Page 233 of Just for the Cameras
And then her mouth is on mine, and I’m sinking into the couch, into the sense of relief this woman brings me.
Maple pats down her dress as I help her out of my truck. “Are you sure I look okay?”
I let my eyes roam over the baby-blue sundress she chose to wear. The sleeves cover her shoulders, but the square neckline offers an expansive view of her chest, without it being too much for my mom. And its simple frame hugs her torso but then lies loosely around her hips. She put her hair half up, half down, and she coated her eyelashes with minimal mascara and dotted her cheeks with some blush. She looks perfect.
“You look beautiful,” I say and kiss the top of her head.
“Thank you,” she says as she loops her arm around my waist and hugs me. I return the hug, holding her there tightly in the parking lot as I know her nerves start to get the best of her.
After agreeing to go with me, she slipped some clothes on, and I packed a bag before we headed to her place. We showered together, and I bent her over and fucked her while the water poured around us.
Then we got ready, and with every second that ticked closer to us leaving, I could see her growing more and more nervous.
“Are you okay?” I ask, rubbing her back.
“Yes, I’m just…I’m nervous. I want this to be a good day for you. I want…I want her to recognize you. I want it for you so badly.”
“I do too,” I say, kissing the top of her head again.
“I don’t know how you do this every week. She’s not even my mom, and I feel sick with worry.” She tilts her head back to look at me. “I don’t want to see you devastated and hurt. I don’t think my heart will be able to take it.”
“I spoke to Rhonda when you were getting ready. That’s my mom’s aide, and she said that it seemed like she was having a better day today. She, uh…she added some pictures to the album that she shows my mom on days that I come to visit. They’re of you and me. I hope that’s okay.”
Her eyes widen. “Of course, that’s…that’s so special. You didn’t have to do that.”
“I wanted this to be as easy as possible.” I take her hand in mine. “If this goes south, just know that I will be okay in time.”
She nods. “You just tell me what you need and want from me. If you need space, don’t be afraid to ask for it.”
I shake my head. “If anything, I’ll need you more than ever.”
She squeezes my hand and leans into my shoulder. “Then I’m here for you, Graydon.”
Like I said…she’s perfect.
I press my index finger under her chin and lift her mouth to mine before lightly kissing her, soaking in her essence before I pull away and guide her to the front door of my mom’s care facility.
We check in, and I show Maple the facility, pointing out different pieces of art my mom has painted as we make our way to the main living space.
“Wow,” she whispers, taking it all in. “These windows, there’s so much light.”
“It’s one of the reasons my mom’s parents liked it here so much. They thought it would be a great place for her to soak in the sun and just live the best life she could.” My eyes fall to the left, where the floor-to-ceiling windows look out toward the garden and giant willow tree. My mom is in front of her easel, wearing a set of pink silk pajamas. Rhonda told me it’s what she likes to wear the most, so I stocked her dresser full of sets.
Her salt-and-pepper hair is held back with a clip, and instead of painting, she’s looking out the window while the album we’ve made for her rests in her lap.
Clearing my throat, I say, “She’s over there, by the window. Come on.”
She tugs my hand one more time. “You’re sure?”
“Positive, beautiful,” I answer.
Together, hand in hand, we walk over to my mom. My stomach twistsin knots the entire time, my heart hammering, my mind begging for this to go over okay. For her to at least recognize me.
To just give me this one moment to share Maple with my mom.
With my mom’s back toward us, Rhonda spots me, offers me a nod, and then gently whispers in my mom’s ear.
Her back stiffens, and fear creeps up my spine. I squeeze Maple’s hand tightly, clinging on for strength.She’s not ready. It’s not going to be a good day for Mom.
