My Lovestruck Mother

"Come on, Aiden, sit down. This is my daughter, Sarah," my mom said cheerfully, gesturing for us to sit.

It was her 45th birthday, and she was dressed for the occasion-a red dress with matching crimson lipstick and an overly pale foundation that gave her the appearance of wearing a mask.

They said love would make people glow, and my mom was no exception.

I sat across from them with a blank expression, arms crossed, and sized up Aiden Davis, who was three years younger than me.

According to my mom, they had met at a community college for seniors, where Aiden was volunteering. A few friendly exchanges led to exchanging contacts, and the rest was history.

Aiden was slim and simply dressed in a plain white shirt, exuding an air of quiet intellect. With his sharp features and bright eyes, he looked like someone who might belong in a historical drama, perhaps as a young professor or an aspiring writer.

However, he was actually a con artist.

"Still in college, aren't you? Must be nice to live off someone else. Landing my mom couldn't have been easy, huh?"

My tone was sharp, dripping with undisguised sarcasm.

Men like him were so clever-they knew all it took was a silver tongue to manipulate gullible women like my mom into opening their wallets.

Aiden's eyes widened in surprise at my bluntness, glancing awkwardly at my mom for support.

The smile on her face froze for a second.

But I wasn't about to let them off the hook. "So, I heard on the way here that you've been spending a lot of time with a younger guy. Didn't think it was true, but it looks like you've proven me wrong."

I turned to Aiden. "What's your major? What year are you in?" I tilted my chin, studying him with open disdain, not caring about the stares from other tables.

It didn't matter. If anyone should feel embarrassed, it wasn't me.

My mom's smile finally disappeared. She straightened her dress, glanced at Aiden, and spoke up. "He's a sophomore, majoring in landscape architecture."

I casually picked up my glass and downed the wine in one gulp.

Between the two of them, I couldn't decide who disgusted me more.

About halfway through the meal, Aiden got up and excused himself to use the restroom.

I put down my fork and quickly followed him, cornering him near the sink.

Before Aiden, my mom had dated three other men. One ran off with her savings. Another freeloaded at our house for over six months and even made inappropriate advances toward me.

After my mom found out about the latter, she kicked him out so fast he didn't even have time to grab his toothbrush.

For three years, she stayed single, and I thought she'd given up. But no-when she finally started dating again, she didn't just aim higher; she aimed younger.

"So, how does it feel to date a middle-aged woman?"

I leaned casually against the door, blocking his exit, my eyes scanning him with interest.

Aiden finished washing his hands and responded calmly, "If we don't go back soon, Paulina might get worried."

But I wasn't planning to leave just yet.

A sly smile spread across my face as I leaned against the doorframe. Slowly, I tugged my collar down to reveal my shoulder, letting my fingers trace circles on his chest. "Let's be honest, you're only with my mom for the money. Why not switch to me? I'll pay you more. What do you think?"

Here I was, on my mother's birthday, openly seducing her boyfriend. And I didn't feel even a hint of shame.

Under the bright restroom lights, Aiden's cheeks turned visibly red.

"Seriously, think about it," I teased. "How much does she give you? Two thousand a month? Three? Whatever it is, I'll double it. Deal?"

Aiden grabbed my hand, his face flushed, his voice trembling with tension. "Miss Hayes, please move aside. I need to leave."

"And if I don't?"

I leaned in closer, so close I could hear his heartbeat. "What do you think will happen if my mom comes looking for us and finds me like this-leaning into you? What will she think? Have you thought about how you'll explain yourself to your sugar mommy? Don't worry, though. Even if she dumps you, I can take you in. Sound good?"