Page 17 of With Stars in Her Eyes
“I know it is…”
“Your grandaddy always said you were so smart and had so much potential and—”
“Hey…” I tried to brighten my tone. “I told Peyton I’d take photos of her baby the next time I’m in town before vacation.”
Mom sniffed. “Well, that’s lovely. And you’re still going to come to Catherine’s golden anniversary too? They added a cocktail hour the night before at the club.”
“It’s on my calendar.”
“After they saw the photos you took at the Spaulding girl’s wedding on the club’s website, everyone was so impressed…”
A flashing light must be above my head illuminating the wordsDANGER DANGER DANGER. As if to emphasize this, Marshallshook his head, intensely, waving his hands back and forth. He knew where this was going too.
“Your brother is still hoping you’ll reconsider about Jack’s wedding.”
Shit.
Marshall’s palm smacked into his forehead.
“With settling in and the move… I told him I was sorry about it. It’s just not what I want to do with my life. A wedding is a lot of pressure. I agreed to do the shower thing, and all the other things already on my calendar but—”
“But you’re such a talented photographer. And your brother has done a lot for you over the years, and his business partner is getting married. It’s areallyimportant occasion, Thea. You wouldn’t be the main photographer. You’d just take some photos in your unique style in addition to the one they’re paying.”
Okay, shifting gears.
“I know it’s an important occasion… and I just don’t think I could give it the attention it deserves. They also didn’t want to pay me, Mom.”
“They said you would get a meal out of it. I’ve heard the chef they hired is excellent. Is it really such a big deal? We’ve all really tried so hard to support you in your different path, sweetheart.”
“I know you have. And I appreciate it. But yes, it’s a big deal. Wedding photography is hours and hours of pretty monotonous work after the wedding. And I don’t want to be doing weddings anyway. I only said I’d do the other stuff as a favor to you. I don’t want all of my weekends spent driving back to Hun—home.”
The line went quiet for several seconds.
“What am I supposed to tell my friends asking for your business card after everything they tried to do to help your new business get off the ground?”
“Well, given that it was a business that I didn’t want and never asked anyone to supp—”
“I know you like to live your life in an alternative culture, but—”
“Mom.” I winced. “Is this about my being bisexual or me deciding that I didn’t want to be a society wedding photographer for all of your friends?”
Marshall silently applauded.
“It’s about the seven years you spent on two degrees that you aren’t using and the medical degree you refuse to explain why you didn’t finish.”
“I hated it, Mom. And—”
“You could’ve tried law school. Or gotten your master’s in something else. It would have been easier to explain that to my friends than… Like I’ve said before, it would be one thing if you had finally decided to pursue photography as a true vocation, but…” My mother tutted softly. “I just want the best for you. And I hope you keep that in mind.”
“What do you mean?”
“I just wanted you to live up to your potential.”
Marshall mimed a hang-up motion.
“Because I love you, sweetie.”
I turned around away from him. “I know. But I have to go. I’m out taking photos, and it’s cold.” It took three more attempts at goodbye before my mom let me off the phone.
