Page 146 of Tell Me What You Want

I’m surprised I don’t see him when I first enter the suite. I look around, but I only find his briefcase and his cell on the bed. I go back to the living room to turn on some music. I turn the dial to my usual station just as Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September” is starting. I love that song. I slip off my shoes, and start dancing and singing along.

I swing my hips to the beat as I sing and savor the song. I close my eyes and spin when I get to the chorus, raise my hands, and let the rhythm take me. Suddenly, the music stops. I open my eyes and find myself face to face with Eric and a middle-aged woman.

I’m panting from my little dance, and I’m embarrassed by the show I just put on, until the woman smiles and approaches me.

“Every time I hear that song, it makes me want to dance too ... Hi, I’m Sonia, Eric’s mom. And you are ...?”

His mother?

What’s his mother doing here?

I get my act together as best I can and push the hair from my face.

“Delighted to meet you. I’m Judith.”

She gives me a kiss on each cheek. Then she looks over at her son, who hasn’t said a word.

“And Judith is ...?” she asks as I put my shoes back on.

Eric is enjoying this.

“Mamá, she’s ... Jude.”

“Oh, of course! How foolish of me!” she exclaims. “You’re Eric’s girlfriend.”

I’d been leaning on a little table to put on my shoe, but on hearing “girlfriend,” I tumble straight down to the floor.

Eric and his mother rush over.

“Are you all right?”

“Yes ... yes ... no worries. I just slipped, Mrs....”

“Please, Jude, call me Sonia.”

“Of course, Sonia. I’m fine.”

Eric helps me up and pulls me to him.

“Are you all right, love?”

I blink and blush.

His girlfriend?

Did I just meet his mother, and did she just say I’m his girlfriend?

For the next half hour, I feel like I’m on cloud nine.

Sonia, Eric’s mom, is charming and chatty. Physically, she doesn’t look anything like him, but they do have the same classic taste in fashion. Her eyes are dark, like mine, and you can tell she’s a woman who takes care of herself.

“Are you all right?” Eric asks after she leaves to get ready for dinner.

“Eric, did your mother say I’m your girlfriend?”

“Yes.”

“How does she get to know before me?”

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