Episode 76
Episode 76
This Too Shall Pass
NAOMI
“You’ve arrived where? Atlanta? Mom, you can’t be serious.” I held the phone to my ear as Memphis puttered around his small kitchen making brunch. We’d slept in, made love and now were famished. The plan was to have a lazy day with Memphis showing me around his stomping grounds, not entertaining my parents, who God only knew why, decided to fly their private jet to Georgia.
“We have to meet the family you’re marrying, of course. I’ve already made reservations at Atlas. We’re staying at the St. Regis.”
“Mom, I’ve barely just met my soon to be in-laws…” I tried.
“Darling, we do not have time to waste. The wedding is in just over two weeks, unless you’ve decided to postpone?” she hedged, sounding hopeful, which grated on my last nerve.
“Mother, I made it clear that Memphis and I will be planning our own wedding. We’ll let you know the details as soon as they have been decided.”
“Whatever you say, dear. Regardless, I’ve already called Mrs. Taylor and invited them to dinner this evening. We’ll be at the chef’s table, which is a great honor, as you know.”
“You called his mother?” I gritted my teeth, trying to breathe through the anger.
Memphis chuckled and shook his head but didn’t interject, just kept on cooking as if my mother’s antics were all the same to him.
“Of course. It would be rude of me not to after hearing the news you’re engaged to the man. In societal norms, we’re already behind. We should have met him when you started dating but seeing as you’ve shot straight through all of that to impending nuptials, I’m playing catch-up.”
“Nothing about me being with Memphis, or our marriage, can be put into a high-society box, Mother. I’m marrying him because he’s the man for me. I’m doing so, outside of your gilded world because that’s what I want. That’s what Memphis desires. He doesn’t care if we marry in his mother’s backyard.” The idea hit me like a ton of bricks. It was absolutely perfect. “Actually, you know what… Hey, baby?” I called out.
Memphis flipped a piece of bacon as he munched on another one he’d already cooked. “What’s up?”
“Do you think your mother would let us get married in her garden?”
“Naomi Shaw, don’t you dare! A backyard wedding.” My mother practically gagged through her gasp. “It’s untoward. My reputation would be ruined with all the ladies at the club. And your father, he would not be pleased.”
I grinned. This idea just got better.
“Baby, she’d be through the roof. You know how proud she is of her garden.” He smiled gently, and my heart squeezed at the joy-filled expression on his face, cementing the plan more firmly in my mind.
“If a backyard wedding is what you want, darling, we can do so at the New York estate. I’ll have tents put up and an endless array of fresh flowers, a champagne fountain, maybe an ice sculpture…”
“No.”
“No to the backyard? Oh, thank God!” Mother stated with relief. “It would be a stretch to do it justice in such a short time frame. We can host at the country club, or maybe I’ll call my contact at the Museum of Modern Art. You and Memphis can say your vows in front of priceless works of art. Yes, that would be lovely and perfect for the society pages,” she carried on.
“No to all of it. If Mrs. Taylor agrees to host our wedding, we will do it at the home where Memphis was raised, and in the garden his mother painstakingly tends to. It’s absolutely beautiful and will make the perfect location for a small, private affair.” I got up from my chair and went to snuggle against my man’s side. He nuzzled my neck and looped one arm around my waist. “I think your mother’s garden would be exactly fitting for us, what do you think?”
“Love the idea and my mother would be honored.”
“Naomi, please don’t do this,” my mother pleaded.
“It’s already done. Get used to the idea. And while you’re here, perhaps we can go wedding dress shopping?” I offered the olive branch, knowing my mother couldn’t pass up an opportunity such as this.
She sighed deeply. “Your father is not going to be happy about your plans.”
I covered my mouth and tried not to laugh out loud. “We’ll tell him tonight so he can’t explode with guests in attendance.”
“Hmm, that could work, though Abraham has been known to have ugly outbursts in the past...” she warned.
“So, shopping?”
