After work, I drove across the Bay Bridge toward Piedmont in Oakland. Even with a touch of traffic, I felt like I made it there in record time. I was one hour early. We were supposed to meet at 7. I got to Fenton’s at 6.
I called. “Hey, I’m here already. Take your time. I’ll just read a book or something.” Instead I started tasting the ice-cream flavors. Butterfinger, Cookies and Cream, Caramel Cream Almond Crunch. My date walked in. I had a taster spoon in my mouth. I waved.
She kissed me on the cheek and gave me a hug. “Hi Honey.”
I took the spoon out of my mouth. “Hi Mom! Is Dad parking?”
She smiled. “Right in the parking lot!”
“Wow, you go. I had to park a few blocks away. Can you tell the greeter we’re here? The whole party has to be here. I want to taste one more flavor.”
The greeter asked, “It’s just the three of you? Any kids joining?”
My mom laughed. “This is our kid. She’s our baby.”
I had a great date tonight with my parents! It was really fun. Just me and the folks. We talked about the Kentucky Derby, what’s going on in financial services, politics, Dominic, how my aunt and uncle who’ve been married for over twenty years have shocked the family…they’re getting divorced. They’re the cutest, lovey-dovey couple, three kids, and apparently my aunt walked out on him. I’m telling you, it’s the people you least expect.
I rarely get to hang out with my parents one-on-one. Or I guess that’s two-on-one. I really enjoyed it. My dad got a burger. My mom actually ate all of her fish sandwich (she gets fully easily). I got fish and chips. And we all got our own heaping scoops of ice-cream for dessert.
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