by Lari Smythe
* * *
"Hey, Mom, sorry I'm late." I choked out as I raced through the back doorway.
"Jason? Are you alright?" she said, turning toward me from the stove. "My goodness, you're flushed."
"I'm fine, Mom."
"You weren't speeding, were you?"
"Nah, nothing like that."
She wasn't convinced, but let it go. "Tables set—why don't you bring the bowls over and I'll just serve the stew from the pot."
"That'll work." I tossed my jacket over the railing and then carried our bowls over to the stove.
We ate in silence after the blessing, but I could tell she was measuring, trying to figure out what was going on with me. No matter how much I tried, I couldn't keep from grinning—and my heart—yeah it was pounding wildly.
Mom dipped her spoon into her bowl for another bite. "Still excited about the game?"
"Sure," I responded quickly—too quickly. Flunked that one.
She finished chewing the bite. "Did Cathy work things out with Alex?"
"Uh, I guess." So she knew I wasn't with them.
She smiled. "You sure you're not in any trouble?"
"Okay already, I saw her. She's fine—beautiful—crazy—and still in love with me. There, is that what you wanted to know?"
Her smile was sincere—she wanted me to be happy—but her concern was obvious. "Well, where is she?"
"Uh, I'm not exactly sure."
"I thought you said—"
"Uh, yeah, well, we didn't really get to talk much—but we're going to try and hook up again later."
"Hook up?"
"I didn't mean that like it sounded."
"I know. I'm glad you two 'hooked up'."
"Really?" I couldn't believe I just opened that door.
She reached across the table and took my hand. "I know how much you care for her, just try to keep your relationship in perspective—that's all I'm asking."
"Thanks Mom." I got up and hugged her.
She patted my hand and uncharacteristically pulled away. "Well, lets get cleaned up, I want to get an early start tomorrow. You're still helping?"
"Sure, Mom, I wouldn't miss it."