Joneses – 5.2 India’s Old Man

The next day, India woke up around 1:00 to get ready for work. She was very surprised to see Matthias at her door. When she said ’not if I see you first,’ she had hoped he took it to mean she’ll be the one to make contact next time. “Matt?” She was still in her pajamas.

“Good morning, sunshine.”

She grimaced. “I was just getting ready to shower and eat.”

“Don’t let me disturb you then.”

He followed her inside. While showered, he grabbed a plate of leftover fish tacos and set it out for her. She was pleasantly surprised to see her lunch waiting for her on the bar. “Thank you.”

Despite the fact he had never been inside her house before, the comfort and ease he felt with her seemed to spill over into her home. He didn’t think she would mind if he did a little cleaning.

(sigh) He’s so wonderful. It would be nice to have him around all the time…

But, the thing is, he’d be around ALL the time. I’m not sure if I want to share my space with someone again…

I just wish he’d leave me alone long enough to think about it!

“Sweet plum juice, you’re beautiful. We would look great on holiday cards.”

“Darling? What’s the matter? What have I said?”

“Matthias…I do love you. But when I say I need time to think about it, I mean it! You can’t keep showing up and asking me out to make sure I’m thinking or even persuade an answer from me! I need the space and the time to think! And, I still need to talk to my son about us! When I have arrived at a decision, you will be the first to know, but until then, please stop pressing me!”

“Oh dear. I am truly sorry. I am! I didn’t know I made you feel that way. I just miss you so much when we’re apart. I’ll give you some space…and the time. Take all the time you need.”

“Thank you, Matt. That’s all I really want. I’m glad you understand.”

“Of course I do. Come here, my love. I am sorry, truly.”

He held her like he never held her before. She could feel the sincerity of his apology, and it made her feel safe…and a wee bit frisky…

“Hey…I know I said I need space, but you wanna help me think about it before Lester gets home?”

“India! You tigress!”

They proceeded to India’s room for a quick afternoon romp. But, Matthias was young at heart and in good health. Their afternoon adventure between the sheets went on a lot longer than both of them had anticipated. Shortly after 3:00, Lester came home. Oddly enough, he was looking for his mother—which was rare. He waltzed into the room and…

“OH WATCHER! OH WATCHER! MOM WHAT THE HECK?!”

“LESTER?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN HERE?”

Lester ran into the bathroom; he thought he might puke. India and Matthias were scrambling to put their clothes back on while she simultaneously sent him home. When Lester was done trying to make himself puke, he went to his room and began playing the violin for the first time in months. Somehow he thought the purity of the beautiful stringed instrument would clear his eyes of what he had just seen.

India ran in the room and attempted to placate him. “Lester! Honey, I’m sorry! I’ve been meaning to talk to you about this, but—

“He’s old, mom! EWWWWWWWW!”

“What did you want? Why didn’t you knock?”

“MOM GO AWAY!”