Cathy put the flowers in the middle of the table and ran to the bedroom to have a last look in the mirror. She heard a heavy step on the stairs and she ran to the door and threw it open.

“How’s my girl.” Leo lifted her off the ground with his bear hug then kissed her so tenderly. “This is the life.”

She could feel her own eyes shimmering she was so happy. “Hey, look at this,” he said. “Flowers on the table. Hey, fancy plates.”

“Do you really like it? The flowers are from the wedding, Moma brought them over.”

“Really nice. Real pretty honey, but not as pretty as you.”

“Ah, Leo. Its all ready to eat. I hope you like fried chicken.”

“I’d love old tires if that’s what you fried. I hope you burned something, you’re supposed to you know.”

“Well I could burn a piece of toast just for tradition.”

He kissed her again.

“I’ll be a minute,” he went in to wash his hands and she began to dish out the food.

“Did you have a good day? I’m supposed to ask that you know.”

“Rotten day, I was away from you.”

“Ah you sweet thing.”

“So your mom was here today, huh?”

“Umhuh.”

“Did she sob all over the place?”

“Lew!”

“I’m kidding.” He came into the kitchen taking off his tie. “Honest honey just kidding. I thought she’d be sounding doomsday and all that.”

“No she was real sweet. She brought the flowers and some rags.”

“Rags.”

“Yeah, how about that. We didn’t have any either. I never thought of that.”

“Can I help?” he put his arms around her.

“Yes, please put the potatoes on the table.”

“She’s got it all planned out to reform me I guess.”

“Mother?”

“Yeh—I bet.”

“No honest, Lew she didn’t say anything.”

“Yeh? Well let’s forget it. This looks great.”

“We can sit down if you want.”

“You first, lady,” he held her chair for her then sat down. “Hey, it looks great.”

“Thanks, honey.” She patted his hand.

“You know, I really like your mother,” he said and they smiled across the table. Cathy unfolded her napkin and put it on her lap, then folded her arms and bowed her head.

“This is great chicken, honey,” he said. “Here have some—hey what’s the matter—you aren’t crying are you? Honey, the chicken’s great.”

She looked up doubtful. “No, I’m all right, its just that—“ she looked around and smiled weakly. Then took a piece of chicken. “It’s just that we always asked the blessing.” She thought to herself.