Philip feels in control of his life -- at least until his best friend, Jonathan, contracts AIDS, passes away, and leaves him feeling disconnected and uncertain about the future. Then the one steady influence in his life, his mother, becomes seriously ill. The doctor who makes the diagnosis of ovarian cancer is not hopeful. Once his mother commits to the treatment plan, there is nothing Philip can do but follow the blueprint they both hope will lead to her recovery.<br><br>In late April 1992, Philip accompanies his mother to Los Angeles for her monthly treatment. When he accidentally takes a wrong turn off the freeway, all hell breaks lose. Suddenly they find themselves in the center of the Rodney King riots. Gunshots ring out. Helicopters hover overhead. People loot and vandalize stores while others burn and overturn vehicles. Fires spring up all over the city.<br><br>In unfamiliar territory, Philip must guide his mother through this labyrinth of chaos to safety. With wit and insight coupled with a maternal concern for what's best for her son, Philip’s mother proves the old saying: a gay man’s best friend is truly his mother.

Your Mother Should Know

“What in Christ’s name—” The sight of Philip’s mother caused him to stop mid-sentence. “Sorry, I didn’t see you had a lady with you.”


Mother smiled, gave him a dainty, feminine wave. “What’s going on, Officer?”


“The backlash from the not guilty verdict,” he said. “Everyone’s gone crazy.”


“Rodney King,” Mother said, and he nodded.


He cut Philip off. “If you’re asking how to get out of here, it’s not happening. Not yet. Can’t be responsible for your safety if you leave.” He pointed to a parking spot down the street in front of a sporting goods store. “Turn around and park back there. You and your wife should be safe. And stay inside your car! This is not a fun fair.”


She gave the policeman another ladylike wave and favored him with a big smile.


Beads of sweat ran down Philip’s face. How close were they to the burning buildings. Too damn close. He quickly made the turn and parked where the officer had indicated.


Chapter 8