Chapter 30: Long Awaited Greeting

I felt my spirits lifting, if that were possible, when I crossed the state line entering Florida. The previous three weeks left me with a high, such as I hadn't felt in many months. It began the afternoon Penny and I drank the champagne. From that moment, noticeable changes overcome me. We began our three-week extravaganza; forgotten was the two miserable weeks since my meeting with the company.

I made six transactions in the short period, four sales, and two purchases. I had spending money again, two of the sales very profitable. Even my accountant was pleased. I didn't feel he would be pleased when I confronted him, because dad gave me alarming news and I was going to make him pay the price for disclosing privileged information.

Penny's new job boosted my morale; however, it gave a jump-start to her entire being. She was now working in a father-son legal office, soon to be a father-son-daughter enterprise. I was unaware Penny was an astounding office manager and typist, qualities she hid unconsciously.

Naturally, I kidded her about the looks she received from the younger attorney. He couldn't seem to take his eyes from her. In retrospect, I couldn't take my eyes from his wife. Carl Logan, the son, was a stud according to Penny's viewpoint. He was tanned, athletic, and outgoing. His wife, Tricia, was 100% sexpot in my opinion. She also enjoyed the sun, sporting a beautiful tan. They made a fabulous couple appear inferior; such was the charisma they expressed while in their presence. I wasn't positive but I received the feeling they weren't against a little foursome hanky-panky. I was definitely agreeable, however the presence of the elder Logan and his wife, forced that thought from my mind. I wanted to make Penny appear as wholesome as possible while in his home.

We were fortunate in that we found Penny a cozy apartment just two blocks from her workplace. There, we enjoyed ten glorious nights of partying and lovemaking. We each worked during the day. I felt fortunate again, my friend said he had a relative needing a temporary residence, thus someone was available to look out for his interests in his home I vacated on short notice.

The first thing I noticed when driving into the restricted residential area was the new look. The buildings, painted differently, displayed more of a cheerful all-around appearance. I also saw three young mothers walking babies in strollers. This was odd because young couples were an oddity when I grew up. The majority of the families were past childbearing ages.

I nervously walked up the steps and paused several seconds before knocking on the door. Mom was unaware I was returning. The look I received told me she was definitely surprised to see me. I saw the tears begin welling in her eyes, as she stood frozen, too thrilled to speak. It was close to a minute we stood face-to-face, just staring at one another. Almost two years and she hadn't lost an ounce of her beauty I noted. She could still turn the eye of any man breathing.

Finally, I asked, "May I come in?"

"Hal, you look wonderful," she said as she slipped into my arms for our mutual embracing moments.

"And you're still the best looking woman around," I replied.

She pulled me inside and we clung to one another several minutes. She was crying and unable to speak.

"I presume dad didn't tell you I was returning," I commented in a soft tone.

She didn't speak; rather she kept her face buried against my shoulder as she shook her head. We held to one another several minutes before she said anything.

"I wish he had but -- I'm glad he didn't. The suspense would have been too much," mom stated as she wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand.

Surprising Request

Actually, the afternoon was strange. Mom was inquisitive of my actions and travels over the past months, however she refused to answer any of my questions when I asked about her activities. I told her of humorous incidents, and a few business dealings I made. However, I didn't inform her, or let on I had any problems. Sitting close on the sofa, her hands seemed to be touching me constantly. It was almost as though she was afraid I was going to leave again. I wanted to ask about Sue and the twins. I don't know why I didn't ask other than mom seemed hesitant to speak openly.

"Would you take an old woman out for a meal?" She asked, late in the afternoon.

"No, but I'll take a sexy young thing to eat," I remarked stroking the bare flesh on her thigh below the hem of her skirt.

"How should I dress?" She inquired covering my hand and giving a gentle squeeze to my fingers.

"Sexy!" I exclaimed.

"You men are all the same; you're just like your father." She remarked tenaciously.

"I guess you can say I'm a chip off the old block," I remarked, "and I believe I've heard you make the same comment before."

I stood, and pulled at her hands until she stood. She smiled and rushed to her bedroom. I began looking around checking to see what changes, if any, were made. The girl's rooms appeared the same and I was shocked to see my room unchanged. The pictures I placed on the wall seemed untouched, as well as the computer setting on my desk. I turned the computer on and realized how slow the three-year-old system operated. It dawned on me I purchased two new laptops since leaving home. I eased into the chair as I began surfing. Without realizing it I felt comfortable and relaxed sitting in my old chair.

Mom's dress didn't surprise me in the least, as she looked marvelous. Her dress, medium blue, blended to a dark blue at the bodice and the waist, accentuating her breast and hips. Although it was a button up dress, the top button held the material closed at the base of her breast. The effect was stimulating as it displayed maximum cleavage.

The surprise came when she asked me to take her to a steakhouse some thirty miles distant. It was almost as though she couldn't mention our destination while in the condo. I glanced at her several times and each time she appeared to be in deep thought. I had dozens of questions to ask, however she didn't seem to be mentally in the car. I groaned aloud when we came within sight of the steakhouse.

"Is there something wrong? You don't wish to eat here?" Mom remarked.

"No, I'm kicking myself for being stupid. This is one of the first properties I looked at after I received my license. I refused to buy the lot because the price. Now I see a strip mall and two service stations on lots I thought were overpriced. In addition, they have constructed a large a motel with adjoining restaurant, plus a grocery store appears to be under construction. I missed out on this one -- big time," I remarked.

