My company had fifty employees across three locations.
We catered luxury resort launches, charity galas, and Fortune 500 retreats.
But to my mother, I was still the unpaid daughter she could summon with twenty-four hours’ notice.
“I can’t do it,” I said.
Silence.
Then her voice sharpened.
“What do you mean, you can’t?”
“I have a business trip. I’m flying to Florida.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. What business could you possibly have?”
“An important meeting.”
She laughed.
Actually laughed.
“Lily, stop being selfish. Your sister needs this.”
“Sarah can hire a catering team.”
“With what money? Do you know how expensive that is?”
The irony was almost too much.
“Yes,” I said quietly. “I do.”
“Family comes first.”
“No,” I said, surprising both of us. “Family comes first when you need something from me.”
“How dare you?”
“When was the last time you asked about my life, Mom?”
“We know about your life. You’re doing your little cooking hobby.”
“I’m a CEO.”
Another laugh.
Cruel this time.
“A CEO of what? Your imaginary company?”
“It isn’t imaginary. I have fifty employees.”
“Enough with the fantasies. Sarah needs this. You owe us.”
“I owe you?”
“We raised you. Fed you. Kept you in our home.”
“While treating me like hired help.”
“You’re being dramatic.”
I looked at my ticket.
Flight 447 to Fort Lauderdale.
Departure: 8:00 p.m.
“No,” I said. “I’m being done.”
“If you leave,” my mother said, voice low now, “don’t bother coming back.”