When in doubt, be like Dad. I took charge.
"Yeah, sounds good. I've got the keys to the SUV already."
I rattled them for emphasis as I touched Mom's elbow and guided her out the front door.
"Oh," she said, a little surprised but not upset, "Good."
I didn't give her a choice to drive, instead escorting her to the passenger side and holding the door open for her. Normally she didn't go for stuff like this but I was kind of on a mission, and was disguising it with gentlemanliness.
I got in, and started the car and headed out.
"Do you need to be home soon, Mom?"
"Uh, no, I don't think so. Why?"
"I was thinking of going to the crab place down by the bay, but its about forty minutes away so I wanted to be sure you were ok with being out late."
She smiled.
"I love that place. The crab c
