The Point

"It...it's so short," I gasped when I saw what my mother-in-law had on the bed.

"Men have modesty," she said, "not sissy maids. Besides, it's important to set the tone from the start. Men are naturally suspicious, even jealous of other men. Men dating a married women even more so, unsure of their status, unsure if the husband is going to be an issue. Best to assure him right away."

"C...can't I just tell him?" I asked, that alone making my face go red, just imagining myself telling my wife's date I was okay with him dating her.

"Of course you could tell him," she said, "but showing sends a much more convincing message than telling. He'll understand instinctively. Just as important, my daughter will receive a similar message."

I looked at the uniform again, realized the nature of what she was demanding. "But...but how will she see me as...as her husband...at the man..."

She raised her eyebrow as if to say that was precisely the point.