December 25, 2017

Jane: Elbows off the table, son.

Jane: Don't roll your eyes, now. Come on. Sit up straight. Don't slouch and hold your head over your plate while you're eating. You don't want any cherries to fall on your lap, do you?

Dillon: Sigh...

Jane: I know.

Jane: I'm sorry, Dillon. I have a touch of the grouchies this year.

Dillon: S'alright.

Dillon: How are you feeling? Is your stomach alright? You're not feeling nauseous from the meds are you?

Jane: Oh, I'm good. I'm good. I feel fine.

Jane: Aw, Dill. Don't pout.

Jane: Shoot.

Jane: Look. Let's order ourselves some peppermint bark hot chocolate to go with our Christmas pie. Marsha'll add the little mint crumbs you love.

Jane: Oh, there it is. I knew I could bribe a smile outta you.

Dillon: I love you, Mom.

Jane: Oh, hey, now. No water works. You'll get me started.

Dillon: It's just...

Jane: I know.

Jane: But we still have time together, Dill. Let's make the most of it, ey?

Jane: There now. Let me call Ms. Martha over.

Dillon: Thanks, mom.

Jane: You're welcome. I know you're an adult but...and a fine, handsome man at that..all big and bad, working at the agency...Mmm, the women must be falling all over you-

Dillon: Mom!

Jane: What? You're 25. You're handsome as hell.

Jane: Don't give me that look.

Jane: You get your good looks from my side of the family, you know!

Jane: Ok. Ok. Your father's side, too.

Jane: Surely, there must be someone special out there who you have your eye on.

Jane: Why are you shaking your head?

Jane: Is it so awful for a mother to wish her son would settle down and live happy with a woman who'll-

Dillon: Mom. Stop. Seriously, there's no one.

Jane: Well, why not?

Dillon: We're not exactly in the kind of business that makes dating easy, you know.

Jane: I know, but still, you have to-

Dillon: Mom, I have no interest in settling down. Besides, all the women I meet are superficial and self-absorbed. I need someone smart and fun. Someone-

Jane: An equal. You need a girl with a brain.

Dillon: I guess...but pretty, too.

Dillon: What? So what, sue me. I want a pretty girlfriend. Is that so bad?

Jane: I thought I taught you better. Beauty isn't just skin deep, Dillon.

Dillon: I know. I know.

Dillon: Uh, thank goodness.

Jane: Huh?

Dillon: Merry Christmas Eve, Ms. Martha.

Jane: Oh.

Jane: Merry Christmas, Ms. Martha. How is the family? All done your Christmas shopping?

Ms. Martha: We're good. Thanks for asking, Mrs. Grier. How about you? Ready for your check? Or is there anything else I can get you?

Dillon: We'd like 2 mugs of peppermint bark hot chocolate, please.

Jane: And one more slice of pie.

Ms. Martha: Sure thing. Coming right up. Be back in a sec.

Jane: I love this little tradition we have, Dillon.

Dillon: Me, too, Mom.

Jane: Just promise me one thing.

Dillon: What?

Jane: One day...

Dillon: Yeah?

Jane: When you meet that special someone...

Dillon: Mo-oommm

Jane: (laughing)

Jane: No, seriously, listen.

Dillon: (huff) What?

Jane: One day, when you meet that special someone, promise me you'll bring her here.

Dillon: To the diner?

Jane: Yes.

Jane: I want you to continue our tradition.

Dillon: No.

Dillon: No, I can't. It wouldn't be right.

Dillon: It won't be the same without-

Jane: I know it won't but promise me anyway, Dillon.

Jane: One day, you'll come back here.

Dillon: Mom.

Jane: I mean it, Dillon.

Jane: It means a lot to me.

Jane: Please.

Jane: Promise me, Dillon.

Dillon: (Dramatic inhale)

(Pause)

Dillon: O-kay.

Dillon: But only if I meet someone special.

Dillon: I'm not bringing just anyone-

Jane: It's ok. I get it. Just as long as you come back again one day and sip pepermint bark hot chocolate over Christmas pie, I'll be happy.

Jane: I love you, Son.

Dillon: I will, Mom. I promise.

Dillon: I love you, too.