"You can't win every time," mom commented.

"I know," I sighed.

I pulled into the restaurant parking lot and parked. I looked at mom and she was staring at the motel office.

"Would you get us a room for the night?" Mom inquired.

I looked at her surprised because she wasn't wasting time. I had studied her legs as I drove wondering how I was going to approach her. Dad gave his approval and since we were alone I fully intended to sleep in her bed. I nodded, slipped from the car, and walked to the office to register. Mom was sitting just as I left her, however she appeared in deep concentration when I returned to the car.

The meal was excellent and Mom was on her third glass of wine when she began loosening up and talking. We began laughing as most of our conversation centered on events occurring years earlier.

"You were the worst cook in the neighborhood," I said drawing laughter from her.

"I haven't improved much, although I can eat my own cooking now," she said laughing. "I've cooked many meals and said I wasn't hungry after I tasted them. I was a terrible cook and I felt sorry for each of you as you forced your food down."

"I won't argue that point," I remarked dropping my hand to her knee. "Would you like more wine or do you wish to leave now?"

"I have one more request, I would like to dance. There is a club about five miles up the highway and we're unknown here. I mean, they don't know we're mother and son."

"I don't mind them knowing we're mother and son. Frankly speaking, I would be proud to tell them you're my mom. Drink up, let's go!" I said standing and offering her my hand.

I used the restroom, paid the tab, and still had to wait while mom used the restroom. As she approached, I saw her skirt unbuttoned from the bottom to just below her crotch. She sported a wide grin and I noticed her makeup applied much heavier. She saw my questioning look.

"Wow, I like that look," I commented.

"I didn't want it to look like you were out with your mother, an old woman," she said smiling.

"Well you certainly don't look like a mother, you look more in the line of a..."

"Hooker?" She declared.

After a short pause, I nodded.

"Well, that's it! I'll be your hooker for the evening," she remarked as she slipped her hand in my own.

I had to laugh, we were both laughing by the time we reached the car. It appeared we were beginning to feel relaxed with each other. It dawned on me our earlier short bursts of laughter had been tense.

I pulled out of the parking lot and followed her directions. She sat upright and against the door on our drive to the restaurant. She eased across the seat and leaned against me, relaxing her body as I drove in the direction of the club. I dropped my hand to her leg and gave a gentle squeeze. Covering my hand with her own, she gently pulled it higher to the softer and warmer flesh of her upper thigh. I gently caressed her warm thigh until we reached the club. Neither spoke as I drove.

I made a mistake, actually a slip of the tongue by asking, "Mom, what would you like to drink?"

The waitress had to be loose lipped because within fifteen minutes it seemed as though everyone in the lounge knew we were mother and son. Several men came over and asked Mom to dance, however she turned each down politely. I settled on a beer while she chose a red wine. We chatted for an hour, ordering two times before the live band started. When the band started their third number, I led her to the floor and pulled her into my arms.

"Do you realize this is the first time we've danced together," she whispered.

"Mom, you and Sue taught me how to dance so how can that be?" I inquired.

"I'm not talking about that, I mean this is the first time we've been to a club and danced," she said softly and pressed her body against me.

"You can see your training paid off," I whispered softly into her ear.

"Yes, it's been more than two years since a man held me "tenderly" in his arms," she murmured softly.

"Tenderly," I asked, "what do you mean by that?"

Pushing her head back and looking up at me she said, "You know exactly what I mean, you've seen the tape. Please don't play games, I'm embarrassed as it is. What's more, you know I haven't seen your father in two years."

"Do you want to discuss that?" I asked.

"At the moment, no, I just want to enjoy your company and the evening. There's plenty of time to talk about unpleasantries later. Do you mind?" She asked pleading with her eyes as she looked up at me.

I pulled her close whispering into her ear, "That's fine with me my little hooker."

I felt her body tremble as she pressed against me.

The band took their second break and mom whispered, "Are you ready to take his hooker to your room?"

I nodded and we walked to the exit, failing to stop at our table since we hadn't left anything personal while we toured the floor. The drive back to the motel was silent. I assumed she was in deep thought, the same as I was. I believe we each knew the way the evening would end. I had full intentions of following dad's instructions and making love to her. We reached the motel and went inside. I carried the small overnight bag Penny packed for me and realized I was going to miss her.

"I'm going to shower and shave," I informed Mom when she walked to the bed, sat, and began patting the spot beside her.

"I guess I'm qualified as a hooker since I didn't bring an overnight bag," she said laughing softly.

I showered, shaved, and wearing my skivvies, walked into the room half expecting mom to be in bed. The room was empty mom had vanished. I was confused. I didn't understand since I thought we were becoming comfortable with one another. I sat on the bed and stared at the door several minutes wondering what I should do. My heart skipped a dozen beats when I heard the soft tapping and mom's voice calling me.

"Hal, open the door please, I don't have a key."

I didn't feel my feet touch the floor and the next thing I knew I was opening the door.

"MOM!" I exclaimed. "What..." she pushed past me carrying a bag in each arm.

"I walked over to that all-night store. I bought beer for you and wine for me, of course the selection of wine was limited," she said placing the sacks on the table and turning.

"Heavens to Betsy, what's wrong, you're as pale as a ghost?" mom inquired rushing to me and placing her hand on my forehead.

"I'm okay mom," I said weakly. "I was just worried for you."

"Are you sure, you're pale, is there something wrong?"

"No mom, it just shook me when I came in and found the room empty," I said pulling her close.