“Yes, I’ll set up some appointments with the best bridal designers in Atlanta. I may have to call in some favors, but I have a few IOUs in my back pocket, ready to go for situations like this.”
I was a situation. I rolled my eyes and sighed.
“Mom, we could just go to the local shops and buy something off-the-rack. It doesn’t have to be…”
“Stop that line of thought right now, young lady. You’ve already made my life a living hell by choosing to have a backyard wedding like a commoner. I’m not about to have my daughter wear an off-the-rack wedding gown. I’d be the laughingstock of the year, no the decade! Do not say another word or so help me God, I’ll join your father’s campaign in breaking you two up.”
“That’s cruel, Mom.”
“Desperate times, darling. Don’t be late for dinner. Six p.m. sharp. Ta-ta for now!” she said and hung up before I could say goodbye or get another word in.
I growled under my breath and tossed the phone on the counter before faceplanting against Memphis’ broad, warm chest.
He rubbed his hand up and down my back. “You okay?”
“They’re impossible. You know that, right? You’re marrying into a family of rich snobs who can’t help themselves.”
He chuckled and pulled me farther into his arms, wrapping both around me and rocking us both side to side.
“You know what my granny always said when life was shit and getting me down?”
“What?”
“This too shall pass. And you know what, she was right. Every time. Nothing bad is permanent. Eventually, we all get through the tough times, moving onto the good. One day, your parents will just look at me as their son-in-law, not the man who is taking their daughter away.”
“Doubtful, but one can hope.”
“I have faith, baby.” He dipped his head and kissed me softly on the lips.
“I have faith in you,” I whispered.
“And I have enough faith for the both of us.” He kissed me again and smacked my ass, sending a little shiver down my spine. “Go sit down. I’m going to feed my woman and then we’re showering together.”
“Ooh, I feel better already.”
He laughed as he plated the food. “See, it’s already working. This too shall pass.”
* * * *
We met Memphis’ parents and his granny outside of the hotel. Granny was wearing a bold flowery dress and a quirky matching hat. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were dressed similarly though more subdued in their fashion choices.
“Church formal, Granny?” Memphis smiled. “Stunning as always.” He bent down to her height, and she cupped his cheeks and placed a kiss on each one.
“Nothing but the best for my boy .” she said before letting him go and pulling me into a warm hug.
“My boy, Althea.” Memphis’ mother chastised from beside us as she hugged her son.
I don’t know why, but I held on tight to Granny, lavishing in the comfort of someone who genuinely gave affection and meant the feelings behind their embrace. She pulled back and tilted her head to the side as I blinked away sudden tears. “None of that now. It’s a day for celebration. We’re breaking bread with your parents, building a stronger foundation as one big family.”
I swallowed down the lump in my throat because Althea Taylor was a good woman down to her bones. But she didn’t know my parents. Beneath all the pomp and circumstance and the wealth, they weren’t naturally loving like the Taylors, and I was afraid of how they would treat them.
Memphis took my hand and shook it. “You good?”
“No, but I’ve got you,” I confided.
“Damn straight. Let’s show them how welcoming us Taylors can be.” He grinned, his confidence shining in every word.
I plastered a genuine smile on my face because pretty soon, I’d be a Taylor, too, and there was nothing bad about that.
We entered the hotel lobby and were directed to the restaurant. The hostess led us straight through the opulent dining area and into a special section next to the kitchen with an open view of the chefs cooking.
My parents came out of their seats as we started to make introductions, when my mother looked directly at Althea and boldly asked, “And who are you?”
I noted that the table was only set for six, not seven. Internally, the fear of what my mother might say made gooseflesh rise on my skin and sweat bead at my temples.
“Chantelle Shaw, this is Althea Taylor, the matriarch of the family. It seems as though the table was set for six in error. I’ll see about having the adjustment made,” I volunteered and raced off to find help.
Before I could exit the area, a man in a suit approached and offered his assistance. I told him the concern, and he assured me he’d take care of it right away. And when he snapped his fingers at a couple of waiters and whispered our needs, the two individuals bolted into action.
