“I’m meeting him at the coffee shop down the street from the bakery at nine.”
“Aww,” she said with a dreamy sigh. “That’s a perfect first date.”
“I think so. It’s casual, though. He goes back to Colorado tomorrow.”
“Like, for a trip?”
“No, honey. He lives there. He was only here to look after Chai while she was sick.”
“Mom.” She sounded apprehensive. It was like our roles had reversed, with her as the mother and me as the child. “Are you sure this is a good idea? I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“There’s nothing to worry about. It’s not like I’m going to fall in love with him after one date.”
I’d been trapped in a loveless marriage and spent the last two years alone. I was no stranger to it being me, myself, and I. Well,and Remi.
“I just worry, that’s all. You’ve been through a lot over the past few years. I want you to meet someone, but I want it to be someone who’s going to stick around.”
She was sweet.
“It’s just coffee and conversation. One date, then we’ll go our separate ways.”
“Okay…What are you going to wear?”
Oh, she was definitely my daughter, changing the topic like that. It was a real Pam Rollins move, but I’d cut her a break and go with it.
“I was thinking about wearing a sweater, leggings, boots, and that nice coat you got for me.”
“That’ll be really cute. Send me pics before you head out, and promise you’ll call me as soon as you get home. I don’t anticipate Chai’s dad being a serial killer, but you never know.”
“That thought never even crossed my mind. Love you, honey.”
“Love you, too, Mom. Have fun!”
We hung up, and I drained what was left of my coffee. I was glad Tegan shared in my excitement, and in a way, I was relieved that she didn’t bring up her father or ask if I was feeling any guilt over going on a date. Reece had always been fairly detached from Don, but Tegan was a total daddy’s girl. Growing up, he’d treated them both differently, which always rubbed me the wrong way.
Whenever I tried to bring it up, I was told that it was “just how you raised boys.” Knowing what I know now, that was so wrong, and it did lasting damage that Reece was just now getting therapy for.
For a second, I contemplated how different things might have been if I’d had the courage to leave, but it passed quickly.
You can’t live in the past, only do what you can to improve upon the future.
I was determined to do just that.
* * *
I fluffedmy hair in the mirror, doing a little turn to check my outfit.
I looked good, but I wondered if leggings were too much of a millennial fashion trend for a woman my age. If Tegan had concerns, she would have mentioned them.
Choosing a sweater had proven to be the most difficult part of getting ready. As an avid knitter, I had quite the collection. But ultimately, I’d decided to go with the rust-colored sweater from my dating profile picture. Yeah, it was a little weird, and maybe he’d think I didn’t own other clothing, but it complemented my hair and eye color.
Remi jumped onto the bathroom counter and rubbed his hairless face against my hip.
“How do I look, bud?” I asked my kitty companion.
I pulled out my phone, snapped a few pictures of us, and sent them to Tegan.
Tegan: Hot mama! Have a great time!!
