My mom and I exchange of look of affection. In truth, I went to the Dizzy Duck, ordered a scotch, and found my mother in the bar having ordered a martini. Within two minutes, she asked if my bitter mood had to do with the woman I rescued the other week when I left their house, and I caved and admitted yes. Then the floodgates just opened, and it felt as though we could bond over something; the state of my dating life.
“Well, I can very much understand having your head in knots. It sometimes leads to a pool of flower petals at your feet.” Violet plays with her food.
My mother laughs, as she’s been enamored with Violet since moment one. “I should have realized that there is only one florist in Lake Spark. The dots just didn’t connect in my head.”
“It’s okay, next time flowers are on me. You’ll be back often?” Violet asks.
“Maybe. My son said I can decorate his new place as a project to keep me occupied and out of his love life,” my mom teases.
Violet smiles and looks at me, confirming that this is all going well.
“My mom has a talent for interior design,” I mention.
“Declan, stop. It’s not a talent. More that I know where to hang all of your hockey photos and throw some fancy tile around it,” she says, brushing me off.
I shake my head. “Nah, she’s good at it.”
“Figuring out where to place Declan’s thousands of photos is a difficult task. Have to go in chronological order,” Violet comments with a bit of tongue and cheek. “Don’t even get me started on the trophies. Shelving is key, but it’s already carrying his big ego.”
My mother eats it all up, and I have to grin that these two women are having a good time at my expense.
Violet gently touches my shoulder. “I’ll be right back, just going to head to the ladies’ room.”
I stand up and pull out her chair before placing a kiss on her cheek, watching her every step, with my mouth in a permanent stretched line.
“She’s a delight,” my mom says to break my attention.
I sit down again and look at my mom. “She is.”
“I can understand why you were out of sorts last night after you two had a disagreement. You look like a man captivated, and most of all, happy. Why would you let that go?”
I grab my glass of wine that I’ve been pacing myself to drink. “I don’t want to, but eventually, we’ll hit a wall where she wants more. There are a few things. I mean, her brother, I’ll be traveling for games, and most of all, she wants the whole family-and-marriage thing.”
My mother sits straighter in her chair as she makes an agreeing sound. “The thing is, Declan, you don’t need to rush into things, but since you’re taking little steps, then maybe you’re curious. You’ve never been remotely serious about a woman, but here I am meeting Violet. That’s a step that you don’t seem to mind. Sometimes the things we think we don’t want, we just haven’t looked at close enough…”
“And the only way to get close is to take steps in that direction,” I reflect.
“Ah, so you were listening last night. I wasn’t sure if the scotch drowned out my voice or if you actually cherished my wise words.”
Setting my wine glass down, I admit that last night made me ponder. “I can’t believe I’m talking to you about her.” This is something I would never have anticipated.
My mom brings her hand over her heart. “Me neither. But sometimes someone enters our lives that strengthens other relationships. You are totally besotted by her, it’s so refreshing to see. Your eyes never leave her, and I’m not blind, I know you two are playing footsy under the table.”
“Stop it. Like, please, let’s talk about something else,” I plead but can’t stop grinning.
“Fine, but somewhere inside of you, you’re too curious, that’s why you’re not running away.”
I lick my lips, aware that’s what my mind is doing.
Violet returns to the table, and I pull out her chair. “You saved me,” I whisper.
“From what?” Violet murmurs.
“His mother. Now tell me, are you a fan of maple syrup?” Mom asks Violet.
Violet laughs. “Of course. I think I can ease him back onto the stuff.” Violet points her thumb to me.
“No, you can’t,” I interject.
