'Love Match Atlanta': Afternoon tea-date between Shae and Ming turns into an economic lesson
Shae chooses to clear her name in her own style when Ming decides to exclude her from her birthday party-cum-mixer event due to her being noisy and starting fights at social gatherings. In the latest episode of 'Love Match Atlanta,' Shae asks Ming for tea after gatecrashing her party.
Ming had sent out invitations to every prominent matchmaker in town, except Shae, for her opulent birthday celebration in the previous episode. When questioned, Ming revealed that Shae had started conflicts in the middle of events, and she didn't want that on her special day. Fans on social media have theorized about possible underlying reasons for the choice, pointing out that it was messy situation. Shae and Ming have had a rocky start since the show premiered because of what transpired at Joseph Dixon's mixer event. Paris, Joseph's business partner, girlfriend, and Shae got into an altercation. Ming was irked by the confrontation and blamed Shae for creating an uncomfortable environment at the event.
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Shae, who had learned about Ming's birthday mixer via her friend Lamont, wanted to clear the air between herself and Ming. When Joseph inquired about Shae's absence from Ming's party, Lamont stated that she was the only one who had not been invited. When questioned why she left Shae off the guest list, Ming said that she wanted to prevent trouble. While the other matchmakers were conversing at Ming's birthday celebration, Shae unexpectedly appeared in a yellow gown, much to Ming's surprise. The latter then addressed the 'Love Match Atlanta' star, asking why she came despite not being invited.
Shae stated that she wished to clarify the issue and clear the air, especially if there were any misunderstandings between them. Ming stated that she did not invite Shae due to her altercation with Paris at Joseph's celebration. Ming refused to trust the 'Love Match Atlanta' star when she stated that it was her first fight and that she is not someone who usually starts fights. Ming, on the other hand, insulted Shae, claiming that she did not think this was her first fight. Shae, to her credit, remained calm and offered that the two go out for lunch someday to clear the air and start over.
A tea-date turns into an economics lesson
A week later, Shae contacts Ming and asks if she wants to go out for tea. Shae is fed up with being misunderstood, and a part of her wants to prove herself. She wants to refute all of Ming's unfavorable perceptions, beginning with being dubbed "hood" and "loud" when she is not. She wants Ming to get to know her on her own terms. Ming accepts the offer in the hopes of getting to know Shae better.
Shae was offended and hurt when she learned she wasn't invited to Ming's party since no one has ever accused her of being a "fighter," "being ghetto," or "loud" — all the things Ming has said to Lamont about Shae. Ming professes to be a "polished" matchmaker, but Shae getting into a quarrel in the middle of an event caused her to exclude Shae. This is why Shae asks Ming out to tea 'date' because classy ladies enjoy tea and Shae wants to prove she does have class, contrary to what Ming believes.
Things get off to a humorous start as Ming mispronounces "scone." Shae laughs and implies in her confessional that it was merely an example of Ming portraying herself as more elite than she is. Shae, however, thanks Ming for accepting her offer and joins her for tea. While swatting flies during their high tea, they both discuss how horrible it would look if they fought, given that they are the face of matchmaking in Atlanta. Shae informs Ming that she has made peace with Joseph and Paris, and the only person with whom she is at odds with is her. Ming claims she has nothing personal against Shae and wants to know who invited her to Ming's party. Shae explains that it was Lamont who urged her to come, despite Ming's belief that he should have checked with her before extending the invite. Ming was eager to reject Shae's allegation that the party wasn't a party until she arrived. Ming proposes that they set aside their disagreements because they are all in the business of assisting people in finding love. Shae applauds Ming's business accomplishments and expresses her admiration for it.
When Shae tries to reintroduce herself to Ming, the owner of Color Blind International asks about "middle budget matchmaking." Ming associates matchmaking with a high-end business, so she didn't get Shae's "middle-budget concept." Ming only accepts high-end clientele who can afford her prices. Shae claims she has heard from others that Ming refers to her as "low budget," which Ming promptly corrects to "middle budget." Shae then goes on to tutor Ming about the "middle class," which is the basis of her business. Shae caters to a certain economic class that comprises the majority, ranging from bus/truck drivers to attorneys.
Listening to Ming's snobbish words, Shae confesses that she doesn't understand how someone like Ming, who had to go to school with razor blades in their mouth, could hold her nose high and look down on everyone else. She also suggests that Ming return to New Jersey and reconnect with her roots. Shae then informs Ming that she wants to appeal to the "middle class," since traditional matchmaking tends to the "top tier." Ming justifies her clientele choice by stating that she wants to be compensated for the time she puts into each client. She also says she doesn't work in volume like Shae, to which Shae responds that she doesn't need volume because she charges $100,000 per customer.
Ming argues that people give her a high premium because she is worth it. Time is something that cannot be restored, therefore if she is going to devote time and help someone find love, she expects to be compensated generously. Shae claims to be working smarter and harder. Most individuals cannot afford $100,000, but they can pay her fees, which range between $3000 and $5,000. Ming agrees with Shae's objective of reaching the majority of people. By the end of their date, they appeared to have reached an agreement and looked forward to simpler times in the future.
To find out if their friendship lasts, tune into Bravo every Sunday at 9 p.m. for all-new episodes of 'Love Match Atlanta.'