The least I can do is go on a few dates if it brings her relief.
“You know, Mom, I don’t want you to be alone either.” I wrap my arms around her from the back, pressing my chin on her shoulder as she stares into her wine. “It’s okay to be happy for yourself too.”
Her hand pats mine. “I’m fine, sweetie. I had my happily ever after. It’s your turn.”
I step to the side, taking her hands in mine and meeting her watery gaze. “Mom. Happily ever afters aren’t a once-in-a-lifetime thing. They can happen as many times as you want them to. You deserve more than one, and Dad would want that for you. He wouldn’t ever want you to be alone. You’re too good, Mom. There’s someone out there that deserves how hard you love. There’s someone out there who will love you as soft as you need them to.” I take her wine glass and place it on the counter. “If I’m trying, you have to promise me you’ll try too.”
She wipes her cheeks and chuckles. “Liv, I don’t know how to date. It’s been too long. I don’t know how to be. I wouldn’t know where to start.”
“How about the dating app you made me sign up for?” I tease.
She shakes her head. “No. Oh my gosh, that’s for young people. I couldn’t.”
“You can. Apps are for everyone. I’m just saying, will you think about it for me?”
She blows out a breath, taking another gulp of wine. “Fine.”
I squeal, clapping my hands in celebration.
“Only that I will think about it, okay?” Mom spins her wedding ring on her finger. The gold glints against the kitchen light, sadness slowly pulling the smile from her face.
Mom took off her engagement ring ages ago, but she left the wedding band on. It’s nothing fancy—a simple gold band that cost fifty bucks since that’s all they could afford back then. She never takes it off. I know it’s because there’s a part of her thatfeels like she can’t—that she would be betraying Dad—but I know there’s another part too.
She’s afraid.
Taking off the wedding band would be saying that she’s truly ready to put the past in the past, and finally letting their love rest.
“Thinking about it is all I’m asking for.” I kiss her cheek, then step back, wanting to change the energy in the room. “Okay. What do you think? Is this first-date appropriate? Does this screamI met you on a dating app? Do I look desperate?” I give her a spin, hoping she approves.
My mom is my best friend. Victoria and Amber are my best friends too, but my mom is my number one.
“It’s perfect. I think you look beautiful, and if that man isn’t interested then he’s a fool.”
“You have to say that. You’re my mom.”
“I don’t have to say shit. I dislike plenty of your clothes, but I like this. It’s a simple dark-green dress that’s perfect with your skin tone. It really makes your red hair brighter.”
That’s what I like about it too. It’s hard finding dresses since I’m so short; even the ones that aren’t meant to be long are long on my five-foot-two frame. Not this dress—it stops just below my knee. The material is a soft velvet that feels good under my nervous fingertips. There’s a small slit at the thigh that only goes up a few inches. The neckline is my favorite. It doesn’t really show cleavage, but shows just enough skin to be sexy without being revealing. I paired it with gold earrings that dangle long spikes that nearly touch my shoulders, and heels to match.
I have a light flush across my cheeks that emphasizes the blush I put on. Hopefully, I calm down by the time I get to the restaurant where I’m meeting my date. My heart is racing. No wonder Mom hasn’t gone on dates. This is nerve-racking and I’m not sure if it’s worth it.
“You look beautiful, Liv,” she says with so much love, it has emotion choking in my throat. “I’ll be right here for when you get back because there’s no way I’m driving after having a bottle of wine.”
I snicker, snagging my purse from the nearby coffee table.
“And I’m your emergency contact. Remember to call me if it’s really going sideways.”
“I’m not going to forget the best rule of dating. You’re always my out.” I kiss her cheek and head to the front door, snagging my plum-colored peacoat from the coatrack.
I check my phone again to see a message from my date, Brian:I’m here a little early. I was nervous I’d be late. Would you want me to order you a drink?
I smile, my nerves unraveling when I see his text. Maybe this date won’t be too bad after all. That’s thoughtful of him.
Me:A gin and tonic with extra lime, please. Thank you so much. I’ll be there in ten minutes.
“Alright, Mom. I’m leaving. I love you. I’ll be back in a few hours.”
“I can’t wait to hear all about it! Now, I get to watch my show in peace without your commentary.”
