Mother’s Day
Author: Elsa Rose Bryant
I know it’s just a ploy to boost sales for the flower industry, but it’s one of the few special days I do. I can’t help it, even though I’m gay, women have been an important part of my life.
Like a grade school kid, I craft my cards one by one for the three women in my life who are mothers the way mothers were meant to be.
Not one of the three are my birth mother. Fuck no. I’ve always just sent a bouquet of flowers but somehow, with my partner being in another city. I have the urge to be creative. It is after all what I’m known for, my creativity. Well that and other things, bigger and harder things.
The first card goes with the large box of Godiva chocolates wrapped in gold paper. I carefully draw a few flowers on the front and then inside write.
To Mom who has held me in her heart for many years. Helping me to grow into the man I am today.
The second card, I place a picture on the front of Lindsay holding Gus. It is her day after all. This one will go with the large hibiscus plant on the table in front of me. Lindsay likes growing things.
To Lindsay, a good friend and a wonderful mother.
The third one takes more time. It’s the first time I’ve sent a card to this one. But to me she is as important as the other two. I look at the large bouquet of spring flowers in a Waterford crystal vase. Perfect for the woman who will receive this card.
To Mom, thank you for sharing your son with me. I will always be grateful for your loving generosity and kindness. – Brian
Sunday morning Brian is wakened by the phone’s demanding ring. He knew it had to be Justin, only Justin would dare to wake him up so early on the one morning he could sleep in. “What do you want Brat?” Brian barked into the phone rolling over and patting the end table as if a package of cigarettes would miraculously appear. He’d given up smoking a month ago.
“Did I mention how much of an old softy you are?” Justin purred.
“No, and don’t bother, you’ll make my dick soft, which I don’t need or want.” Brian drawled, loving the sound of Justin’s voice.
“I called Deb yesterday and she was in tears.”
“So what else is new?” Brian desperately wished for a cigarette. He had a feeling where this was going. Didn’t women ever keep anything to themselves?”
“She loved your card. And so did Lindsay.” Justin giggled.
“I was too lazy to go buy one, besides I’m not going to encourage card sales.” Brian wondered why he bothered. Justin never bought his excuses.
“I love you Brian Kinney.” Justin whispered. “I love you and my mom loves you.”
“Yeah, that and five bucks will get me a latte.” Brian drawled in pretended indifference.
“Actually, if you open the loft door, you’ll get a latte.” Justin giggled. “My hands are full and I can’t open it.”
“Justin? Are you serious?” Brian leapt out of bed heading for the door.
“Yeah, that card you sent to my mom prompted a ticket for me at the airport.”
“You’ll take a ticket from your mom and not me?” Brian threw open the door not caring that he was naked with severe bed head.
“Hi Brian.” Jennifer walked in, her hands filled with groceries, she kissed his cheek. “Please put some pants on dear, it’s chilly. Justin was almost doubled over in laughter. Brian stomped into the bedroom, wondering why he’d smoked three joints the day before and succumbed to sentimentality. He could hear the raucous laughter of Deb coming up the elevator combined with Gus’ warbles.
“Happy Mother’s Day.” Justin called out when he could get his breath. He could tell by the set of Brian’s head that the other man was grinning. Or was that the set of his ass, it didn’t matter. Brian was going to a super mother’s day.