(Photo copyright Kent Bonham)
In defiance of my mother’s wishes, I’m lunching with my new stepmother. She chose the restaurant, a chic café on a picturesque alley where the proprietor sets up tables on cobblestones worn smooth over the centuries by the feet of citizens, conquerors, pilgrims and penitents.
We’ve not met before and I’m surprised by her accessibility. Amazingly, she is a Shakespeare enthusiast; we discuss my doctoral dissertation on Edward de Vere as the Bard.
I arrived, resentful. I’ll leave with the friendship of a young woman who shares my interests as well as my age. I’ll deal with the family relationship later.
(Written for Friday Fictioneers, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. November 15, 2013.)
vb's reverbs 
I had almost seen that going very differently — and in a much more complicated way. Excellent little piece of fiction.
Thanks, Helena. This was headed in a different direction but then the girls discovered Shakespeare–changed everything.
A wise choice VB, this felt deeper than 100 words… but I can’t help thinking, there goes your inheritance…. 🙂
I think Mom ended up with all the bucks and she’s busy spending them as she tries to mend her broken heart.
well – tropy stepmothers usually don’t come cheap – but this story really drew me in.
I once read: What do they call a young attractive woman who spends time with a guy my age? A nurse. 🙂
Good one, Bill! I’ll pass this along.
Really good piece about changes in attitudes (if not latitudes.) 🙂
janet
Thanks, Janet. Have a great time at the OWL conference–sounds like you’ll be coming face-to-face with a number of familiar FF names. Enjoy.
I will! I’m looking forward to it and I’m sure some pictures will surface somewhere–FB and next week’s stories being my guess.
Nothing like a chance to hobnob with real authors.
vb, I think we’ve got us a story with a LOT of explaining to do when this kid talks to his dad. And Dad isn’t in the best of places, either, too. Good one.
When I wrote this I was thinking of the mother/daughter/stepmother conflict. However, after reading it from the male point of view, there are even more intriguing possibilities. Thanks, Kent.
I read this from a male POV, too, and thought the family relationships could get EXTREMELY complicated. Male or female main character, this is a well-done piece.
Excellent! As a stepmother I could identify with this…
A beautifully rendered and realistic story. How often our prejudices and resentments get in the way of our very well being. And the possibility of a good conversation, which is something rare, I’ll tell you.
Yes, Shakespeare can bring us all together! Because all the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players, even if I never get any sex scenes. Interesting and very human and perceptive story.
Very brilliant, VB. This is one of my favorites of yours to date.
Sound thinking-friendships always before family I say:-)A great take on the prompt!
What a wonderful attitude and one that will serve her well.
Dear VB,
I love the way the daughter formed her own opinions. Nicely done. I enjoyed it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
The first sentence of your story is one of those that grabs you right in. It could be the start of a much longer story, too. I really liked how you wove in the narrator’s appreciation of history and literature — and their willingness to start a new relationship. An excellent story here.