Page 72 of Catch Me
“Don’t worry about rushing. We should have plenty of time to make it on time,” Spencer says. He waves at Ms. Shelby with a smile.
“Thank you,” I tell him before going into my building.
As I head up to my apartment, I mentally plan the outfit I want to wear today. I place Ms. Shelby down just inside of the door and then head to my bedroom to my closet. The other weekwhile I was out, I bought a cute, flower-patterned dress that I didn’t think I would wear anytime soon.
But, suddenly, I’m in the mood to wear the dress along with a light pink silk scarf I picked up as well. It’s my first time wearing something this flashy to work, but I can’t get the idea of the dress out of my mind.
“Clothes reflect your mood.”
My aunt’s words bring a smile to my face as I double check myself in the mirror, about a half an hour after arriving home.
Once I put the last touches on my makeup, I grab the sketches I’d brought home from work a few days earlier. There were a few changes needed in the outfits for some scenes ofLate Nights.
Feeling refreshed and more beautiful than I have in a long time, I give Ms. Shelby her breakfast and one more head rub before rushing out of my apartment. I don’t want to keep Spencer waiting too long, even though it’s early enough that we’ll make it to set with plenty of time.
But the moment I step off the elevator and see the woman standing at the security desk, I come to a halt.
“Mom,” I blurt out.
She turns to me with narrowed eyes, dressed in her usual dark slacks, white button-up, and black suit jacket. Shonda Sterling is nothing if not professional-looking.
My mother looks me up and down, her eyes narrowing as she takes in my dress.
“Are you going to a costume party this early in the morning?” she snarks.
My stomach plummets as if the rug has been pulled out from underneath my feet. Her disapproving look in my mind the same as it’s always been.
“I’m on my way to work,” I say, my voice slightly shaky. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m here for a work trip. The bank is hosting a convention. Don’t worry, I will be leaving tonight.”
My mother is the vice president of the second largest bank in the state of Michigan.
“You would’ve known I was coming if you hadn’t rushed me off of the phone yesterday,” she continues.
Suddenly I regret hanging up on her so abruptly yesterday. She must’ve already been at the airport or on her way when she called.
“Are you even going to invite me up to your apartment?” She looks over my shoulder, toward the elevator.
“I’m short on time,” I say honestly. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
“Expected or not, I’m here. But I’m not here to talk about my trip.”
“Then what are you?—”
“I’m here to take you back home,” she says with so much confidence that it stuns me. “It’s time to finally put this nonsensical career choice to the side and get back to reality, Ivy. Do you know how embarrassing it is telling our friends at church and colleagues that you’ve moved toHollywoodto play dress up?”
She gestures to my outfit. “And look at the way you’re dressed.”
My chest tightens as I look down at the outfit that I’d felt so beautiful in just moments ago.
“Play dress up.”
Even after all of this time, the way she mocks what I’m passionate about still stings unlike anything else.
“I mean, get real, Ivy. How long can this little fantasy last?” She tuts. “Just like that ridiculous idea you had of going to fashion school. Look where that got you.”
“A career that I actually enjoy,” I reply, needing to push back.