Before we were finished with the pleasantries, the table had been adjusted. Memphis led his Granny to the head of the table, and she proudly took a seat.
My father’s face was set in a grim line as my mother made nice with Robin.
We ordered drinks and were handed a very select menu with only ten items total.
“Excuse me.” Granny waved over our waiter, stationed not far from the table.
“How may I help you, madam?” he asked her.
Granny put a hand to her chest. “Such manners. Well, young man, my menu doesn’t have any prices on it. I believe I received the wrong one,” she stated.
Before I could correct her, Memphis’ father blurted. “Mine too.”
“Same here,” Robin stated, waving her menu like a flag.
Neither of my parents could contain the sour expressions that crossed their faces.
“Hey, guys, the prices are never listed in this particular restaurant,” I informed them.
“Then how are you supposed to determine what you can afford?” Leon asked.
“Dad, you don’t,” Memphis interjected. “You pay whatever the price is at the end of the meal.”
Leon shook his head. “And let some establishment take me and my hard-earned money for a ride? Can you believe this, Abraham? They think we were born yesterday?” He blustered and showed the menu to my father, who looked at him blankly.
“Dinner is our treat. Please do order whatever you like. We have eaten here before and are comfortable with their pricing structure,” my father offered.
“I can’t let you do that.”
“Oh, but we insist,” my mother started, and I knew when Leon continued to shake his head that I would have to intervene. Leon was a proud man who took care of his family.
I reached past Memphis and patted Leon on the hand. “It’s customary in my family for the person that sent the invitation and picked the location to pay for the dinner. Perhaps the next meal will be a place of your choosing, and you can treat us,” I suggested.
My mother nodded avidly to which I was eternally grateful, even though my father looked bored and annoyed.
“I could have you over for my homemade mac and cheese, and Leon can grill,” Robin offered, and I could have kissed her. “He’s a grill master.” She smiled lovingly at her man, and my heart melted.
“She’s not lying,” Leon boasted and chuckled openly. “I’m a wizard on the grill.”
“Sounds…like a unique experience,” my mother agreed.
“Well, all right then. I’m starved. What’s good around here?” Leon asked, and I watched a muscle in my father’s jaw tick as he attempted to cover a sneer. Something he did rather poorly, but thankfully, Robin and Leon hadn’t noticed.
We gave our orders for appetizers and entrees as my father asked what Memphis’ father did for a living.
“Retired now,” Leon stated, rubbing his leg. “Was a long-haul truck driver for almost thirty years, until I had a bad accident.”
“Oh no,” my mother said, actually sounding as though she cared.
“Yep, it was the darndest thing, but I’m lucky to be alive—”
“And thank the good Lord for that. Praise Jesus,” Althea cut in, hands in the air, face pointed toward the sky.
Both of my parents looked at her as though she’d turned into an alien right before their eyes.
“So, Mrs. Taylor, Memphis and I wanted to ask you a very important question about the wedding,” I cut in, and my mother closed her eyes and sighed while my father actually snarled.
I powered through, knowing this request might make my father angry, but he’d never lose his cool in mixed company.
“As you know, Memphis and I want to get married right away. Within the next two weeks to be exact. We were thinking it would be incredible to get married in your garden.”
“What?” My father snapped at the same time Robin clapped and cried out happily, “Oh my goodness, yes!”
I smiled as Robin continued. “I would love that more than anything,” she said excitedly. “We can even set up a wooden podium and shift the arbor so that it serves as the perfect backdrop with my roses blooming behind it. The girls will be thrilled to set everything up. And I know a great baker in town. She goes to church with us and makes the loveliest desserts. Ohhh, you could even do a cupcake tower type of cake if you want!”
“A cupcake…” My mother shook her head. “I do not think so.”
Robin waved a hand. “It’s hard to explain, but I’ll text you some pictures. She even lets you have multiple flavors, and it’s easy peasy to pass out.” She put her hands to her chest, her smile stretched wide, her cheeks rounded with the effort. “I’m so honored.”
