(a continuation from Karen at 50, part 1)
I drove to Mum's in the early evening that day, after Evie and I closed the shop. I saw David pulling away just as I arrived, and we waved at one another.
I knocked on Mum's door. And, like the last time, I had to knock again before she opened the door. Same housecoat and slippers. She had a bit of a flush, and a little grin.
"Hi, Sweetie," Mum said. "You just missed David."
"We waved," I said. "He was helping you out?"
"He was," said my Mum. "Glass of wine?"
"I don't know," I said. "You got a little tipsy last time."
"Oh, no," she said. "I'm just fine."
We sat down, same positions as last time, on opposite sides of the coffee table. There was an open bottle of Chardonnay, and two glasses ... both with wine in them.
"Oh, dear. David must not have finished his wine. Do you mind finishing it up for him?" asked my Mum.
"I don't mind at all," I said, taking the glass and sipping. "I'm happy to see you ply David with the good stuff when he stops by."
"The good stuff!" laughed my Mum. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this evening's visit?"
"Well, I was a little uncomfortable when I left last-time," I said. "I just wanted to me sure that we're OK, you and me. You seemed a little tipsy and forward, in an odd, sexual sort of way. That seemed so unusual for you. So, I wanted to check in. That's all. No big deal."
Mum just smiled at me, and took a sip of Chardonnay. The silence between us lingered, and felt the need to fill it.
"Oh, and I can confirm that some men do indeed like hairy women," I blathered. "I asked David that evening and he confirmed it." I expected her to laugh, but she didn't.
"Did he?" asked Mum. "That was good of him. I guess that means he might like me."
I sighed. "I guess it does, Mum, since he clearly likes you already. Hairiness is just one more point in your favor."
"I have a silly request, sweetie," said my Mum, a bit quietly, and blushing a little.
"What's that, Mum?"
"It's silly, but it's not difficult," Mum said.
"Just ask me, Mum," I said. "If I can do it, I will. I promise."
"I'd like to see you naked."
"WHAT!?" I said, loudly. "What for?"
"I haven't, you see, seen you naked since you were a girl," she said, quietly again, and not meeting my eyes. "Just an old Mum's fancy, I suppose."
"I don't know, Mum," I said. "This seems kind of weird."
"I don't want to DO anything, sweetie," she said, now looking me in the eyes. "I just want to look at you. It's an easy thing for you to do for me, really."
I sighed. Maybe Mum was just losing it. But I'd sort-of already halfway agreed. "If I said OK, how would we do this? Just looking, right?"
"We'll close the curtains and lock the door, and you can undress right here," Mum said, decisively. She walked to the windows, closed the curtains, and turned the dead-bolt on the front door.
"In fact, to make it easier, I'll go first," said my Mum.
"What? Wait!" I cried. "I didn't say yes!"
But I was too late.
Mum stood in the middle of the room. In a quick motion, she kicked off her slippers and pulled off her housecoat.
And there she was.
Naked.
My 75-year-old Mum.
Short, yes. With wild red-gray hair on her head, and a wild tangle the same color between her fat thighs. Her breasts (larger than I expected) sagged (farther than I expected ... to her belly-button, at least). Her tummy sagged.
Her hips were wide (wider than I expected). She smiled, spread her arms wide, and turned slowly around. Her bum was big and broad and round. She came back around to face me.
Still smiling. "What do you think?"
I was stunned. Surprised, both at her action and how I felt about it.
"You look fine, Mum. Really good."
"Old, fat, hairy ... right?"
"Yes, hairy – in a nice way," I said. "And you look good."
"Thank you, and ...?"