Page 51 of Dreaming

He lifted his glass. “She gave me my boy and put up with my raggedy ass. Money was the least she deserved. My angel never had to use it but I tell you, it gave her peace of mind to have it. When I got drunk one night and accidentally pissed in her favorite plant, thought she’d leave me for sure.” Cedric shook his head and added somberly, “Killed it dead.”

Hand over her mouth, Nia laughed. “Oh, no.”

“So you take his money. He won’t notice and it’s good for you to get one over on a man sometimes. Reminds them who’s boss.” Looking at Dennis with a fierce expression, he said, “The lady is always the boss, son.”

“Yes, sir.”

“With the right woman, it’s not a bit of hardship to clock in and be ready to work.”

“No, sir. It is not.”

From the front door, Nellie called, “Dear, I think I’m going to drop the flowers…” Dennis raced to the foyer and took everything from her. “Oh, my. Thank you, Dennis dear. I didn’t realize they were so slippery. That’s what I get for buying them in a vase instead of arranging them myself” She laughed. “I think some of the water spilled on the drive. Goodness!”

Dennis followed as she walked to the kitchen. She came to a stumbling halt when she saw his dad. He watched her process the new input.

Cedric was an older version of his son - a few inches shorter and a few shades lighter.

Nellie audibly swallowed. “Hello. Are you, uh, Dennis’ father?”

“I am and you must be Nia’s beautiful mama.” Putting down his drink, he walked around the island and held out one hand with the other at his side. “Cedric Hancock.”

“Nellie Webber.” She started to shake his hand but his dad kissed the back instead.

“Nia is lovely…I see where she gets it.”

Trying to have a conversation appeared difficult for Nellie. “I don’t, uh, I-I don’t think we look much alike…”

“Bearing, manners, and natural class. That’s how I can tell you’re her mother.”

Nellie laughed nervously.

Dennis looked at Nia. She was just as fascinated by the clear play his dad was making for her mom. He walked around the older pair, put everything quietly on the counter, and stood beside Nia to observe.

Still holding her hand, Cedric spun Nellie. “A woman who dresses so pretty to go to the store is a lady needing an adventure.”

“I-I…”

“You’re already dressed so tempting. Shame to waste it inside. Let me take you out for dinner. We’ll give the kids some privacy. Then, I’ll take you dancing and we’ll see where the night takes us.”

“Are you…” Nellie tilted her head. “Are you asking me to dinner? Just the two of us?”

“Just the two of us. Nellie and Cedric, out on the town. Maybe you’ll let me steal a kiss or two. You strike me as a woman who likes to be kissed.”

“I’m sure I don’t remember.”

“Ah! Then I’m the right man to escort you, Nellie! It’s kismet! Come. You don’t need anything. Bring your phone in case I get too handsy and you want to slap me. I give you permission to tattle on me to my son. I wouldn’t blame you a bit.” He looked down at her with a grin. “Because I will likely get handsy. I’m horrible.”

Laughing semi-hysterically, Nellie wondered aloud, “You’re warning me ahead of time?”

“Petting, kissing, and anything else I can sweet-talk out of you. I can be a silver-tongued devil, Nellie. I admit it.”

“I bet you can…”

“If I were to keep you until tomorrow, is there anything you need? People our age, well, we sometimes need medications and whatnot.”

She shrugged. “I have my own teeth, I don’t take any meds, and nothing to…wait, are you trying to get me to stay the night with you?”

“You should become my mistress.”

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