Free Strawberry Wine by Kristy Phillips

thanks to the “business casual” description on the invitation for his not having to wear a tie. His mother, Mary, came up behind him, beaming.
    “Oh Jason, you’re so handsome.”
    “You look amazing yourself, Mom. I’m sorry Dad has to miss your big night.”
    Mary waved away the thought. “He gets so bored at these things anyway. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was planning another accident to coincide with next year’s art show. Besides, it’s not every day that a mother gets to go on a date with her son.”
    Jason gave her a hug. “I’m glad I get to be your escort.”
    She returned the hug, enjoying this quiet moment with her grown son. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get you another ticket. My goodness, you’d think it was some hoity-toity event, instead of our silly little Garden Club show.”
    Jason was disappointed that he wasn’t able to get a hold of another ticket too. He had wanted to invite Alli to the show. She had been so enthusiastic yesterday afternoon when they dropped off his mother’s paintings. He really thought she would have enjoyed the show.
    Mary watched him closely in the mirror. “Who was it that you wanted to bring? Anyone I know” She was excited to have her son home again, especially after thinking him lost to her forever when he had taken that teaching job in the city fresh out of school. If he had any romantic prospects here in town, it was yet another reason for him to stay, in addition to the new teaching job he had just landed.
    Jason smiled at his mother’s reflection in the mirror. He could see her curiosity eating away at her under her practiced look of polite interest.
    “Actually yes, you do know her. I was hoping to invite the neighbor girl. Alli.”
    Mary’s brow knit slightly in thought. “You mean Evelyn’s granddaughter? Isn’t she a bit young to be associating with? I thought she was still in high school.”
    Jason shook his head reassuringly. “No, you’re thinking of her sister, Margot. Alli’s nineteen.”
    Mary’s expression relaxed in relief. “Oh, that’s right. Those girls look so much alike I always get them confused.” Mary grabbed her clutch off a side table, then paused. “She is quite a lovely creature, isn’t she.”
    Jason knew where this conversation was leading. “Yes, mom, she’s a ‘lovely creature’. She also happens to have a real appreciation for your work, so I thought it would have been a nice gesture to invite her to the show. That’s all .”
    Mary had a twinkle in her eye. “I see. And when was it that she saw my paintings?”
    “She came with me to drop them off at the venue-” Mary flashed a triumphant look. Jason realized his slip immediately.
    “Well, how nice of her to help you out. I know those canvasses can be quite heavy to lift. You’re lucky we live next door to such a strong, muscular, art enthusiast.”
    Jason inclined his head in defeat. His mother was on to him. Now that Alli was on her radar, she would pester him relentlessly until he agreed to bring her around to be gawked at and made to feel uncomfortable. He stared pointedly at his mom. “Please don’t make a big deal out of this. I barely know her.”
    Mary raised her brows, feigning innocence. “What did I say?”
    “I’m not kidding, mom. She’s just a friendly neighbor that happens to have an interest in the arts. Don’t make any more of it than it is.”
    Mary pursed her lips. “Who’s making anything out of anything? If you’re as disinterested as you say, you wont mind my inviting Evelyn and her family over for dinner...”
    “Mom. We’re going to be late.”
    Mary chuckled at her son’s chagrin and followed him out to the car.

 
     
     
     
    Alli double checked the address above the door, but she was confident she had the right place. This was clearly an art gallery.
    A quiet tone hummed as she opened the heavy glass door. A cute, pixie-like young woman around Alli’s age looked up from a glossy magazine. She was