“No daughter of mine is getting married in a backyard wedding .” My father’s nasty side finally came to the forefront.
Granny narrowed her gaze. “Are you saying my son and daughter-in-law’s home isn’t good enough? Surely, we misheard you.” She gave him time to adjust and explain.
“That’s exactly what I’m suggesting.” He crossed his arms over one another. “This is ridiculous. Naomi, how can you be entertaining any of this?” He gestured around the table. “I raised you better.”
Leon tossed his napkin on his plate. “What’s going on here? You haven’t said much. Do you have a problem with your daughter marrying my son?”
“Finally, it comes out. I’m glad you see it too,” my father rudely added.
“See what?” Leon quipped, his brow furrowed.
“How ridiculous all of this is. My daughter with your son,” he scoffed.
“Again, I’m not quite understanding you. Perhaps I missed something,” Leon growled. “I think you need to spell it out for me…” He gestured to the entire table, all of us having gone silent.
“ Dad ,” Memphis warned.
Leon lifted a hand. “No, son. I want to hear what Abraham has to say. What is so ridiculous about your daughter being with my son?”
“Please, you don’t seem to be daft, Mr. Taylor. My daughter is a multimillionaire, and if she lets go of this silly idea of marrying your son, she can take her rightful place as heir to my empire and be a billionaire. She’d have the world at her fingertips.”
“And what does her future aspirations have to do with my boy? It was my understanding that he supports your daughter’s career goals.”
“I do, absolutely, Mr. Shaw,” Memphis cut in. “I’m going to do everything within my power to aid Naomi in achieving her dreams while I set out pursuing my own.”
My father huffed. “I don’t mean to be uncouth, Mr. Taylor, but your son is what? A college dropout—his only talents lying on a football field? What is he bringing to their prospective marriage but a bunch of failures?”
That had me jerking my head back as though I’d been slapped. “I can’t believe you,” I seethed.
“I only speak the truth,” my father blustered.
“So let me get this straight,” Leon continued, his tone fierce. “You do not approve of this marriage.”
“Not in the least,” my father agreed.
“Abraham, please,” my mother pleaded, her hand to his shoulder.
He shook her off. “No. I’ll not sit here and have a meal with these… people, who don’t even know what we’ve done or sacrificed to get to where we are today. Naomi should be with a man like Malik!”
Oh, good Lord, here we go again.
“I’m never marrying Malik, Dad. I don’t love him!” I cried.
“And you love this man you’ve known what, two weeks? You’ve known Malik all your life. He’s the perfect man for you. He’ll father the next generation of successful Shaws, and our legacy will continue.”
Leon stood, wobbling a bit as he grabbed his cane and braced one hand on the back of his chair. “Why are we here? If my son isn’t good enough for you or your legacy?” Leon grated, his words a deep angry timbre that would make anyone quiver in their boots.
“Because I needed to speak some sense to all of you. I’m prepared to offer you millions of dollars to force your son to walk away from my daughter.”
And there it was. My father always believing money was the solution to everything.
“Here we go again.” My mother sighed, grabbed her champagne, and downed the entire thing. I didn’t have time or the energy to scold her for drinking when she shouldn’t be.
“I’ve heard enough. Robin, Momma, we’re leaving,” Leon stated flatly.
Both Robin and Granny stood as the waiter approached with our appetizers. We hadn’t even taken a single bite of food before everything went to shit.
“Twenty million dollars,” my father called out coolly. “Twenty million and all of this goes away.”
Leon took his wife’s hand and shook his head as he looked my father straight in the face. “I feel sorry for you.”
My father laughed. “I can’t wait to hear why.”
Leon looked at me with sorrow-filled eyes, then at his son. “Money can’t buy love, Mr. Shaw, but it can destroy a man from within.”
On that parting wisdom, he led his wife and mother out of the restaurant, their heads held high.