Mindy’s cellphone rang, it was her mother’s number. She answered, “Hi mom.”
“Hello sweetie. How are things at home?”
“Just fine. So when are you coming home?”
“Mindy I will be home next week honey. I promise. So how is Rick?”
“He’s fine too.” She thought about asking her mother did she call and wish Rick a happy birthday but she didn’t. She should know to call him. “Rick hired me to work in his shop. So don’t worry about having to buy me a car, mom”
“I wasn’t worried a bit. I already decided that you were going to buy the car yourself. I mean Mindy I’m not trying to be mean to you, sweetie. But you have to put in the effort if you want good things in life.”
Mindy rolled her eyes, “I know, mom.”
“You have to take things in life as well. If you see it and you want it then you take it! And you take it by earning it.”
Mindy rolled her eyes again, she’s heard the brain washing lecture way too many times.
“Just take me for example I have earned my success, sweetie.”
“Okay mom, I get it.”
“Well good. I love you, Mindy and I should be home next Saturday.”
Mindy started humming the tune of; “Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin.
“Stop that Mindy, this instant!” her mom snapped.
“Why should I? Are you feeling guilty, mommy?”
There was silence on her mom’s end but then she thought she heard some whisper “Hang up baby.” It was a man’s voice.
“Stop it, Robert.” she heard her mother whisper back followed by a little giggle.
“I gotta go mom.” with that she ended the call. Her dear mother was cheating on her stepfather and most likely it was with that soy boy secretary of hers. Robert Deny. Mindy’s met the nerdy looking guy on a few occasions. He was way younger than Rick and she knew her mom certainly liked the younger guys. The bitch!
The front door suddenly opened and Rick stepped in. He saw her and the way she was dressed and his mouth dropped. “Holy shit! You did dress up, didn’t you?” he smiled.
“I told you I would.”
“But why dress up?”
“It’s your birthday, Rick.” she took his hand and guided him into the dining room.
“I know its my birthday, but you didn’t have…”
“Oh hush Rick.” she said cutting him off. She walked over and took his hand and led him into the dining room. “I have another surprise for you too.”
“Wow! Is that your mom’s fancy china?”
“It certainly is and it’s part of your birthday dinner.” She pulled the chair out for him. “Now sit down. I’ve fixed a pot roast for you. It’s my first time fixing a pot roast so I had to use my mom’s recipe to get started. But I changed it up just a little and added my own variation.” she said looking just a little nervous.
Rick smiled and sat down, “I’m sure it’s going to be wonderful, Mindy.”
She smiled and picked up his plate and hurried into the kitchen and scooped a good portion on roast onto his plate along with all the fixings. Then she brought it back and placed it in front of him. Rick took a bite and rolled his eyes and gave a satisfying moan.
Mindy looked at him with anticipation.
“Oh my god this is sooo good, Mindy!”
Mindy smiled at his praise and picked up her plate and went to the kitchen. But she fixed herself a smaller portion. Then she went back to the dinning room and sat down in her mother’s spot at the end of the table.