Finally -- Dale Gets Married, part three

Leta's son Dale dated Kathryn Peer for several months before introducing her to his mother. He wanted to be sure about the girl, he explained when he told his mother about the relationship. On a Sunday evening in late summer, they arranged the meeting. Leta had prepared a family dinner for them, but was still nervous. She wanted to make a good impression. The evening threatened to storm, but the young couple arrived basically on time, and Dale awkwardly introduced Kathryn Peer to his mother and stepfather.

Although she remained smiling, Kathryn also held the expression of someone who had previously appraised her new acquaintances and already made the determination of how she would feel. Leta knew that expression; it contained a kind of self-aggrandizing judgment. The young woman obviously came from a family or had friends with negative opinions about her. This distressed Leta. In all her prior actions, she never intended for her children to be treated negatively, and for the most part, this never occurred. They did, after all, have different last names. Sometimes, however, she or one of them met someone who knew her or knew of her, which resulted in a negative or even hostile reception. In Kathryn’s case, the attitude seemed to be skepticism combined with an interest in making the best of the situation. Leta was determined to overcome the petite young woman’s disapproving preconceptions. While she acknowledged that she had a past and a reputation, she was now married to Bob with no intention to alter this situation.

Beneath a long coat to protect herself from the threatening rain, Kathryn wore a flowered dress and light nylons. While her face seemed clean of make-up, she did wear a bright red lipstick that made her teeth look whiter than they most likely were.

“Please,” Leta said invitingly, “come sit down. Dale, hang up Kathryn’s coat and put it on my bed.”

While Dale took his girlfriend’s coat to the bedroom, Leta led the young woman to the sofa. “Would you like a glass of lemonade?” she asked. “I was anticipating that it was going to be warmer than it is, but it’s still a refreshing drink.”

For a moment, Kate looked as though she anticipated being offered something else.

“Why, thank you, yes,” she said, “that would be lovely.” Then she giggled.

Leta retrieved a pitcher of lemonade and four glasses from the kitchen and served them. Bob looked disappointed.

“We’re all having lemonade?” he inquired brusquely.

“Yes,” Leta said pointedly, reminding him with her voice that he had already had his beer for the afternoon. Another during Kathryn’s visit was out of the question. “I made it special.”

“Oh, you didn’t have to go through all that trouble for me,” exclaimed Kathryn.

Leta turned to her and smiled. “It’s no trouble. None at all. Now, let’s enjoy our drink and get to know one another a little bit before we eat, shall we?”

To be continued.