“Madison, there you are. We haven’t seen you since you lost that silly job. Who is your new young man?”
“He’s my bodyguard. He works for Dante.”
“Oh nice. Is he coming in?” Her mom made a move toward him.
“No, thanks, ma’am. I’ll wait outside for Mrs. B.”
“Who’s Mrs. B.?”
“Mrs. Bianchi.” Angelo pointed at Madison.
“You got married without us? I’m sure your father would have liked to walk you down the aisle.” Madison’s mom turned and walked farther into the house. “Milfred, did you know that Madison married that young man without us?”
“Mom, we went to a judge. We didn’t do anything big that we didn’t invite you for.” Madison made a face at Angelo and then closed the door, before following her mother into the house.
“Are you pregnant?” Her dad’s voice was hopeful.
“No.” She didn’t want to be pregnant. So why did she feel nauseous at not having Dante’s baby? Shouldn’t it be the other way around?
“Let me see your ring.” Madison’s mom grabbed for her hand. “Seems plain. How much did it cost? You know he should spend three months of his salary on a ring. How much does he make?”
“Mom. I don’t know how much he spent or how much he makes, and even if I did I wouldn’t share that information with you.”
“Well, you should know. It’s important to know what your financial situation is.”
“Do you know yours?”
“Yes, of course. I know how much Milford made and what his pension is.”
“Then why do you keep going over it?”
“Now, Madison, don’t talk to your mother like that.”
“Why not, Dad? I think something needs to be said. I can’t keep bailing you guys out all the time. In fact, that’s what I came here to tell you.” She placed the papers on the table. “I’ve paid your bills so you are current, and that is the end of my help. From now on you’re on your own if you choose to overspend, then that is now on you.”
“Really, dear. You get married, and you’re going to dump us for your new family.”
“Mom, that’s not what I’m saying. I’m still your daughter. I’ll still come and visit and do all the other things I’ve always done. I just won’t pay your bills anymore.”
“Milford, talk some sense into her.”
“Madison, with my stroke, we’ve depended on you to help us. You know with Henry now gone, you’re all we have left.”
“And I’ll still be here, Dad, just not as an ATM, but as your daughter.”
“That’s not acceptable. Do you know what we would have to do to live without your help?” Her mother stomped her foot.
“Yes, and it’s not anything that can’t be done. Downsize and stop buying so much.”
“I will not. Milford, I won’t stand for this.”
“And that’s fine. I think this conversation is over. If you want to speak to me you have my number. Just know I will not be able to help out in a financial way anymore. I’ll let myself out.”
Madison got up and walked out. She wouldn’t let them see her cry. That was all she had been to them was a walking wallet. Did they ever love her or was it just her money that they loved?
“Mrs. B., you ok?”
“I’m fine, why?”
