Tammy felt bad. Beverly looked disappointed, and Tammy didn't want to embarrass her.
“No, it’s okay. Come with me.”
Tammy led her mother to the family room and gestured for her to take a seat on the sofa. When she sat, Tammy sat next to her and reached for the portfolio. She began to flip through the pages and was pleasantly surprised. Her mom was uber talented. Her collection was filled with sleek lines, sharp colors, and attitude. Her aesthetic was romantic but powerful. Tammy was impressed.
“Wow, you have an eye,” Tammy admitted. “These are good.”
“Well, I know that we couldn't get any of these pieces ready for Fashion Week, but I was hoping maybe next year.”
“No, no. I might be able to throw one or two in the collection.”
“Oh, God, really, Tamara?” Beverly gasped, bringing her hand to her chest.
“Yeah. There might be room for you on Giovanni’s design team, but I hope you realize that this is business, not personal. If it were personal, based on our family dynamics, you wouldn't have a foot in the door.”
Beverly placed her hand on Tammy’s knee, causing her to tense involuntarily. She didn't want Beverly touching her.
“Sweetheart, I just want to get in any way that I can.”
“Okay,” Tammy said as she stood.
“Maybe we can get together next week and make plans,” Beverly suggested as she stood.
“I can't,” Tammy said, shaking her head. “My wedding is next week.”
“Your wedding?” Beverly asked in a soft voice.
Tammy didn't know why, but she felt bad for her. Beverly certainly didn't deserve any pity. After all, she was the one who had run out on her family, but Tammy couldn't help herself.
“Yeah. I’ll be away for a bit, but I’ll contact you when I get back.”
“Don't you live in Paris?” Beverly asked.
“Just outside of Paris, but close, yeah.”
“A wedding in Paris. How romantic.”
“Oh, we’re not getting married in Paris. Jack has a private island off the coast of Morocco. We’re getting married there.”
“Oh, well, I’ll bet that’ll be just as romantic,” Beverly said softly.
“Yeah, I hope so,” Tammy said, moving toward the door. “So, I’ll reach out to you in a few weeks.”
“Umm… okay,” Beverly said as she followed Tammy out.
As she led Beverly to the front door, Tammy could tell that she was uncomfortable. And truthfully, so was she. But the woman had severed their ties years ago. Having her at her wedding, simply because she birthed her, would be an inauthentic show of familial harmony. And Tammy didn't want to have to fake it at her own wedding.
Tammy opened the door and Beverly stepped out. She turned to Tammy and forced a smile. “Congratulations,” she said as she turned to walk away.
Tammy closed the door. She held the doorknob for a few seconds and debated whether or not she was wrong for not inviting her mother to her wedding. Was she actually feeling guilty?
Hell no!
Tammy pushed the thought out of her mind and went to join her family in the parlor.
