As she grew more comfortable, we even went to our original 'date night' place for dinner and dancing a couple of times and she seemed to enjoy dancing and listening to the music. While we danced close in slow dances, I managed to maintain control knowing that getting aroused would not likely be something to promote our continuing this relationship.
I definitely wanted Mom to begin enjoying life again and getting her out of the house occasionally even if with me was good I thought. My judgment seemed vindicated as I watched her become more comfortable with our outings.
She seemed to be looking forward to our outings more and more. She was more comfortable with our new relationship as it remained entirely platonic. We were strictly mother and son with the possible relaxation of that when we danced to slow numbers. Even then, I was careful to be respectful and managed to control my reactions so it didn't seem I was trying to push her toward something. Our good night kisses were mostly chaste.
We talked often and I learned lots about hers and dad's life together and how happy they had been. She told me a couple of times she hoped I found a wife with whom I could be as happy as they were.
I told her I was keeping my eyes open but I wasn't in any big hurry. I also told her I wasn't in any great hurry to make her a grandmother, something in which she seemed to find some humor.
At home, I noticed she was dressing more modestly and was more careful about keeping her door closed when changing or showering.
I tried to keep any disappointment I felt from being detected. Eve was right; she had to make this decision herself and I knew it could be difficult. I promised myself not to make it any more so.
So I continued working, providing the moral support I could at home and when I could, visiting Eve. Sometimes we sat and talked but more often we made love after talking for a while. We talked of my future and she made sure I understood that when I decided to get married, the relationship we had would be that of friends only and no longer lovers.
She asked occasionally how things were going with Mom and I told her what I observed and what I thought. She occasionally admonished me to respect Mom and her decision. I faithfully assured her that I would do so.
I let Eve know that Mom was apparently reconnecting with some of her other friends as she was often on the phone talking to one or another of them when I came home. She even had visitors occasionally whom I hadn't seen since coming home from school.
Once I mentioned to Eve that Mom's behavior had changed regarding her being more modest and careful about her privacy. Eve kind of wondered aloud if perhaps Mom had subconsciously been inviting my attention but when confronted with the reality was not ready to deal with the consequences.
Eve's a smart lady. That's something that would have eluded me for a very long time. But hearing it from her, it did make some sense.
* * *
It was wonderful watching Mom enjoy herself so much. I felt great being the one who could bring her out of her grieving over Dad and begin enjoying herself again. I hadn't really paid much attention to Mom's excursions during the day as I was working more and my little landscaping business was growing.
The next time I talked her into dinner and a movie, I found she had been shopping for clothes. She wore a new dress that showed her beauty and sensuality superbly; in short, she looked hot! While modest, the skirt was a bit shorter than I was accustomed to seeing her wear. But her legs definitely made the dress look good! And the dress showed a modest bit of cleavage.
"You better close your mouth unless you're trying to catch flies," she said with a smirk.
I closed my mouth and looked at her with what was probably a dumbfounded expression. Finally I apologized, "I'm sorry, Mom. I just can't get over how beautiful you are."
"Well, Jeff, that's the nicest thing anyone has said to me in quite a while. But I think part of it might be that I'm your mother," she said softly.
"Mom, that's insane! You are hot! I mean, any man would be drooling over you!"
She looked at me sharply and I knew instantly I had said the wrong thing.
"Mom, I'm sorry," I said allowing my head to sag with my spirit.
"Jeff, that's okay. I think I know what you meant and I'll take it as a compliment," she said smiling softly.
"Are you ready to go, then?" I asked offering my arm.
"I'm looking forward to accompanying my handsome son tonight," she responded placing her hand lightly on my offered arm.
I escorted her to the car opening her door and helping her get seated. I closed her door and got into the driver's seat.
We talked quietly as I drove to the restaurant/club, the same place as our first 'date'. Mom apparently had gotten over whatever objection she had formed after our first visit.
We arrived and managed to park fairly close to the entrance. I assisted her alighting from the car and escorted her politely to the door.
We entered the restaurant were greeted by the hostess.
"Table for two?" she asked.
"Yes, reservations under Meyer," I replied.
The hostess made a quick check of her reservations list and looked up again.
"Very well, Mr. and Mrs. Meyer, your table is ready, Right this way, please."
Mom didn't react to the hostess' remark this time. I hoped that was a good sign.
We were seated and the waitress gave us menus. We talked little while perusing the menus, discussing our dinner options.
I asked Mom if she wanted wine with dinner. She looked at me briefly and nodded.
She ordered a couple of appetizers as we ordered our dinner.
The wine was served and soon after, our appetizers. We sipped our wine with the appetizers. I watched Mom's face for some sign of how she was feeling but her expression was not helping me read her mood.
"Well, Jeff, this is really good, the food, the wine, the atmosphere. I appreciate you bringing me here again. I remember being here a few times with your dad and we always enjoyed ourselves.
"I hope you're enjoying this as much as I am. I really appreciate your insistence that I get out and start enjoying life away from the house again.
"I know your father loved me as much as I loved him and neither of us would have wanted the other to stop living if the other was lost.
"I guess that's kinda' what I've done since he died; I tried to hide from the world maybe hoping if I denied it long enough, it wouldn't be true.
"Thanks for being persistent. I'm feeling much better about everything. I still miss him terribly but I guess I still have some of him remaining as long as I have you.
"I'm sorry I've been so bitchy to you for trying to help me."
"Mom, you haven't been bitchy. I made a mistake and I'm sorry for that. I wanted to help you and you didn't need that kind of help. I'm glad you are getting to the point where thinking about Dad doesn't distress you.
"It was painful seeing you shut yourself off from the world. Eve and I seemed to be your only contact and I'm glad you see you getting back with some of your other friends again. You seem happier now that you get out and about more."