Page 73 of A Home for Harmony

Her shoulders dropped. “I’ve got a business, Mom. A successful business.”

“Marketing junk online. That’s not a job. That’s getting free things and persuading people to buy them. How do you know the stuff isn’t junk like this? You could misrepresent things. Could this ever come back on you that someone is following your lead and getting sick or hurt?”

She put the phone down and hit the speaker button. It was wrong, but she wanted her sister to hear the things she had to deal with too.

Though she was pretty sure Erica knew already since her mother was talking loud enough.

“Mom. I don’t take on any brand or product I won’t use for myself. I’m only saying I like it, and not telling anyone to buy or use it. It’s not my only business. You have no idea what I do because you never ask. You show a lack of interest.”

“Because you’ve never been able to pin one thing down in life,” her mother said. “You always jump around and do a hundred things and not enough of them well.”

Erica’s jaw dropped. “That’s wrong, Mom,” Erica said. “Don’t be mean. Harmony is doing great. She has a sound business plan and it’s not being an influencer. That is only a part of her business.”

“I’m not sure why or how your sister can influence anyone. She’s twenty-six years old and living in her father’s house, posting videos about being happy in life. No one goes outside and appreciates the sun and is in a better mood.”

“Maybe you don’t,” Harmony argued. “But I do. It’s not like I’m doing stupid stunts online. I’m letting people know they can be themselves and enjoy the little things and not worry about being perfect.”

“We know you’re far from perfect.”

For someone who said she didn’t let her mother bother her much anymore, her eyes filled.

“I’m hanging up now,” Erica said. “That was mean and until you apologize to Harmony, don’t contact me either.”

“Stop. Wait,” her mother rushed out. “Harmony. I’m sorry. I just worry. Your brother has settled down and is expecting a baby. Erica is getting married and has her business. You’re left. What are you going to do when your sister isn’t around for you to lean on?”

Her arms were swinging and her teeth were grinding. The happy, laid-back girl was no more right now.

When Erica went to open her mouth to reply she put her hand up.

She didn’t need to prove her mother right by Erica fighting her battles.

“Mom, Erica and I have lived together for years and I’ve appreciated every minute, but I don’t lean on her. We split the costs in the house here and I’ll be fine on my own. I made well over six figures last year, not that I have to tell you any of that.”

She made six figures from her sponsors alone. She netted twenty thousand in her other business ventures, and that was after paying herself what she thought was a modest salary so she could invest her sponsorship money into her business and for her future.

She thought she was doing damn well for her age. Few businesses turn a profit the first year either and she had!

“How is that possible?” her mother asked.

“Anything is possible,” she argued. “If you put the work in and try. You refuse to believe I can do that.”

“Fine,” her mother said. “Maybe you’re doing well with work, even though I’ll never understand your career choices.”

“It’s not for you to understand, Mom,” Erica said. “You gave me a hard time when I went out on my own too.”

“I’ve never worried about you, Erica,” her mother said. “You’ve always had a good head on your shoulders. I was more worried you’d never find a man, but you did. Now, Harmony. I’m more worried about the type of guy she’ll end up with.”

“What does that mean?” she asked with her hands on her hips.

“It’s probably going to be someone like you that isn’t in a stable career,” her mother said. “I know you’ve got all these friends and fans online. Or who you think are friends.”

She held her hand up and shook her head again at her sister. “Who I end up with is my decision and choice,” she said. “It will be because I like them as a person and not what they do for a living. I’ve got to go now, bye.”

She disconnected the call before her mother could say another word.

“I was going to hang up on her a few minutes ago,” Erica said. “That’s mean of her. Don’t take it to heart.”

Erica got up to hug her, but Harmony knew she’d start crying if she held on too long.