We are strolling down the street enjoying the sun and breeze. Mom points out certain flowers and tells me their names. She's really happy to be in West Palm Beach and she has a great group of friends here, but she misses her garden in Westport. Josh smiles indulgently at her, but I know he wasn't thrilled when she sold the house. I'm sorry I'll never see where he grew up.
We stop at an antique store and I mention that I'd like to go in. Josh practically grimaces but agrees. I think this is a symptom of newlyweddedness- the desire to be together even though you don't really want to do something. Antique shopping with Josh's Mom is really fun. In the toy section, she points out toys that Josh had. I think she's mostly kidding, but its pretty funny that she's calling him an antique. He's only ten years older than me.
I find a scarf and a brooch that my Mother might like and I ask Mom what she thinks. She approves so I go ahead and get it. Mom's list suggested certain items for the kitchen, a choice of books or a scarf and gloves. It's generally a bad idea to deviate from the list but I might be okay since the word scarf is on there.
The next store is a used book store. Josh goes right in. This is more his cup of tea. As we are browsing, I suggest that maybe he could pick something for my Dad. He looks a little like a deer in the headlights for a minute. Then he whines, "Donna, I thought you were in charge of shopping." But I think was just a reflex, because a few minutes later he says- "Does he have any hobbies?"
Instantly, I realize my mistake. "He likes to golf." I say softly.
"Really?" Josh's voice gets a little high and his eyes light up.
"They both do."
"We could all golf together! We could fly them down and go somewhere in Virgina once the weather is nice. Your Dad just retired, right?" He's excited by the idea. This is exactly why I didn't tell him that my parents golf when we were in Hawaii. Now I have a dilemma- I don't want to hurt Josh's feelings but I need to reign him in a bit. It's not going to look good if we come in with some huge gift for my parents and blindside my siblings. And honestly, I have no desire to golf with my parents. But, he's bouncing on the balls of his feet and I just don't have the heart to tell him.
I swallow hard and try to smile. "Yeah. That's a really good idea. Why don't you look for some sort of golf book that we can put an envelope in?" I turn away and pretend to browse, but I don't feel much like shopping any more. Mom comes up and wraps an arm around my shoulder.
"Are you alright?" She has a concerned Mom look that is very comforting.
"Yes, but I'm starting to get a headache. Maybe we should take a lunch break?"
"Joshua!" She doesn't yell, but her voice is firm and carries through the store.
"Yes, Mom." We hear and suddenly he's before us. It's so cute how quickly he comes when she calls. He really is a good boy. She smiles at him gently.
"Donna has a headache."
He immediately looks concerned.
"I'm okay. It's just starting. I think I just need something to eat."
"Well then, let's go get lunch. I saw a pizza place up the street." He looks so hopeful that I quickly agree. I'm seriously considering sabatoging his golf idea. The least I can do is agree to pizza.