I took a nervous step back and she looked as if she were trying not to laugh. That sealed it, she was screwing with me. She was newly single and flirting, just trying to get me going and having some fun.

I was let down she was mocking me, but relieved too, if she had been hitting on me, what would I do? Joe was...

"Don't suppose you're handy self can fix a lawnmower?" she raised her eyebrows.

"I don't think so, yours broke again?"

"Yeah, last week and the Lawn looks like crap." She sighed, “Maybe I'll have to splurge and pay a landscaper." She winked again, “Maybe he'd accept something besides cash, some of those young guys are awfully cute."

“I...uh, could let Joe use my dad's. He can pick it up or I can bring it over."

“Phil, you're a lifesaver!" She kissed my cheek again, “Honey, I owe you big time!"

"Don't worry about it."

“No, I will worry about it." She tapped my chest, “I'm not sure how yet, but I'm going to do something nice for you for all your help.”

“No, really," I protested.

Looking at Joe to make sure he wasn't paying attention, she whispered,

"And for helping Joe, he's having a tough time with this and you've been a rock to him, he talks to you more than me sometimes and I know you're a good influence so really, Phil, thank you."

"That's' what friends are for." I smiled, "He would do it for me."

“Absolutely.” She gave me a sultry smile, "There's benefits to being friends, or is that friends with benefits?"

“Well, I..."

"shit!" she looked at her watch, “I have to get to the bar." She sighed, "Time to shake my money maker so to speak. Who would have thought a business degree would lead to this?"

She turned away and as she did, pulled one of the buds, from Joe's ear.

"Honey, Phil is going to get his dad's mower, think you can get to it soon?"

"Shit, mom, I have school and work the next four days and nights.

Plus Rebecca's getting pissed I haven't been around much."

"You don't work on Thursdays," she said over her shoulder as she walked over to the couch where her purse was.

"I took extra shifts remember? It will cover the car insurance this month."

"You're right." She waved her hand disgustedly, "Get to it when you can honey, I'm sorry you have to work so hard.

“It's okay, mom, you're not the one who should be sorry."

As they spoke I admired the swing of Melanie's hips as she made her way across the room. Watching her, the word busty came to mind, that would be the best way to describe her curby form.