Unexpected

My mother shrugged. "The only thing we'd need to go back to the house for is to drop off your bag unless you want to change."

I nodded and changed lanes. Instead of turning right to head back to the house, I turned left heading for downtown. It wasn't long before I had us pulling in at the mall.

She glanced over at me and raised an eyebrow. "The mall? What are we sixteen?"

I laughed. "Yes, the mall," I replied, pulling into a parking spot. "No we're not sixteen, but the best theatre in town is here, and the food court has good eats. And not far from here there are some great bars and clubs."

"Oh," Ang replied, somewhat sheepishly.

I just smiled at her, before raising her hand to kiss it again. I climbed out of the car and strode around to open her door for her. She stepped out of the car, and in the confined space between the cars, she stood right in front of me so the door could close. She looked up into my face with a little smile.

My heart fluttered from the look in her eyes. I knew she was my mother, but the look in her eyes was not motherly. The closest look I ever received from another woman before was from my ex-wife. It was the look my ex gave me when she was in an amorous mood. I didn't know what was happening between my mother and I. Nothing like this had ever been the case before. We'd often teased each other in the way siblings usually did. Yes, she was ten years older than me, but that was the kind of relationship we had.

I had the overwhelming urge to lower my head and kiss her. I knew that would be wrong on so many levels. Not only was Ang my mother and pseudo-sibling, but she was also in a vulnerable spot, having been rejected by her only long-term companion.

I cleared my throat and stepped back. After an awkward moment, I smiled at her and offered her my arm. She returned my smile and looped her arm through mine.

We walked arm in arm into the mall, and I directed us right to the theatre.

I led my mother through the lines and she picked out the movie, and snacks, with me paying for it all. Honestly, I didn't care what we watched. It was simply nice to have a beautiful woman on my arm again. She was drawing the eyes of all the males of the species in the building, and I could sense the jealousy radiating from them. It was a feeling like none other. My ex had been good-looking, but not in the same way. Liz could never command the room with her beauty the way Ang does. It was certainly a boost to my male ego.

In the theatre, I led us to the back. We managed to get the centre seats in the back row. Ang cuddled into me, and I wrapped my arm around her.

Despite the shitty weekend for the both of us, this was quickly starting to feel like a date. We both had our eyes trained on the screen as the pre-show and trailers played.

While waiting for the movie to start, I thought about what was happening between my mother and myself. I was confused about what I was feeling. I certainly wasn't feeling familial towards her.

Even then I could feel her body leaning into mine. Though there was the arm of the seat between us, she was leaning in such a way that I could feel the swell of her breast pressing into me. Despite the wrongness of it, I loved her, and I loved the feelings she evoked in me. The conflict in my mind raged, but I was willing to see where things went.

As the movie started the lights were dimmed to almost nothing; only the small lights on the stairs were left on.

Ang had picked some rom-com. It wasn't necessarily something I would have chosen if I were the one picking, but it held my interest. I'd even go so far as to say it was good... at least the part of it I could remember.

Just as the first steamy scene between the male and female leads began, I lost track of everything other than my mother's hand. Casually, without looking away from the big screen, her hand settled midway on my thigh.

There was nothing overtly sexual about the movement, or placement of her hand. As I stared down at her, it looked as though she was simply placing her arm in a more comfortable/natural position. The slight smirk on her lips, however, made me question it.

I tried to turn my attention back to the screen, but the slight movements caused by her breathing, scratching an itch, etc. made her hand move up my leg ever so slightly. This didn't happen quickly, but the heat from her hand, and its proximity to my gonads, kept my focus there and not on the movie. Sure I saw what was happening on the screen, but don't ask me to tell you what it was. It was all just moving colours to me.

By the time the movie ended, her hand was mere millimetres from brushing up against something a mother shouldn't be brushing her hand against. Only through sheer willpower was I able to keep my member from inflating and closing the distance with her hand.

As the credits began to roll, and the lights came up, Ang sat up straight and stretched. In the process, her hand closed the distance, and I swear she grabbed my package for the briefest of moments. As soon as her hand made contact, I shuddered. It was as though an electric shock passed between us.

