Page 196 of S is for SEX

“It does. Anyone who says it doesn’t is lying. It’s the price you pay in addition to the price you pay. A tattoo is a huge commitment, and the pain is part of the commitment, I suppose,” I said.

“I’ll wait until I’m ready,” she said.

Riley turned toward her mother and widened her eyes slightly. “I didn’t know you wanted a tattoo.”

“I’ve always wanted one. Well, not always, but for a long time,” she responded.

“Of what?” Riley asked.

“That’s just it,” he mother said. “I don’t know.”

“So, you’ve never been married, and you don’t have any children?” she asked.

I pursed my lips and shook my head from side-to-side. “No ma’am. No ex-wives, no kids.”

“And no family. I’m sorry,” she said.

“Don’t be sorry. It’s not your fault. I’ve got Riley, she’s family enough,” I said.

I turned toward Riley and smiled. She smiled in return. She looked even more beautiful than normal, I guessed as the result of being filled with the pride from having me meet her mother. Regardless of the reason, she was beautiful beyond compare.

In the past, I had likened a beautiful woman to a beautiful tattoo; something that took care and imagination to develop, yet required constant maintenance to prolong the elegance.

Riley was an exception. She was beautiful without preparation or maintenance.

“I’m going to get the sweets,” Riley said as she stood from her seat.

I pushed myself from the table and stood. “Let me help.”

“No, I’ll get it. You can sit and talk,” she said as she turned away.

Riley disappeared into the kitchen, leaving me alone with her mother. For whatever reason, being alone with her caused me to be slightly uncomfortable. I had no reason, and although I wasn’t sure, I suspected being around Riley’s mother caused me to understand I didn’t have a mother, at least not one that was alive.

She leaned forward and studied me for a short time, making me even more nervous. After what seemed like an eternity, but couldn’t have been more than ten seconds, she sighed lightly.

“So, your name is Blake, you don’t have kids, you’ve never been married, and you’re nice to my daughter, at least from what she says. You have manners, you’re well spoken, and you have your own business. In my mind, Riley hit a home run. Have you always lived here?” she asked.

“Yes ma’am,” I responded.

“If I may ask, what’s your last name?” she asked.

“West,” I said.

“Blake West?” she asked.

I nodded my head. “Yes ma’am.”

She shifted her eyes to the side and sat quietly as she appeared to become lost in thought. As I sat nervously waiting for her to continue, she didn’t. After a moment, Riley came into the room carrying a platter with coffee and slices of cake.

“Tiramisu, your favorite,” she said as she held the platter in front of me.

I reached for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. “My favorite?”

“No,” she said. “Hers.”

“Riley, I’m sorry,” her mother said as she stood. “Blake, my apologies. I’m going to have to go to my room. I’m afraid my stomach has gone sick, like bad sick.”

“Mom, are you okay?” Riley asked.

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