I’ve never worn a huge amount of makeup apart from lipstick, but I figured I’d make the effort just this once. I put on my favourite shade of lipstick – a glossy dark red – then applied some black eyeliner and mascara. A dramatic look for me, but definitely in the “classic sexy” style I was aiming for. I finished up with some light powder foundation and left the bathroom.
Amused by the girl at the desk’s exaggerated double-take, I walked very confidently out of the lobby and out onto the street where I had to wait a few minutes for a taxi. I tried to ignore all the men staring at me as I waited. At least I was achieving my desired reaction, I guess. Eventually, a taxi arrived and I told the driver my destination.
I arrived at Joel’s motel and when I paid the driver his fare, he saw my wedding ring. “Your husband’s a lucky man, I gotta say.” God, that’s all I needed – a sleazy comment from a cab driver.
“Thanks. Pity he doesn’t realise it, though. I can get my stuff fine by myself. Have a good day.” I closed the door and took the luggage out of the boot.
Opening the screen door and stepping into the motel reception, I asked the woman at the desk where Joel Jones was staying.
“Jones? Ah, he hasn’t checked in yet, sorry darl.”
“Ah, right.” It had been just over half an hour since he dropped me off at Mark’s hotel, so he was probably still making his delivery and picking up his next job. “Can I check in instead, then? Joel’s my son.”
“No worries. Just fill out this form and I’ll get you a key.” Funny how the staff at cheaper places are always much nicer than the fancy places, isn’t it? She handed me the paperwork and afterwards led me to the room.
I turned on the TV and waited for my son. Not wanting to have a nap and ruin my makeup or hair, I pulled out my yoga mat and did some relaxing poses instead. I’d been so focused on the pleasure of the last few days that I’d completely neglected my exercises. The yoga and TV helped pass the hour before Joel arrived. He’d collected his key from reception, so he knew to expect me. I got up from my mat and sat on the bed before he opened the door.
“Mum? Everything okay?” He locked the door behind him.
“Not exactly, baby.” I told him everything that happened between Mark and me. I wish I could say I held back the tears that started forming, but I’m not as strong as I’d like to be. So much for not ruining my makeup.
He wiped my tears away and offered me a tissue. “You know none of that is your fault, right, Mum?”
Wiping away the tears and trying to stifle my occasional sob, I nodded. “That doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt.”
“Look, Mum, just try to ignore the fact that Dad is obviously fucking retarded or something. I just hope it isn’t genetic. I know you probably feel like this was a wasted trip now, but I really hope you can see there was one positive to the drive down here.”
“As bad as the last two hours have been, all I could think about that whole time was how lucky I am to have a wonderful, loving, beautiful and caring son who I can come running to,” I confessed. “Discovering these feelings for you has been one of the most wonderful experiences of my life, Joel.”
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