Chapter 20: Secrets and Lies

“Did Nora remember our conversation?”

“She did, and she verified that you planned to tell me the truth. And, when I look at this calmly, the benefits to me and to those kids can’t be denied. But you have made it abundantly clear that you won’t tolerate anything but total honesty and transparency from me.

“That has to be reciprocated. I’m not going to make a big deal of this. What I am going to say is that you have to remember, going forward, that it can’t happen again. Don’t treat me like your dependent or your junior. Don’t hide the truth from me, for fear my feelings might get hurt.

“We’re going to be a married couple, a team, parents, even. I need you to remind yourself, ‘If it’s something important, it’s something I will tell Brandon.’ Doesn’t that make sense?”

“You’re right, it does. I’m very sorry. Won’t happen again. Is there anything else, Brandon?”

“MAKE-UP SEX!”

Dee didn’t speak; she just took action. In thirty seconds, she wore only that mischievous grin he loved so much while tugging at his pants.

Twenty minutes later, the two of them were breathless, sweaty, and sprawled in an “X” shape across the queen-sized bed.

“How was that? Are you still mad at me?”

“I guess I have to be truthful now. No, I can’t stay mad at you. It’s too bad; I was hoping I could continue to ask for make-up sex.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that. I’m sure I can come up with something to be furious with you about so you can distract ME with make-up sex.”

There was a sudden knocking at their door.

“Mom? I’m hungry; are we going to have dinner soon?”

“Twenty minutes; we were kissing and need to shower off the slobber.”

Ron rolled his eyes and stepped away. After a few minutes, they went out in their bathrobes and made a quick meal for the three of them.

Her son was doing another head swivel, looking between the two adults.

“I’m getting older, you know.”

“Yes, not a secret. I’m going to have to buy more clothing for you at the end of summer.’

“No offense, Mom, but I’d rather do that with Brandon. I just feel a little weird in the store with mothers and little boys around us.”

“Well, I’m going to need some clothes too, and Ron is approaching the men’s sizes, I think. Dee, don’t get all misty; he’ll always be your little boy. Just a foot taller.”

“Mom, one more thing. It’s time to quit with this ‘slobbering’ story. I know you’re having sex in there.”

Dolores sputtered, unprepared for this directness.

“It’s OK that you are. You should, because you’re partners. That’s how boys like me get little brothers and sisters.”

She went as pale as her complexion allowed and tearfully rushed away to the bedroom. Ron started to flee the table as well, but Brandon put his hand on the boy’s shoulder.