After a quick change into pants and trousers, I gave mum a quick kiss and headed out to meet Geoff at our neutral 'discussion seat'.
He was already there when I arrived and he stood up as I approached.
There was a moments silence as we both sat there, unsure as to how to begin what was obviously going to be a very strange discussion. I took a deep breath and decided to make a start.
"Two nights ago we sat on this bench and talked about concerns we both had about escorting our mothers to a dance. After some discussion, it emerged that the reason for your concern about this 'date' was that you fancied my mother and were worried that after a couple of drinks, you might say or do something that would let her know how you felt about her."
"Yes. I know all that," said Geoff, "But . . . . . "
"There you go with that 'But' again," I said, "Stop interrupting and listen. News Flash! Claire told me last night that they have known you had this 'thing' about Marie for over a year and she had been dropping hints that an approach might be 'favourably received' since we finished our 'A' Levels."
"I just thought she was being extra nice and supportive through the exam's. She must think I'm a right dumbo," said Geoff.
"Don't take it too hard mate," I said, "Claire had been dropping hints to me as well and I thought she was just teasing me again, so I'm no better. Now we know that last night was a 'set up' by them to get us to make a move on them and to take them to bed. A strategy which I think you will agree was, shall we say, quite successful."
"Think about it, it was your mum who laid down the rules at the start of the evening," I continued. "No 'Mum' or 'Mrs' they were Claire and Marie. She was the one who split us into 'couples' for the evening, putting you with Marie and me with her. She then suspended the normal 'mother and son' relationship, referred to the evening as a 'date', stressed that 'a gentleman doesn't kiss and tell' and hinted that some 'discretion' might be required. She even used the American phrase 'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas'. I'm telling you now mate, I was 'bricking it' but by then there was nowhere to run to."
"You were 'bricking it'?" Geoff gasped, "I thought I was going to be sick I was so scared. You looked so calm and I thought I was the only one who put that interpretation on what mum said."
"When you think about it, how much of an objection did Marie make when Claire made those rules? I think they had already been agreed between them, my mum had to be as much 'in on it' as yours was. There has now been a further 'development' and it looks as if the 'mother and son' thing is suspended indefinitely," I said. "At some point before breakfast our mothers decided it would be fun for us to swap partners. Before you say anything, yes, I do know what that would mean. Marie told me about this idea less than an hour ago and she's made it plain that although she is worried about what you might think, she is 'in favour' of giving this a try. I know this takes what happened last night to a whole new level, and obviously if we do this, it has to be kept strictly between us four. I understand from Marie that Claire has probably already suggested this to you, so now I need to know what you want to do. It's clear that the ladies are ready and willing to take this step, so really it is up to us now. Are you up for it or not?"
There was a moments silence and then Geoff said, "They are still our mothers Mark, if we do this how far do you think we should go?"
I thought for a moment how to put this and then I said, "From what I understand, the idea is for them to 'check out' what the other one experienced last night. That can only mean they expect and want us to go all the way. I would take Marie to bed and you would do the same with Claire. What they appear to want is a repeat of last night, but with a change of partners. I think it would be better if we stick with last night's rules regarding names, to make this a bit easier to talk about. Marie said it would be a 'one time only' swap, but if they both enjoy tonight as much as it seems they did last night, it's quite possible it could happen again."
"You know how I feel about Claire and I know how you feel about Marie, so the big question is, do you want to sleep with Claire tonight, knowing that I'm sleeping with Marie? The ladies are obviously up for it, so it's all up to us now. The alternative is for you to go to my house while I cross the road and spend another night with Claire. I'm game to go with either plan, so it's up to you."
Geoff was quiet for some moments, considering what to do, then he said, "If it's what they want let's do it."
"It means we go all the way and there are no future recriminations Geoff," I said.
"All the way and no recriminations," he replied.
We shook hands and I said "We'll pick you up at around 11 tomorrow then and it's off to a week of sun, sea sangria and sex."
I must admit to a moment's apprehension as I watched him cross the road to spend the night with the woman of my dreams, but as I was going to spend the night with the woman of his dreams, I shook off the feeling.
As I walked home I put my hands in my pockets. My fingers felt a piece of paper and I took it out to see what it was. It was a piece of hotel notepaper from 'The Castle Hotel' and on it was written 'Sarah' and a mobile phone number.
I remembered it had been slipped into my pocket as we waited for our mothers to collect their coats by the woman who had been eyeing me up all evening.
Taking out my mobile I dialled the number.
After about 6 or 7 rings a female voice answered with a simple, "Hello."
"Is that Sarah?" I asked.
"Yes it is," came the reply.
"My name is Mark," I said, "We almost met last night at 'The Castle Hotel', but, shall we just say it wasn't 'convenient' for either of us at the time. Is it convenient to talk at the moment?"
Her gasp was audible. "Oh God," she said, "Yes I can. I didn't really expect you to ring."
"It wouldn't have been polite of me to ignore your note, I said. "The gentlemen you were with last night appeared more interested in drinking than dancing. Can I assume you were with your husband's?"
"Yes we were," She replied. "My friend and I like to dance, but our husbands would rather prop up the bar. That's where he is now so I can talk, he won't be back for a while. I thought your friend was getting on quite well with his partner last night, but you appeared to be having less success with yours."
I laughed. "Last night wasn't quite a 'blind date' for me, but the signals I was getting from her were very 'mixed'. I did have a very nice evening though, but when you saw us I wasn't sure how things would turn out. Let's say my friend was on a much firmer footing with his partner than I was with mine."
"Do you think they got it together later then?" Sarah asked.
"When I dropped them off it certainly looked as if something was going to happen for them," I said, "But I haven't seen him today so I don't know for sure. The reason I phoned tonight is that I am going away for a week in the morning and I didn't want you to think I was ignoring your invitation to phone you. Will it be alright if I ring you after next weekend? Perhaps we can arrange a time and place where we can meet up then."
There was a nervous giggle from the other end of the phone, and then she said, "I'll look forward to it Mark. I volunteer in a charity shop on Mondays and Wednesdays but you can ring any time during the day. I am also alone at home most evenings."
Hanging up I walked home with a spring in my step. It looked as if I had just set myself up with another lonely mature lady who needed a 'partner' for that age old 'dance between the sheets'.
Back at home there was just the up lighter on in the lounge downstairs, the TV was still turned off and there was no sign of Mum. Locking up I turned out the up lighter and made my way upstairs. Mums bedroom door was ajar and her bedside light was on.
Entering the bedroom I saw Marie was already in bed with the covers pulled up almost to her chin. I went to her and, bending down placed a kiss on her lips. I could feel that she was shaking so I gently stroked her hair. "Are you still alright with this mum," I asked her. She didn't speak, just nodded and drew back the covers on 'Dads side' of the bed, making the invitation to join her plain.