."

"Yeah, but you need more than toys." It slipped out of my mouth faster than I could catch it. My eyes immediately went to her, trying to see how she would react.