I walk out into the alleyway carrying my perfect cup of black coffee, the scent of the warm cinnamon roll assaulting my senses, when I see the familiar face of my mother standing in front of me. And she’s smiling. Not just any smile, but one of those smiles that lets me know she knows way more than she’s letting on.
“Well, good morning, son. I didn’t expect to see you this morning,” my mom says with a smile on her face.
I step forward and give her a gentle kiss on her cheek. “I just stopped by for a cup of coffee and something sweet is all. What are you doing here?” I ask.
“Oh, I thought I’d stop by and see how that darling new woman is working out. She’s such a sweetheart, that one,” she says with another knowing look.
“Yeah, she seems nice,” I reply, trying to act calm, cool, and collected.
“Mmm hmm,” she agrees, again with that damn smile. “Anyway, I was thinking of inviting her over to Sunday dinner since she’s so new in town and doesn’t really know anyone yet. I thought maybe if she came over and had dinner with a few of us, she would feel more comfortable and would appreciate getting to know a few young ladies around her age.”
“That sounds like a great idea, Mom,” I reply before taking another sip of coffee. Why do I feel like she’s baiting me here? As a child, my mother was always a master manipulator, and I supposed you would have had to be, to raise five kids. With that said, I can’t help but wonder what she’s up to here.
“I know you guys work this Sunday, but Avery and the kids will be there. Plus, Erin, Travis, Josselyn, and Grant,” she says. “Oh, and Will,” she adds. There’s something about the way she says it. A slightly different tone or something.
“Will?” I ask, eyebrow shooting skyward.
“Yes, Will. He’s single, you know. I just bet he and Lia would hit it off nicely, don’t you?”
I stare hard at my mom. She’s staring up at me with a look of pure motherly innocence, but behind that look roots evil. She’s all twinkly eyes and bright smile, but there’s no doubt about it. She’s definitely up to something.
And I’m not falling for it.
“Whatever you think, Mom. Though, I doubt Will is her type,” I reply casually.
“Maybe. Maybe not. I guess we’ll see on Sunday, won’t we?” she says as she walks around me towards the door I just exited.
“Goodbye, Mom. Try not to meddle too much in everyone’s business,” I add with a grin.
“I don’t meddle, son. I develop very strategic plans and execute with precision and expertise,” Mom replies with a big smile dripping with purity.
I bite my tongue. I don’t want my mom meddling anywhere near me. Let her focus on Will. “Talk to you later,” I say over my shoulder as I head towards home.
My pace quickens as the images of Mom fixing Lia and Will up take root in my brain like that moment you sit in the dentist chair and he pulls out the drill. I’m instantly edgy and tense.
Over my dead body, Mother.
*****
Monday night proves to be another hot, muggy Midwestern August night. The humidity is high and the streets have all but closed up as the residents of Rivers Edge find comfort inside their homes, in the air conditioning. I’m starving, but need to stop by the hardware store first and grab some more drywall filler to use in a few cracks in the living room walls. Fortunately, there isn’t too much to do in the living room as far as remodeling goes. I plan on filling the cracks, repainting the walls, and replacing the worn out carpeting. Then I can move on to the next room.
I head down the aisle that houses the drywall supplies and run smack into Lia. She’s studying the same group of products on the shelf that I’m after. Since she hasn’t seen me yet, I take the opportunity to check her out. She’s not too short and not too tall - I’d guess around five-six - and has a smokin’ hot body. Her tits which are accented by her tight tank top are the perfect size for my hands. My fingers itch to feel their weight in my palms, squeezing them until she moans. Her legs are endless - long and curvy. Her ass is perfection. I know because I’ve already checked it out numerous times in the two short encounters we’ve had. Her hair is up and her bangs hang down, swept to the right side of her face. She’s gorgeous. Stunning. Beautiful.
“This isn’t exactly where I expected to find you on a Monday night,” I say as I saddle up next to her, focusing on the variety of products on the shelf.
Lia startles a little but recovers quickly. She gives me a friendly smile and says, “I was hoping to help out and patch up a few nail holes. Whoever your mom rented the apartment to before me left it full of holes. It can’t be that hard right?” she replies with a casual shrug.