All week, I thought about what I would say, how I would say it. We just couldn't do anything like that again. It had gone too far and definitely couldn't go any further. Things were going to be awkward enough as they were now.
Thursday night came and I was dreading going home. I didn't want to face Josh or Nathan. When I got home Nathan and Michelle were in the kitchen fixing dinner, but there was no sign of Josh. Trying to be casual about the situation, I asked, "Where is Josh? You guys are joined at the hip usually."
"He ran out to get some garlic bread. Can't have spaghetti without garlic bread," Nathan replied. I didn't know whether to be relieved or terrified. He will be back soon. Maybe I should just fake a headache and go to bed early. But that wouldn't fix the problem.
I heard a car door shut and knew it was Josh. I didn't turn around as he came in the door. I tried not to look at him. He walked around the kitchen island past me and as he did he brushed his hand against my ass and then squeezed. I immediately tensed up. He couldn't do things like that, especially not with Nathan and Michelle in the room. That was it, I had to put an end to this as soon as I could.
Dinner was finally ready and we all sat down to eat as we had done dozens of times before. We ate and talked about school and what plans they had for the long weekend. Everything seemed normal. I was grateful for that. After we had all finished Josh stood up and announced, "You guys cooked. We will clean up." I had no choice but to help clear the table and go into the kitchen alone with Josh. Nathan and Michelle went into the living room and turned on the television and started playing video games.
I took the dishes I had to the sink, scraping any leftovers into the garbage disposal. Josh came up behind me, standing close, a bit too close, his hand on my ass and whispered, "I haven't been able to stop thinking about you and the other night," he said. I turned to look at him and whispered, "Josh we can't do this. It was wrong. You are so young. I am old enough to be your mother. For God's sake, I am Nathan's mother!"
"Tess, I have been attracted to you for a long time. I want this. I have never wanted anything more than to be with you. Please don't deny what you know you want. I felt it in the way you touched me. Tell me that you don't want it and I will never speak of it again."
I couldn't say it, he was right, I did want it. All I could say was, "It is wrong. We shouldn't." Josh just smiled and turned and walked away. Was it really that easy? Was it resolved? Part of me was relieved but another part of me was saddened. But it was the right thing to do.