I looked down at her with my eyes wide.

She smiled but chose to ignore what happened, when she asked, "That was a good movie. I don't know about you, but I'm hungry. How about we go find something to eat?"

I gave my head a shake to try and clear it. "Um, yeah. Sure."

We left the theatre with the stream of other moviegoers and made our way to the food court.

***

Ang

I was shocked at myself. I'd grabbed my son's junk! I'd never done anything like that before. Not with Julius, or any of the handful of other boys and men I'd dated in my forty years. And what's more, he didn't freak out!

I truly couldn't explain the things I was feeling for the man to whose arm I was attached. Yes, he was my son, but he was also the only man who I knew, without doubt, loved me.

My father claimed to have loved me but resented me for what happened. That resentment brought into question his love more than once.

The love I was feeling for my son was growing. Though I can't explain it, I wanted to show my love physically.

After the movie, Rick led me to the food court, advised me where not to get food and made a recommendation. I followed his advice and he didn't steer me wrong. When we picked a table I sat right beside him and leaned into him. I couldn't bring myself to be separated even for the length of a meal.

While we ate we caught up. I knew because of my, now, ex-boyfriend, Rick had stayed away. We'd rarely seen each other in the past few years.

He spoke about how his work was going, and how he'd become the HR manager at the lumber centre a little more than a year ago.

I told him how not much had changed for me. Rick and I both laughed at that statement.

Once we settled down and finished eating Rick asked, "So, what do you want to do now?"

I leaned my head on his shoulder. "Can we go dancing? You said there were clubs around here right?"

He nodded. "We can absolutely go dancing, though instead of a club, there's a bar not far from here that has a small dance floor and live band. Most of the clubs have the newer electro kinda music, and draw a younger crowd."

I agreed with his assessment, but knew I couldn't let this opportunity pass. I schooled my features and pulled away from him, glowering in his direction. "Are you implying that I'm old? Just because I gave birth to you doesn't mean I'm ancient you know!"

Rick stammered at me, with wide eyes. "No! Of course, you're--"

I couldn't hold it in and burst out laughing. "Oh, my gawd! You should see your face!"

He smiled, and after a moment began to laugh with me.

"Ang, you're evil sometimes. Did you know that?"

I gave him another smirk, and leaned in and kissed his cheek. "I guess you'll have to wait and see how evil I am later then."

With those words, I cleaned up my tray and stood, walking to dump my garbage; Rick right behind me.

Arm in arm, we walked out of the mall and a few blocks through the humid evening air to the bar.

***

Rick

The walk to the bar was pleasant, despite the heat. Ang and I continued to catch up. Once there, it didn't take long to find a table and get some drinks. The band was playing mostly country music; it wasn't my favourite genre but it was great for dancing.

Once the waitress delivered our drinks, and we both partook, I looked at my mother. "Care to dance?"

She smiled at me, "I thought you'd never ask."

Holding her hand I led her onto the dance floor with the handful of other couples. I didn't get the opportunity to go dancing often, but I enjoyed it. Before my prom, grandma and mom were the ones to teach me how to dance. Actually, it may have been grandma teaching both mom and me how to dance. Grandma instructed me, and I danced with my mother. Taking Ang in my arms again, brought back those fond memories.

"What are you smirking about, mister?"

I smiled down at her. "Just thinking about when you and grandma taught me how to dance."

The smile grew on her face, but then her expression became sad. She leaned her head on my shoulder. "Those were good times."

I nodded my agreement. "Yes, they were. So, why the long face?"

Ang looked up at me again and gave me a weak smile. "I just miss mom and dad. Going to their funeral was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do."

I couldn't disagree with my mother and held her a little closer.

As the song came to an end, the band seamlessly flowed into the next, which happened to be more upbeat and have a faster tempo. Using the change as a transition from the melancholy we were feeling, I grinned down at her. "Are you ready to dance?"

Ang smiled, and I could see the spark in her eyes.

I stepped us out on the next beat and spun her out, before pulling her back. Then we really began to move with the music.

