Jill regretted letting Beth talk her into going for a drink with her after work. Now, she was stuck in a basement wine bar of a nearby hotel pouring her heart out. Feeling very drunk, Jill was on her fourth glass of wine as her secretary, Beth, continued to grill her, "What is wrong with you? You have been so distracted today."
"Last night, I woke up in a cold sweat worrying about my son. Earlier in he evening, his father had called to belittle me because of how poorly I had raised Vic. After 18 years, he shows up trying to re-connect with his son and Vic rejected him. In spite, the bastard said Vic was socially retarded and shouldn't go away to college. He hasn't seen his son since he was born and now he is offering child rearing guidance."
Jill continued, "I fought back but I had to admit, the bastard was right. I hate him for it. Vic is so shy and awkward. It was my fault because I was responsible for his life and messed it up. After my ex pointed it out, it was so obvious. The raw shock of realizing I had mistreated him kept me awake all night. Beth, worst of all, I forgot his birthday was last Tuesday. What kind of mother forgets her child's birthday?"
"Make it up to him and stop worrying. He'll be fine."
"I would do anything to make it up to him but when I went into his room this morning to apologize, he was already gone."
"Lighten up. You need to get out more and start worrying about yourself instead of Vic. Why aren't you dating anybody? You look like Zooey Deschanel and are the hottest woman in this bar but three guys hit on you tonight and you didn't give them a second thought. What is up? Those guys were so hot, that if they asked me, I would have fucked them in the bathroom without knowing their names but you didn't even bat an eyelash. And you know what, I have worked for you for five years and you never had a boyfriend. What gives, Jill?"
"I am too old for these guys and I am a single mother that needs to take care of her son. I don't have time for dating."
"I call bullshit. First, these young guys would love to sleep with you because you are in better shape than any woman in this bar. Sexier too. Second, your son is going away to college in the spring so he doesn't need you. Anyway, you never spent any time with him while he grew up because you are always at work. Face it, you are a workaholic. At least your son can go to a good college because of it. So, since it cannot be your son or how you look, I'll bet your gay."
Jill ignored Beth's drunken tease and said, "Beth, I'm worried about Vic. I don't know how I missed it but Vic needs serious help. He is so introverted and socially inept. He doesn't talk to girls and spends most of his free time in front of his computer when he isn't out running. I'm worried he will not make it in college and become an outcast. He will be so far away and will not be able to help him."
"Don't worry, Jill. You have a good-looking boy and he will grow out of it. He was a long distance runner in school so he spent most of his time alone so he is a little shy. It's no big deal. He just needs to meet the right woman. If I was his age, I would do him in heart beat."
Ignoring the sudden mental picture of her son in bed with Beth, Jill responded, "I don't think he will grow out of it. When his father left me and disappeared, I was 17. I had to start a career with a new born baby and no education so I left him with my mother while I tried to go to school and make a living."
Jill continued, "My mother barely spoke to me when I was child so it must have been worse for Vic. It took another 13 years before Vic could finally live with me. But even then, between my late hours at work and commuting, I still left Vic alone too much without any support or guidance. I should have stayed home with him."
With a drunken smile, Beth responded, "You worry too much. Get him hooker. That should take care of what he needs. While you are at it, get one for yourself."
Jill smiled back, "You are so bad. I don't know why I haven't fired you."
***
The cab dropped Jill off at her home very late and she tried to be quiet as she wobbled in the front door while carrying her shoes. Still very intoxicated, she was afraid of stumbling in the dark and tiptoed through the dark house. Too much wine always made her a helpless lush.
After setting down her keys and purse, she started to go through the mail and then walked back to her bedroom. On the way, Jill noticed Vic's door was ajar and the light was still on so she went in to say goodnight to him. When she entered his room, Vic was lying in his bed but scrambled to cover himself. Jill laughed and said, "I have seen all of your bits and pieces before so don't get so frantic."
After a warm and friendly evening of red wine, Jill wanted to share her peaceful glow of affection with her son. Playfully, Jill pushed Vic over and sat on the edge of his small bed, "I saw your light was still on and wanted to say goodnight. What did you do tonight?"
Acting annoyed that she was there, Vic responded, "Nothing."
Slightly wounded by his brisk dismissal, Jill replied, "Baby, I am so sorry that I forgot your birthday last week. I promise to make it up to you."
Vic retorted without attempting to reconcile, "Don't worry about it. It's no big deal. "
Jill reached out and softly ran her hand along Vic's jaw line as she stated, "You should be out dating some girl. You are so handsome and I know Sasha from across the street would love to go out with you. Are you dating anybody?"
Exasperated, Vic responded, "Thanks mom, but I am not interested in anybody right now."
Looking around his room, Jill mentioned, "I have somebody painting your bedroom tomorrow so you will need to pull all of your computer stuff away from the wall. Okay?"
"I'll do it tomorrow."
As she thought about the colors for the room, Jill noticed the lotion on the nightstand and said to Vic, "Let me help you since your skin is always so dry."
Vic refused, "Mom, No. Its alright."