I smiled at the picture of her and I on my desk. I must’ve been five or six there. One of the rare times she was able to take her only son to Rockefeller Center to see the tree and go ice skating afterwards.
I know now how much she’d struggled to afford that as a single mother alone in one of the toughest cities in the world. And for that and lots more, I spoil her ass every chance I get.
This month it’s South Korea and the next she’ll be on Safari in Kruger national park in South Africa. I usually try to meet up with her on her escapades when I can, but this is my busy season so her best friend, my Godmother, is travelling with her this time around.
I called her even though the hour was early, because I knew once her eyes opened she’d be on the move and I might not have another free minute for the rest of the night.
“Mom how are you? You and aunt Nell behaving yourselves?”
“Where’s the fun in that? Did you get the pictures I sent you?”
“Yes I did, you look like a true Korean Queen. Tony wants to know the name of that thing you’re wearing. I think he’s thinking of getting one for his mom.”
“The hanbok? He’s too late, I already picked one up for her. That boy should know better than that.” It’s true, the two women had been close almost as long as their sons have. The only reason aunt Jess hadn’t joined her this time was because she had a new grandbaby to hog.
She gave me the whole history on the traditional Korean dress and how comfortable it was. And I listened like the obedient son that I am without interruption even though I hadn’t the faintest clue what the hell she was talking about. Points!
“How are you otherwise, is the guide working out?” I’m sure he was, but it never hurts to ask when dealing with my opinionated mother.
“Yes son, don’t worry. He’s just perfect, knows all the best places to visit and the food is just beyond. You have got to come here at least once, you won’t regret it.”
“Maybe next year we’ll go together.” How great is it that we’re having this conversation? Who would
ever have thought that we’d see days like this. Days where I could send my mother on an all expense paid trip around the world with money to spare.
The only pleasure I get these days is in the joy in her voice during one of these conversations. When I think of all she’d gone through to get me here, it makes me want to be a better man. Something she’d striven hard to achieve.
“Hopefully by then I’d have a daughter in law. If you really want to make me happy, how about getting me my first grandchild instead.”
And then there was that. I don’t remember the last conversation we had where she didn’t bring this shit up at least once.
“When are you going to stop singing that song? I told you, I’m too young to settle down.” I sat back in my chair and grinned.
“Who cares how young you are, do you forget I had you at seventeen?”
“I know, but you were way wiser than me. I’m not ready to be a dad momma, what time would I have for the poor kid?” I laughed it off in hopes that she’d drop it.
“Excuses, excuses. I’m gonna pray that you meet the right girl and settle down and stop making me worry. I won’t be around forever you know.”
“Momma, you’re not even fifty yet where are you going? I forbid you to leave me for at least another fifty years.” I hate when she says shit like that, even if she’s just kidding around. I guess you can say I’m a momma’s boy.
“I’ll try my best son, but I’m sure a couple grandkids would help keep me around.” No wonder I’m accused of being tenacious, I came by it honestly.
I let her harangue me for another ten minutes before getting her back on track. I should be safe from her tongue for at least another twenty-four hours.
I made sure she had everything she needed before ringing off and going back to work, smiling to myself at her antics.
No one does manipulation like she does and I’m sure that wasn’t the last I’d heard about her need for grandchildren. Tony’s damn sister had to go and have a kid and now the heat was on for both of us.
She’s been bringing it up more often lately as if she thought time was running out or some shit. Either that or she was afraid of the rumors and dreaded having one of my usual fare for a daughter in law.
Chapter 2
I kept myself busy for the next couple of hours until I got a crick in my neck, and thirst ran me out to the bar when I noticed my mini fridge was out of my favorite bottled water.