The Weekly Ritual Part 2 - Sex Stories

The Weekly Ritual Part 2

... walking into the kitchen. “I've got water, soda…and wine," she says, holding up a bottle of Pinot Noir with a conspiratorial wink.

“Wine, huh? Oh my, are you trying to ply your dear daughter with alcohol, Lady Amy?” I say with feigned indignity. It's so easy to lapse back into our familiar ridiculous banter. It's like putting on an old, comfy pair of sweatpants.

My mother laughs, then pauses, smiling softly. “Well, Lady Eva, you are twenty-and-one years of age now. I should think you are of an appropriate age to partake in libations with your lady mother if it should please you.”

She breaks character briefly and adds with a touch of nostalgic sadness, “And I never did get to have that first drink with you.”

"Well, then," I say, walking into the living room and collapsing onto the plush leather couch, “Wine would be amazing; it's been a long drive."

I take in my surroundings. It's a small place, but modern. Much nicer than the dreary suburban house I grew up in. The big windows in the living room overlook the city, and the evening light streaming through them gives the room a warm, cozy glow. The apartment is laid out shotgun-style, with the living room leading into the kitchen. A hallway in the back leads to what I presume is the bathroom and bedroom.

“Mom, seriously, I love this place!”

“Well, thank you,” Mom says as she grabs two wine glasses from a box in the kitchen. “I like it too. It’s close enough to the university that I can walk every day. Oh, ...

... and there’s this coffee shop down the street. They have cats roaming around inside that are available for adoption. It’s the cutest thing ever. We’ll have to check it out before you leave tomorrow morning.”

“Aw, cute! Let’s do it!” I agree, kicking off my shoes and stretching my long, toned legs out on the couch.

"I see you packed light," she says with a raised eyebrow, noting my lack of bags.

"Yeah, I was in such a rush to get here I just hopped in the car with nothing. I meant to bring a bag with clothes and stuff to do laundry while I was here. But in typical Eva fashion, I forgot it all."

"Ah, well, that's ok," Mom says, waving her hand as she uncorks the bottle. "You can borrow some clothes from me."

She comes over with two brimming glasses of wine and sits close beside me on the couch, tucking her legs under her.

Her eyes meet mine, and for a moment, the air seems to crackle between us. A flush rises in my cheeks as I hold her gaze, neither of us speaking. The tension hangs thick in the silence.

Oh boy, I think. I wasn’t expecting to feel this tension right off the bat.Is this the first time in three years we’ve been alone together?I rack my brain, but I can’t remember.

I finally clear my throat and lift my wine glass. "To, uh...to new beginnings."

Mom blinks rapidly and smiles, though it doesn't quite reach her eyes. "Yes. To new beginnings."

We clink our glasses together, and both take eager sips.

"Really though, Mom, this place is ...