Whatever she ended up doing in life, she’d do it as herself. If nothing else, she’d learned that this year in seminary

Chava lifted a lilac-colored scarf with a delicate overlay of lace and sequins. “Pretty,” she commented as she began to fold it.

Devoiry, arms deep inside a packing box, glanced up. “Thanks. It’s one of my favorites. You’ve got good taste, Ma.”

“Pshh. What a compliment!”

Chava had offered to help pack up the store out of a sense of duty, and she’d arrived this morning expecting to find Devoiry sniffling over every item. She certainly hadn’t anticipated this lighthearted mother-daughter bonding. In fact, she couldn’t remember the last time she and Devoiry had been so relaxed and playful around each other. Had they ever?

Devoiry was holding a sequined handbag with a big silver clasp. “This is what I’m planning to give ZeeZee as a thank-you gift. What do you think?”

Chava nodded. “Good choice.” Not that she knew a blessed thing about fashion, but she trusted Devoiry’s taste. “She’s flying home for Pesach tomorrow.”

“She said she’d come by during her afternoon break, together with Ilana and Dafna, to help me clear this place out.”

Resolving to be out of there before they arrived, Chava glanced at the empty shelf and asked, “What’s next?”

Devoiry turned thoughtful eyes to her. “I’m not sure,” she said. “For the time being, I’m going to go back to selling out of my home.”

It took Chava a second to realize Devoiry had misinterpreted her question. “That sounds wise.” She winced, hoping the words weren’t too mother-ish. After a pause, she added, “Let me know how I can help.”

Devoiry laughed. “Want to run a sale in your home one evening?”

Chava knew Devoiry was being facetious, but she felt she owed it to her to say, “Sure. Tell me what day works for you.”

Devoiry’s eyes widened. “You’d invite your friends to a luxury tichel sale?”

“I can’t promise they’ll be your best customers.”

“But… I mean… ” Devoiry stared at her. “You wouldn’t be mortified to tell your friends that your daughter sells such frivolous things?”