I answer on the second ring.
"Please tell me you're calling with a crisis." I lean back in my chair. "I need a break from choosing between ivory and cream table linens. They're the same color, Sharon. The same exact color with different names."
"No crisis. Just calling during my lunch break." Sharon's voice is crisp, professional. In the background, I can hear the familiar sounds of her office—phones ringing, keyboards clicking, the low hum of productivity. "How's the business going?"
"It's going. Slowly. I have three potential clients, nothing fancy, but it's a start."
"That's amazing, Jess. I'm so proud of you."
"Says the woman who is planning ten weddings per month, while looking after twins.” I glance at the sticky note where I've been tracking her achievements. "How do you even have time to call me?"
"I'm a machine." Sharon's laugh is tired but satisfied. "Also, Savannah's been helping. She took over some of my admin work so I can focus on the big sales."
"Savannah?" I blink. “But she’s a mom too?”
"She came back part-time. Said she missed the chaos." Papers rustle on Sharon's end.
"How are Margot and Rosalie?"
"Perfect angels." Sharon's voice softens with love despite the complaint. "But they're healthy and growing and my pack is so supportive.”
"I miss you," I say quietly.
"I miss you too. When are you coming back to visit? The twins need to meet their godmother in person."
"Once the business is more established. Maybe summer?" I glance at my calendar, already filling with potential client meetings. "I want to have a few successful events under my belt first. Build some credibility."
“We’ll be booked solid by summer." Sharon pauses. "I'm calling it now."
"Done. I have a venue meeting and I can’t be late.” Sharon's voice shifts back to business mode. "Love you. Call me later this week?"
"Love you too. And Sharon?"
"Yeah?"
"You're killing it. The job, the twins, the whole working mom thing. You're amazing."
"We're both killing it." Her voice is fierce. "Look at us. Running businesses. Living our best lives. Being magnificent chaos goblins."
The call ends, and I'm still smiling when my phone buzzes again. It’s the familiar chaos of Mom in full text-storm mode. I set down my pen and smile.
Mom: JESSICA!!!! ??????
Mom: Are you awake??? Oh wait it's afternoon there isn't it
Mom: TIME ZONES ARE SO CONFUSING
Mom: Anyway I have BIG NEWS
Me: I'm awake and it's 2 PM. What's your big news?
Mom: OK so you know how you have FOUR boyfriends???
Mom: Well if my daughter can have FOUR boyfriends then SO CAN I
Mom: Wait that came out wrong
Mom: I don't have four boyfriends