As I completed the manoeuvre there were some catcalls and whistles from the other dancers and patrons, and even one of the band members commented. The band kept the music upbeat and fast.

We danced to three more songs before returning to our table. I downed half of my beer in one go. Swinging around the dance floor with a beautiful woman in my arms was exhilarating.

When I looked at my mother, she was looking back at me over her beer glass. Her face was flushed and had a loving expression in her eyes.

She set her glass down and leaned in and kissed me on the corner of my mouth.

Though her lips were cold from her beverage, I could only feel heat where her lips touched, and I leaned into her kiss.

We didn't say anything during our break, simply sharing several deep glances, and watching the crowd. After another song, the band announced they were going to slow the pace. I looked over at my date and offered her my hand.

Her smile widened, and I led her onto the dance floor again.

The lead singer of the band smiled when he saw us coming out onto the floor, and leaned back and spoke quietly to the other band members. When he turned back as the music began to play he announced, while looking right at Ang and I, "This is for all the love birds out there." Immediately breaking into the song, "♪Hey pretty girl, won't you look my way?♪"

I nodded my head in acknowledgement to the singer, and he gave a nod back.

Pulling my mother close, we swayed to the music. Ang laid her head on my chest.

Though not the most common song on the radio, it was one that I knew. I'd always thought it was a sappy song, but listening to the music, with Ang in my arms, the lyrics took on new meaning. I don't know why, but I could see the ballad unfold. I could see Ang and I, in my mind's eye, fulfilling the lyrics.

I began to sing along quietly.

When I started to sing, Ang held me closer yet, moulding her body to mine. She slid her leg between mine. I held her and enjoyed the feeling. Simply singing the love song to my mother.

As the song came to an end, she looked up at me and had tears in her eyes. I was worried for a moment, but she raised her left arm to the back of my head and pulled me down.

We shared a kiss that not too many mothers and sons will have shared. It wasn't tonsil hockey or something that should be kept in private, but it was full of love and passion.

When Ang pulled back we were both breathing hard, and I wanted more. I never wanted the kiss to end.

Though there were still tears in her eyes, there was a smile on her face.

"I love you, Rick."

I leaned in and kissed her again. "I love you too, Ang."

I noticed that the band was halfway through the next song, and I led Ang back to the table.

In the few steps it took us to get back to the table, I began to question my feelings, and what was going on. I mean, I can't date my mother. I can't, as the song says, build a life and dreams and have a family with my mother. Can I?

Once we were seated side by side again, I asked, "Ang-- Mom, what's--"

She cut me off, by putting her hand up to my lips. "Shh, don't question it. Not tonight. Rick, I have my doubts too, but I want this. We can talk about it some other time. For now, let's just enjoy ourselves in the moment."

I stared into her green eyes, expressive as ever. I could see the sincerity and love she had for me there. I knew she was telling me the truth, that she did want whatever it was that was happening between us.

I nodded, smiled, leaned in and kissed her again.

We stayed at the bar for another hour, continuing to dance. Whenever the band played a love song, which was often, I did my best to sing along, to sing to my mother.

As we danced, we shared more kisses, and we pressed our bodies together. Ang ground her pelvis against me and rubbed herself against my groin. I knew she could feel how hard this was all making me, but I didn't care.

When we finally left, I wrapped my arm around her shoulder, and she had her arm around my waist. We walked like that back to the mall and collected the car.

I opened the car door for her, which earned me another kiss.

All the way home we were silent. Simply enjoying each other's presence. I knew I hadn't felt this way about anyone in a long time. Not since the early part of my failed marriage. Not with any of the few women I'd dated before my ex-wife, and none after.

Feeling this now with my mother was confusing, but at the same time, it made me realize how lonely I was. How much I craved this feeling of love and closeness.

***

Ang

Everything, since I'd picked Rick up from work, had been complete and utter perfection. Being able to be with him on a date. Watching that movie, distracting him completely with my hand on his thigh, and then grabbing his package.

Going to the bar dancing was more fun than I'd had in a long time. It was also the most intimate I'd been with someone.

