The Kitchen Interview (300 words)

Daily Flash Fiction: Meeting the mother-in-law

The Kitchen Interview

We two were in the kitchen, a sprawling affair of stainless steel and marble. I wanted Lily to like me. I was going to marry her son, after all.

I sat while she chopped vegetables. “Interesting dress you’re wearing, dear,” she said.

“Do you like it? It’s Burberry.”

“Not my style.”

“Oh.” I sprang up. “Here, let me help you.”

“Uh-uh—don’t touch anything.” Smiling, she pointed the knife at me. “I like things done my way.”

I resumed my seat, searching for something to say. “It’s kind of you to cook.”

“My pleasure … So, you’re a working girl?”

“I’m an Information Systems Manager.”

“Keep you away from home a lot?”

I shrugged. “I make a good balance.”

“Don’t worry, when the children come, they can always come over here for a homecooked meal.”

I stirred my drink with a paper umbrella.

She narrowed her eyes on me. “You don’t wear much make-up.”

“Luke likes me this way.”

“Careful, his eye will stray if you let yourself go.” She sighed. “Oh, the girls were all after him, when he was in school. He could have had any girl he wanted.”

I cleaned a fingernail.

“He was such a happy baby,” she bragged, then frowned and shook her head. “More serious, these days.”

“He grew up.”

“No matter, once you’re in the new house, I’ll be over all the time. Nothing like a visit from Mama to cheer a boy up.”

A lifetime with this insulting woman flashed before my eyes. It could be painful, or it could be peaceful. She was clueless, so it was up to me. I relaxed, and responded, “You’ll always be welcome.”

I took her in my stride. Luke and I laughed over her bad form. My kindness was rewarded. In time, we became friends.