We met at one of my mother’s favorite restaurants, a quiet place with dark wood furniture and starched linen napkins folded like origami.
She wore navy, her signature color when she wanted to be taken seriously, and ordered a glass of wine before I had a chance to sit down.
« So? » she asked, tilting her head. « Is this a real-life update, Jonathan, or are we just catching up? »
« I’m seeing someone, Mom. »
« What’s she like? » she asked, smiling widely, sharp with interest.
« Anna is a nurse, » I said. « She works nights at a clinic near the hospital. »
In reality, there was no way to impress her.
My mother’s expression didn’t shift, but I saw the spark of approval flicker across her face.
« Smart, brave, I like that in a woman for you, Jonathan. Parents? »
« She has both parents. Mom’s a teacher and her dad is a doctor, but they live in another state. »
