Chapter 1: Introduction
The scent of garlic and tomatoes wafted through the air as Maria Mambaiti adjusted the sparkling silver cross hanging around her neck. The diamond chips nestled within the sterling silver frame caught the soft light filtering through the lace curtains, casting tiny, dancing reflections on the worn wooden floorboards. The cross was a gift from her late husband, a man who had loved her fiercely and unconditionally, and it was the only piece of jewelry she allowed herself to wear since his passing.
Maria took a deep breath, smoothing her hands over the fitted black dress that clung to her curves.
She didn't feel like a fifty-five-year-old widow in this dress. She felt alive, vibrant, and a little scared. The thought of venturing back into the dating world after so many years made her heart race like a hummingbird's wings.
The sound of the front door opening signaled her daughter's arrival. "Mom, I'm home!" Helena's voice echoed through the house, her footsteps thudding against the floorboards like a familiar drumbeat. Maria smiled, her nerves calming at the sound of her daughter's voice.
"In the kitchen, sweetheart," she called out, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach.
Helena, or Mamba as she was known on the streets, strode into the kitchen, a wide smile spreading across her face. "Something smells amazing, Mom," she said, her dark eyes sparkling with genuine pleasure. She leaned in to kiss her mother's cheek, her tall frame dwarfing Maria's smaller one. "You look great," she added, her gaze lingering on her mother's dress.
Maria blushed, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. "Thank you, dear. I thought we could have a nice dinner together. The two sat down for dinner. After a few sips of wine, Maria had worked up the courage. "Helena, you told us when you were 16 that you were bi, but how old were you when you knew you were bi?" Maria's question catches Helena off guard, she puts down her glass "Mom I was 13 I was on the school basketball team and I had a huge crush on our point guard she was a senior and she was so confident and strong everyone loved her including me but I didn't know what to do with those feelings."
Maria takes a bite of her pasta "So why did you tell us when you were 16?"
Helena leans back in her chair "Because I fell for this girl in my class her name was Lily she was new to the school and she was so open and free-spirited she made me feel alive mom and I wanted to tell someone. Mom, why are you asking?" Maria took a deep breath " I have met someone at first I didn't realize she was flirting with me but I figured out and I" she paused as she gathered the courage to speak "And I might of started flirting back" she admitted looking down at her plate. Helena smiled at her mother, the warmth in her eyes genuine "Well, mom, that's great news. When's the big date?"
Maria looked up at her daughter, her eyes wide "We haven't set a date yet, I don't even know if she likes me like that, I might be misreading the signs."
Helena leaned forward, her eyes soft "Trust your instincts, mom. You've got great intuition. If you think she's into you, she probably is."
Maria smiled, her shoulders relaxing "Thanks, Helena. That makes me feel better.
It's been so long since I've even thought about dating, let alone actually doing it," Maria admitted, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.
Helena topped off their wine glasses, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Well, Mom, if you need any help with your wardrobe or any... tips, you know I'm your girl," she said, wiggling her eyebrows playfully.
Maria laughed, the sound filling the kitchen with warmth. "Oh, I'm sure you have plenty of tips to share, Ms. NYPD," she teased, taking a sip of her wine. Mamba smiled at her mother "So tell me about this woman" Maria again took a deep breath "Her name is Beth, and she is a lawyer" she replied, her voice softening as she spoke about Beth. "She's been very upfront about wanting more than just friendship, and I... I don't know if I'm ready for that."
Mamba leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful expression on her face. "That's understandable, Mom. You've been out of the game for a while. But you should go for it. Beth sounds like she knows what she wants, and that's attractive."
Maria nodded, her fingers tracing the rim of her wine glass. "She is attractive, Helena. But I'm scared. What if I'm not good enough?" Helena lights a cigarette looking at her mother "Mom you are good enough for anyone" Maria lit her cigarette before responding "I know, I know. It's just... it's been a long time since anyone looked at me the way Beth does. I'm afraid I won't know what to do." Helena takes a drag from her cigarette before speaking "Mom, you're a beautiful, intelligent, and strong woman. You've raised me to be the same. You've got this. And if you need help with anything..." she trails off, a playful smirk on her face.
Maria laughs, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, I know what you're getting at, you little vixen. Would you like to meet her? I would like to know if you 2 get along before I pursue anything." Helena's eyes widened in surprise, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Really? I'd love to meet her, Mom. And don't worry, I promise to be on my best behavior."
Maria laughed, shaking her head. "I know you will, dear. Beth is a fitness model-turned-lawyer. She's got this fierce energy about her, like she could take on the world single-handedly."
Helena raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Sounds like my kind of woman. When do I get to meet her?"
Maria took a drag of her cigarette, her mind racing.
"How about next weekend? We could all go out for dinner. Someplace nice, but not too fancy. I want to make sure she's comfortable."
Helena nodded, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Sounds like a plan. I'll make sure to bring my A-game. And maybe I'll wear something that'll make Beth's jaw drop," she added with a wink. "Helena, you're something else. I'm not sure if I should be worried or proud."
Helena grinned, leaning back in her chair. "Don't worry, Mom.