Patti had been Mom's friend since grade school. They double-dated in High School, remained close during College, and still lived within a half-mile of each other in their fifties, which I always found strange because they were exact opposites.
Mom was outgoing, boisterous, loud and larger than life. She and Dad were always going to parties, weekend getaways and vacations. Patti was subdued, quiet, laid back, and kind of shy.
Physically, it was the same thing. Mom was a large woman, not fat but big-boned. She loved flashy clothes that high-lighted her good-sized bust with plenty of cleavage. Her jet-black hair was stylish and her make-up perfect. Patti was petite, about 5'3, maybe 100 pounds soaking wet. She wore little make-up and dressed in loose, casual clothes.
All that ended about a year after Patti's husband, Charlie, left her for someone younger, flashier and built like a brick shit house. Patti had been moping around, spending plenty of time at our house, clinging to Mom.
At 52, Mom decided enough was enough and that Patti had to have a make-over. Of course, it wasn't publicized, but after a weekend away together at a Spa, Mom came home with a red-headed, green-eyed hottie in tow. It took us all several minutes to realize it was Patti.
Dad gave the wolf-whistle and my sister Claire began clapping, while I just stood there slack-jawed. Patti, for her part, still seemed shy, but her appearance was such a drastic change that it gave her a confident glow.
Dad was barbequing steaks and Mom poured the wine as we sat around the patio marveling at Patti. After a while, Mom said to me, "Pete, you haven't said anything to Patti. Don't you like her new look?"
I had just been staring, trying to come to grips with the New Patti. Where I had always liked her and we had gotten along, she was always just Mom's friend. Now, with her blouse missing a button or two and the show of flash, I had a new appreciation for her. I wanted to compliment her without overly gushing, and as they all waited for my response, my brain froze.
How could I say how nice she looked without insulting how she looked before? But, I'd always liked her and didn't want to hurt her feelings.
"She looks nice," I finally got out.
"That's it?" Dad asked. "Did you turn gay or something? She looks terrific!"
Patti seemed to blush and simply said, "Thank you, Peter," as she looked away.
The conversation went on and the wine flowed and I felt so badly about my non-comment. The more I looked at Patti, the more attracted to her I became. I knew I had to apologize, but to do it in front of everyone didn't feel right.
At one point, Patti excused herself to use the ladies room. I waited a few minutes, then followed her inside. I waited in the hall, even though there is another bathroom, hoping to run into her. Finally, she came out.
"Oh, Pete, sorry, I didn't know you were waiting," she said, easily, trying to slip by me but I blocked her exit.
"Listen, I'm real sorry," I began, the wine definitely loosening my tongue. I didn't mean you didn't look great. You always look great. I wasn't sure what to say, so I didn't say anything, but you look great. You look hot. You look sexy. You look twenty years younger, really. If Charlie could see you now, he'd never leave you. Hell, I'd never leave you!"
Patti stared at me blankly, then smiled, her old, sort of crooked smile. "Why thank you, Peter! That's the nicest compliment I've gotten all night." She reached up, grabbed my neck and pulled me down to her, then kissed my cheek, while whispering, "That was really special. Thanks." She released me, smiling brightly as she squeezed on by me. "See you outside, Hon."
I went into the bathroom, looking at my cheek in the mirror. Her lipstick left a perfect outline. I hurriedly cleaned it off, afraid someone would see it and get the wrong idea. When I reached in to take a piss, I realized I was semi-erect. Wow.
Back outside, I couldn't stop looking at Patti. I had never felt any attraction other than friendship in all these years, and now I was getting a Woodie. My sister eventually slipped away to go out with her friends, and Dad was exhausted and turned in early, leaving Patti, Mom, and me.
Mom was feeling her oats, too and started in on me. "Pete, now that you've had some time to think, I hope you can say something more supportive to Patti. After all, she came to all your games and award ceremonies..."
Patti put her hand over Mom's. "Bev, that's not necessary. Peter apologized before." She smiled at me. It was the nicest thing anybody has ever said to me. Thanks again, Pete."
I nodded, tongue-tied again.
After a bit, Mom was tired and said so, then added, "Why don't you give Patti a ride home? You don't mind, do you?"
Patti tried to protest, but Mom wouldn't hear of it. "He doesn't mind. He'd just sit up playing video games, anyway."
I was feeling the wines, but Patti's house was a clear shot and I knew I could handle it.
