Page 48 of Let Me

“I never told you about a woman.”

“You did.You didn’t say it outright, but I can read between the lines.”

I stretch and walk over to the kitchen to make coffee, then say, “She’s a friend.”

“A friend who spends the night?I don’t think so.”

“Well, this one does.”

Her face transforms into the happiest expression I’ve ever seen on her when she says, “You have a girlfriend!”She’s giddy with excitement – has balled her hands into fists like a little girl and does a shimmy.“Oooh, I want to meet her.Please, please, please let me meet her.”

“Ma, you probably will meet her, but it won’t be this morning.”

I walk over to the sofa, take her hand, and help her up.Amused, I say, “Now, be a good mother and go on back home.”

She wraps her arms around me and says, “I’m so happy for you.Oh, I could just scream.”

“Mother…”

“Okay, I’ll get out of your way, but you make sure you bring her by for supper.”

“I will.”

I close the door as Autumn steps into the room stretching, asking, “Did I just hear you talking to someone?”

“Yes.My mother stopped by when she saw the car in the driveway.Needless to say, she’s eager to meet you, by the way.”

“Aw…you should’ve let her stay.”

“I didn’t want that to be too much for you.”

“It’s not too much at all.Call her back.I had planned on cooking breakfast, anyway.”

“Autumn, are you sure?”

“Yes.I’m fine with it.”

“Okay.”

I open the door and summon my mother back.Happily, she skips right on back this way.

When she steps inside, I say, “Mother, this is Autumn.Autumn, this is my mother.”

“Hi, Mrs.Westinghouse.It’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you as well, dear,” she says with tears in her eyes.“Oh my.”

“Are you crying?”Autumn asks her.

“I am.I’m so happy to meet you, Autumn.And you’re completely perfect and beautiful,” she says looking at Autumn from head to toe.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.Oh,” she throws a hand to her chest.

“I was going to cook breakfast if you want to join us,” Autumn tells her.

“I would love that.”

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