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Chapter Four
“What about this onein powder blue? Or did you not think someone would like another color besides the drab brown and dull green this dress comes in?”
The smile on Tasha’s face was unwavering. She’d had years perfecting it. It was the smile that said, “You’re a valued customer and I want you to be happy.” While inside her brain, she screamed, “Leave my shop!”
The blonde haired, almost cookie cutter of each other, mother and daughter duo had been in her boutique for over two hours now, which wasn’t uncommon since Tasha’s entire business was built on giving individual attention to clientele. But sometimes customers overstayed their welcome. Which was the case here. Tasha adored the daughter who was only trying to find the right bridal shower dress, but the mother...ugh...the mother acted as ifshewere the one getting married.
While Tasha’s smile was unwavering, the daughter wasn’t having much luck hiding her true feelings. That her mother was ruining this day for her was written all over the daughter’s face and Tasha felt her pain. She’d never been married and was certain her mom wouldn’t be as rude and disrespectful as the one in front of her, but she’d seen this situation play out many times before.
“We don’t have this particular style in powder blue, but I have another dress similar in that color.” Tasha outstretched her hand to another rack. “If you’ll follow me.”
The mother breezed past Tasha with head held high, leaving flowery perfume trailing in the air after her. “Let’s see what you have over here.”
Tasha watched as she walked to the rack indicated. If Tasha hadn’t introduced herself as the owner, she was sure the older lady would’ve asked to speak to a manager by now. She had that arrogant and impatient air about her. The way she walked, fast and with intent, like she had pressing business to attend to. The perfectly styled updo, slick and sleek without a hairpin seen. The designer outfit, Ralph Laurent, Fall Collection. Or the stern scowl on a face that had seen three too many plastic surgeries directed toward Tasha.
“After you,” Tasha said to the daughter while the mother began, “um, hmming” the dresses on the rack.
Before joining her mother, the daughter mouthed, “Sorry,”.
While both mother and daughter were near twins in looks, their dress was different as night and day. The daughter was in a stylish loose fitting sweat outfit and gym shoes. And instead of the perfect hairdo like her mom, the younger woman’s hair was tied back into a messy ponytail.
Wilma, Tasha’s aunt and employee, came to stand next to her and whispered, “I can pull the fire alarm. Just say the word.”
“That’s why you’re my favorite employee,” Tasha whispered back.
Wilma bumped Tasha’s shoulder with her own. “I’m your only employee, lady.”
Tasha rubbed Wilma’s back and chuckled. As the youngest child of nine, Wilma was closer to Tasha’s age than any of her other uncles and aunts. She was also Tasha’s favorite. Their relationship had always been closer to that of siblings.
When Tasha had gotten the building lease, Wilma rolled up her sleeves to help clean and put everything together. Nisha had been there too, but Wilma arrived with Tasha and left just as late.
In the beginning, she’d only been able to pay Wilma minimum wage, but as business grew, so did Wilma’s salary. Wilma had finally been able to quit her job as a secretary and work for Tasha full time. Tasha thanked God for Wilma daily. It was a godsend to have someone she loved and trusted working for her.
The mother held up a dress, a powder blue one, and said, “Do you have this in cream?”
A nerve throbbed and pulsed under Tasha’s right eye.
Wilma patted Tasha’s shoulder. “I’m going to pull that alarm.”
“Mother!” the daughter gasped.
“Wha—” The mother whipped to face her daughter then her face went slack. “Oh, my!”
They all turned in the direction she faced.
