My eyes went back and forth from my mother and sister. “Thank you ladies. Now I’m thoroughly embarrassed.”
“Oh hush, you’re fine,” Mom said as she threw a napkin at me. Kelly just giggled as she slipped a glistening mushroom into her mouth and winked.
“Well that’s nice.” I said, setting down a now empty box. “It’s good to know that my dating life or lack thereof, is a great conversation topic for my family. Really reassuring.”
Mom raised an eyebrow. “I sense sarcasm,” she said sarcastically. Kelly started giggling again. I then noticed the near empty bottle of red beside them.
“Jason, it’s cool. If you can’t talk about it with us, then who with?” my dear sister asked. “I’ve already told you all of my… most of my secrets.” Her eyes had that same glimmer than I had started to become familiar with over the last few weeks.
Reluctantly, I said “Okay, fine. Suggestions?”
They shared a look, and then Mom spoke. “We just think you should start in your comfort zone. From what I hear, you were not shy behind the camera. It was when you stepped in front of it that you lost your nerve. You want something from a girl; ask her when you feel in control.”
Kelly nodded. “I’m with Mom on that.”
I looked between these two ladies once more and shrugged my shoulders. “Alright,” I said. “I’ll give it a shot sometime.”
Smiles crossed their faces and for a moment, they looked like twins.
“Good,” our mother said as her eyes darted to the microwave clock. “Now, the night is young and we don’t have to be up at the butt crack of dawn so you guys up for a movie?”
“Sounds like fun,” Kelly said.
“I’m down,” I replied in turn.
“Great! I’ll just clean all this up real quick while you kids go choose one from the cabinet.” She began to rise, but I stopped her.
“I got this, Mom. You and Kelly pick something out and I’ll join you in a second.”
“You don’t have to-”
“I know, but I insist.” I held my ground. “Go, and grab and open the bottle I brought. You two galls killed the last one, I see.”
Her eyes looked up at me, sparkling and bright.
“Thank you, Jason.” She leaned in and kissed my cheek again. I could still feel the warmth of her lips as she pulled away.
The girls left the kitchen, leaving me to my duties. It wasn’t too bad. Just like we said, there was more left over than eaten, so most went in the fridge. I quickly cleared the counter, wiped the surface and brought the empty containers and trash over to the can. I opened the lid then stopped, my eyes settling on something within.
Resting on a crushed, empty cereal box was a small pink shopping bag with letters printed with glitter. It too was crushed and empty, but a small piece of paper was sticking out the top. Curiosity got the best of me as I reached into the bin and withdrew the paper.
I held in my hands a receipt, barely faded but printed with today’s date. It was from a lingerie boutique found in our mall. My eyes scanned the receipt made to a Lucy Jones, my mother, and on it she had purchased a black garter belt set with bra and panties. Instantly my imagination took over as I pictured my mother in a wide of poses all equally undressed, sporting her new night wear in all her glory. My dark and forbidden desire was coming back as my pulse began to quicken just picturing it. And then, a realization hit me.