"There's my girl," she says as I lean down to hug her so she doesn't have to stand.
"Hi, Mom.You look great."
She waves a hand."You're just saying that because you want dessert.But I feel so much better than the last time I saw you."
"I want dessert regardless, but it is true."
She laughs and opens her menu, and we spend a few minutes discussing the specials.It's been a while since my mom felt well enough to go out to eat, so we are savoring the experience because who knows what tomorrow brings.
Halfway through my pasta, she narrows her eyes at me.
"You're smiling at your phone.Again."
I blink, caught.I quickly set it face down."Just texting a friend."
"The same male friend from the last time?"
"Maybe."
I sigh, cheeks warming."He's just someone I've been talking to.He's out of town for work."
Her brows lift."And does this someone have a name?"
"Gage."
She swirls her drink thoughtfully."I'd like to meet him."
I nearly choke."Mom, no.It's too soon."
"Nonsense.I've learned nothing is too soon when the future is uncertain.If he's worth texting this much, he's worth introducing."
"It's not that simple."
"Why not?"
I hesitate."We've only just started talking.I don't want to put pressure on it.Meeting the family?That's big."
She gives me a knowing look."It's only as big as you make it.And if you like him as much as you clearly do, then what's the harm in letting him see a slice of your life?"
"It's just...we haven't even gone out for coffee yet.We've only seen each other in one specific context."
"Sexual context?"
I groan."Mom."
She grins."Honey, I was your age once.I'm not judging.But a good man is more than just good in bed.I want to see how he looks at you.How he treats you.And if he's serious, then he won't mind meeting your mother."
I sigh, swirling my wine."You're not going to let this go, are you?"
"Not a chance."
"Fine.But if it goes horribly, I'm blaming you."
"I'll take full responsibility."
Later, after I kiss her goodbye and promise to call soon, I sit in my car for a moment, phone in hand.My fingers hover over the keyboard before I type.
Me:My mom caught me texting you again.She wants to meet you.I told her it's too soon, but she said to bring you anyway.No pressure.