Sitting beside Rick in the car now, with his hand in mine, I couldn't wait to get back to the house. Though I wasn't sure if I couldn't wait because of how this evening was going, or because of the surprise I had in store for Rick.

Rick parked the car in the driveway, before giving me a loving look, which held more than a little lust. I quivered at the intensity of his gaze.

I waited patiently as Rick came around and opened my door. He offered me his hand to help me out, which I accepted.

We shared another look before turning for the house.

My attention had been completely on my son. In the back of my mind, I knew that there were other people on the street. A few doors down there were a few people on the porch swing of their house talking. A cab was parked across the street, and as we moved toward the house, someone climbed out.

As I said my attention was focused solely on Rick. That is until I heard him.

"BITCH! Don't walk away from me!"

I could feel the blood drain from my face, and I clung to Rick's arm.

As one, Rick and I turned. Rick stayed protectively in front of me.

Julius was marching toward us with his fists balled. His face was completely red, and he was breathing hard.

"You think you can take what's mine?" he raged. "Where the FUCK is my car?"

As soon as Julius stepped onto Rick's property, Rick gently disengaged himself from me and stepped between my ex and I.

"Julius, you leave here now, and I'll forget how you've been treating Ang," Rick said in a calm, clear, baritone voice loud enough to be heard by anyone outside and on the street.

Julius' attention shifted from me to Rick, and I could see a moment of indecision. His momentum, however, carried him forward. Now Julius was only two steps away from Rick.

"Last chance!" Rick warned.

"I'm going to kill you, and then her!"

***

Rick

The small man stepped closer, and made his threat. I finally had the legal justification needed to do something.

I let Julius take that final step before I lunged. I threw all of my 220 pounds into the tackle. I could see the surprise on his face, as he suddenly reversed course, and landed on the ground with me on top of him.

As soon as we were on the ground I grabbed his wrists and controlled his arms. I could hear people yelling, and sirens approaching. I could also smell the alcohol on his breath.

He struggled against me, all the while spouting profanities. He got a couple of kicks in until I managed to shift so he couldn't reach me. His arms, however, were mine. My hands encircled his wrists completely. I simply made a ring out of my fingers and thumbs, and he couldn't pull his hands out. I didn't have to grip the arm itself.

"Julius Peppers, I am placing you under citizen's arrest, for uttering threats, and attempted assault!" I said loudly, so the people running this way could hear me. "Now quit struggling and shut the fuck up!"

He seemed to get the picture as soon after, he fell silent, and stopped moving.

Looking over my shoulder, I could see my elderly neighbour, Ms. Adry, comforting Ang. She was a kind old lady, and I'd helped her with a few things since her husband passed.

"Ang, call Steven. He needs to know about this right away."

My mother nodded and pulled out her phone.

The next hour was a blur. The police arrived and officially arrested Julius. I was also put in cuffs, but after taking statements from half the neighbourhood, I was released. As soon as the cuffs were off, Ang ran into my arms and started sobbing.

I simply held her, doing what I could to comfort her.

Finally, the police finished their investigation, and the people dispersed.

Before heading back into her house, Ms. Adry came over and patted my arm, and then my mother's back. "There, there, dear. It's all over now, and you have your new man to protect you." She turned to me. "That was very brave Rick. You make sure you take care of this one. She really loves you."

I couldn't help but smile, at her assumption. "Thank you, Ms. Adry. I'll be sure to do that. Thank you for your help tonight too."

The old woman smiled and waved as she turned for her house.

I guided Ang up to the house, and finally, we made it inside, though the mood now was completely different from what it had been when we pulled into the driveway.

Once the door was closed, Ang turned and came into my arms again. She wrapped her arms around my body.

"Thank you," she whispered.

I hugged her close. "Ang, I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. Always. I love you."

The words were simple but very true. I said them with as much feeling as I could. I wanted her to know the truth of my statement.

"Rick, take me to bed and hold me."

Without another word, or even turning on a light, I picked her up, like I had that first night, and carried Ang to my room. I set her down on her feet and pulled the blankets back. When I turned back to Ang, I could just see she was unbuttoning her shirt in the moonlight coming through the window.