“Nope. Maria probably has plans with her boyfriend. My big plans included studying and a Netflix marathon,” I told her. “I want to. Really.”
“Okay, sounds like a date. I’d like to go by that dress shop we passed earlier. I want some of those pretty sundresses you always wear,” she said, as we headed back to my car.
We stopped so she could pick up a few dresses. It had been a long time since I got to spend time with my mom doing normal things we used to. Talia was always a presence in our conversations, but we didn’t dwell on it. I couldn’t wait to tell Ian all about my day with my mom. I knew he would be happy that I was getting this time with her.
“You ready?” I asked my mom through the closed bathroom door. She had showered and was changing into one of her new dresses, which gave me a few minutes of privacy.
I called Ian. “Hi,” I said when he answered. “I only have a minute,” I whispered. “I wanted to apologize for hanging up on you. As you saw earlier, my mom popped in for a surprise visit.”
“I’m glad, and don’t be sorry. Just have fun with your mom,” he said, and I could hear the smile in his voice.
“You have plans tonight?” I asked, only a little worried he may be heading out with Jake or one of his friends. I had popped his new virgin cherry and couldn’t help but wonder if he was ready to get back in the saddle again—without me.
He chuckled. “Nope, I’m staying in. I’ll talk to you tomorrow or see you in class on Monday. Okay?”
I sighed. “Okay. Bye.”
We hung up, and I stared at the phone. He was being very formal, unlike our last conversation. Maybe he got what he wanted and decided the risk to be with me in any way was too much. He was probably right, and I should accept it, but it stung.
“What do you think?” my mom said, coming out of the bathroom and twirling around in her new dress.
“It’s beautiful. You look like a local,” I told her.
She laughed. “I really like this style. It is very comfortable. No wonder you like to wear these all the time.”
I looked at her, making myself ask the question. “Mom, are you sure everything’s okay? I’m glad you came for a visit, but it isn’t really like you.”
She walked towards me and took my hands in hers. “Are you upset that I showed up unannounced?”
“No! Definitely not. I am glad you’re here, but you would tell me if something was bothering you, right?”
“Of course, dear. Everything is fine. I’ve been wanting to make it down here for some time and figured what the heck, let’s go, and here I am,” she said, with a genuine smile.
I nodded and hugged her. “Good. I’m glad you did, and I’m even happier to know everything is okay. You ready for our big night out?”
“I am, so let’s get out there before we miss anything!”
It was a night I will cherish forever. As was typical when you were enjoying yourself, it went by too fast.
Standing at the gate of the small airport, I waved goodbye to my mom on Sunday morning, and I missed her already. The visit had taken me by surprise, and I was ashamed that I’d felt a little put out at first. Now, it was back to the real world and the mess I’d created for myself by sleeping with a professor.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Ian
The pounding of my feet hitting the pavement is soothing, and is a feeling I have missed. After spending the day yesterday trying to figure out whether to make the spare room an office or a gym, I decided to go with the latter. I wanted to get back in shape. Being with a young, beautiful woman had a way of reminding me of my softer bits that I wanted to firm up. I could feel young again mentally and physically. Both were going to require a lot of effort, but I was looking forward to the challenge.
I had put on one of my favorite playlists. The mixture of country rock with a little Maroon 5 for good measure kept my energy up as the sweat started to trickle down my back. My heart was pumping, and I could feel muscles waking up that had been dormant for far too long.
It felt amazing. I was sure I would be sore as hell in the morning, but it would be a good pain. I knew not to overdo it my first day out, and slowed my pace to an easier gait, allowing my heart rate to gradually drop.
Florida Georgia Line was pumping through my earbuds when they were abruptly cut off by an incoming text message. I slowed to a walk and pulled the phone out of my armband and checked the screen.
Lord, have mercy!
It was a picture from Tessa and was nothing more than a pair of black lace crotchless panties. My heart tumbled over a few times, making me seriously concerned for my health. I could very well have a heart attack right here on the street.
I glanced around, checking to see if anyone was watching me before immediately pushing the call button.