The morning had dragged on and Shay was happy the guests would soon be here and then leave. Marcus had served on the police force for twenty years and all the men in his unit wanted to stop by and bring presents, food and memoirs of Marcus. Shay really did not want any part in this but unfortunately Gertie had been nearby when the subject was brought up. She didn't know any of the men Marcus worked with because he made it a rule not to bring work home to his family. "Work stays at work and home stays at home" he would always tell Shay when she brought her frustrations home. He always knew when the stress was unbearable for Shay because he would take her shoes off and gently rub her feet.

"Where is Les? I thought he was eating breakfast" Shay asked Gertie.

"I guess he had something more important to do because he just left without a word."

Shay rolled her eyes up in her head. She could only imagine what her mother must have done because leaving without a word was not something Lester would have done. The guests would be here soon and Shay did not want to risk starting an argument. She would have to hold her tongue until the guests were gone. Better yet until Gertie went home.

"Left without a word" Shay mumbled to herself. Nonsense. Every single guest that had signed the roster Gertie made showed up and not empty handed. There was so much food Shay had to open the formal living room and put up another table. It was such a beautiful and at the same time sad moment to witness. All the people sitting around telling stories of their encounters with Marcus. He truly was the man of the hour.

After the last goodbye was said, Lester whispered to Shay if she wanted him to stay and help clean up. "Hmm no indeed. It was a long night so I am saving this mess for tomorrow but thanks for asking Les. By the way, what happened to you earlier? You just disappeared" Shay inquired.

"Oh you mean your mother didn't tell you what happened? I'm surprised she didn't considering... well never mind. I just had to leave before I said something I was gonna regret. You know how your mother is Shay."

"What the hell did she say to you Les? I knew you wouldn't leave without saying something and you certainly wouldn't turn down food!" Shay laughed outloud.

"Real funny Shay real funny. Yeah a brother couldn't even enjoy his meal. I tried to hold my tongue Shay, I really did" Lester pleaded.

"LES, what... did... she... say?" Shay was shouting now.

"Would you stop yelling before she hears you."

"I don't care if she hears me. I want her to hear me. The guests are gone now so I can make a scene if I want to. She just loves that!"

"Who loves what?" Gertie interrupted. Whats going on with all the yelling? I see things are back to normal around here."

Lester and Shay both nodded their heads in disgust. "Wasn't that a lovely reception? The people were so kind and very generous Shay. Did you see all the money that was in the bowl? If I were you Shay I would take that money to the bank immediately." 

"Yes mother, I was going to the bank tomorrow morning. Do you mind? Les and I were talking about something private." Shay gave her mother a stern look that didn't leave any options.

"Shay I really need to leave now. We can talk tomorrow, I promise" Lester pleaded as he gave Shay a sheepish grin. "Is that ok with you?"

"I guess so Les. I don't really have a choice do I?" Shay snapped. "See you tomorrow Les" as she guided him to the front door. "You better call me as soon as you get home Les or I'm not speaking to you anymore" Shay whispered.

Lester gave Shay a kiss on the cheek. "I'll think about it".

"Whatever Les. Don't have me waiting all night."

Shay could feel the piercing eyes on her back. There was noone left in the house but her and Gertie and she was not in the mood to talk. Anthony had gone to the movies with friends and would be out all night. She played the sick card yesterday. It was either start cleaning the house or chat with Gertie and the second option was truly an unbearable one for Shay. Clean the house it is Shay thought to herself!

"Now Shay don't worry about that mess. You've had a busy day and need your rest. I will take care of all the cleaning. Don't you worry about a thing dear." Gertie grabbed the trash from Shay's hands. "Put that down. I said I will take care of this Shay. Go to bed."

"Mom you don't have to do that. I'm not handicapped and I'm not tired. I got plenty of sleep last night and I don't need any more."

"Well if you insist. I was only thinking of you dear."

"Yes I know mom, always thinking of me" Shay said with sarcasim in her voice. The next hour was grueling. Shay spent most of it singing to herself to drown out the comments Gertie made every ten minutes. Gertie must have been feeling vulnerable that night because Shay barely listened and got away with nods, oks and no maam during the entire conversation.

Shay had to admit though, Gertie was good. The house was spotless almost cleaner than when the guests arrived. She was the most requested social planner in Marietta Georgia. She was excellent at organizing people, places and things, just a real knack. The only problem was Gertie didn't know how to separate her business from anything else. She treated all family members like employees, trying to control every aspect of their lives.

On the flip side she also treated her clients like employees. Once those poor saps signed that contract Gertie took that as an invitation to invade every single part of their lives, basically control them too. She just did not understand or made any attempt to change the relationship between consultant and client. Although the clients paid her very well to plan their events, Gertie rarely did what the clients requested, that is unless it was similar to her plans. Shay had heard many negative comments about her mother but no one ever told them to Gertie's face. If nothing else, everyone in Marietta, respected Gertie -- and her reputation for excellence.

It was difficult at times being the daughter of Gertrude Williams. Shay spent most of her life rebelling against her mother's wishes. She couldn't even remember a time when she wasn't disobedient. It sickened Shay to think after all these years, a grown married woman, with a child, and yet she still found time to disobey her mother every chance she got. Shay had resolved in her mind years ago that the relationship with her mother would remain the same. In their own way, the two women were very much alike. Stubborn, independent woman that didn't mind working hard to achieve any goals and submitting to noone.