“So that’s why you called Kyla instead of me. How many girls you have calling you while you’re in Chi-town?” Spencer said trying to joke but knew her weak smile gave her away.

“Wow already jealous? When should I expect the U-Haul?”

“Oh no, I mean um I was just trying to joke with you.” Spencer stuttered.

“Duh” Ashley said smiling. “And I was joking back with you. I thought that was obvious.”

“Right, silly me. Um here I programmed my cell number into your phone.”

“Wonderful, thank you. I’ll call you sometime tomorrow to figure out time and place for Monday.”

Both women were not looking forward to ending their night. Ashley chimed in first, “Well our first awkward silence of the night. I’m afraid I need to get back to the hotel and try to get some sleep.”

“Yeah I should get home and sleep too. I’ve had a great time tonight. Thank you for the mean and the wonderful company.”

“Trust me Spencer the pleasure was all mine.” Ashley said while getting up. “Do you need a ride?”

“No I’m good. I gotta get some stuff from the bar and my car is out back. I’ll talk to you tomorrow?”

“Of course.”

The women hugged then went their separate ways. Both felt that something special may have begun tonight.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Spencer quietly let herself into the house and jumped nearly ten feet when Paula said,, “Well you were certainly out late missy.”

“Sure give me a heart attack Mom. What are you still doing up?”

“Honestly I got hoe five minutes ago.”

Laughing Spencer said, “How much did you lose?”

“Tsk tsk doubting your Mother‘s poker face. For your information I won $400 tonight.”

“Holy shit Mom.”

“Language Spencer, watch it.”

“Sorry Mom but that’s the most you’ve ever brought home that I’ve known.”

“True hon but I’m more interested in your night. How was dinner?”

“Tasty as always. Marcy does wonderful things in that kitchen.” Spencer smiled knowing that’s not what her mom wanted to know.

“Oh screw Marcy, you know what I want to now.”

“Gees language Mom. And I had an amazing time. We just talked a lot. She’s a really interesting person.”

“So?”

“We’re gonna have lunch Monday.”

“And?”

“I don’t know where this is leading Mom. I’m just happy I had an enjoyable dinner with an attractive woman. I’m not reading too much into it mainly because she lives in LA not Chicago.”

“But she has ties here you never know what may happen?”

“Don’t get your hopes up Mom. It was just one dinner.”

“When did it become a sin to want to see my daughter happy?”

“I am happy Mom. I have a job, a roof over our heads and a wonderful son. Oh and you of course.” Spencer said smiling.

“Ok let me restate that. I want to see you happy and in love. Dylan deserves to have two mommies to love and spoil him.”

“Mom if those old church ladies you used to call friends could hear you talking about Dylan having two mommies.”

“Who needs them. I can see Dylan in the future doing a report like that cute little Emma on Guiding Light. You know when she wrote My Two Mommies about Nataila and Olivia. Only you and your partner would admit you’re a couple of course.”

“Mom you and your soaps.” Spencer said laughing.

“Not just any soaps. Only Guiding Light and All My Children. Those are the only ones I see as worthwhile.”

“My bad. Look we need sleep. Kyla is bringing the monkey otherwise known as Dylan over at seven in the morning and it’s already two.”

“Goodnight dear.”

“Night Mom.”