Mother's Little Boy is Growing Up

"Tyler, why would you want to work for a living?" Mavis looked at her younger son quizzically. "You have a perfectly nice job at Schuyler Industries, a job that isn't taxing in the least. You have an office, a secretary, a huge salary--"

"And nothing to do all day long," Tyler interrupted in a frustrated voice. "It's hard to go to work every day and know that the most challenging decision I'm going to have to make is whether to go to Burger King or McDonald's for lunch."

Mavis recoiled. "Tell me you aren't eating fast food every day! Do you have any idea of how fattening that is?"

"Mother, that isn't my point. My point is that I'm tired of having a job that was handed to me simply because I'm Tyler Schuyler, son of the owner. I want to make it on my own."

"Why on earth would you want to do that when you don't have to?"

"Gee, I don't know. Maybe to feel like a man instead of a little boy?"

Mavis laughed. "You are a little boy, Tyler. You're my little boy. And some day you and Brad will own everything that I have, lock, stock and barrel. It's beyond me why you'd waste your time doing anything as ridiculous as working for someone else. It simply doesn't make sense."

Tyler was silent. He should have known better than to mention his plans to his mother, a woman who had never worked a day in her life. He was just glad that he hadn't mentioned Mindy's involvement in his plans. If his mother knew that Mindy Cooper was working undercover at Kutrate Kemicals, he was sure he'd never hear the end of it. Finally, he spoke. "I'm sorry I bothered you, Mother."

"Does that mean you've come to your senses? That's my good boy. Now why don't you go and change into something nicer and we'll go to the club tonight. I've invited a new friend to join us for dinner."

The last thing Tyler needed was dinner at the country club with his mother and her latest fling. "No, thank you. I'm going out tonight."

"With that reporter?" Mavis questioned.

"Yes."

"Honestly, Tyler, a reporter? Can't you find a nice girl to date? One who isn't quite so nosy and who has better taste in clothes?"

Tyler left the room without saying another word. The only plus of talking to his mother about anything was that he usually knew what he wanted to do when the conversation was over--and it was almost always the exact opposite of what his mother wanted him to do.