“I planned on saving that.”
“How could you do that when we need it? I’m starting to think you don’t care that Dad and me need your help.” Henry leaned forward into her space.
“No, no. That wasn’t what I was saying. I just need to have a cash cushion in case something comes up.”
“I don’t think you need the whole ten thousand.” Henry didn’t back down.
“Well, I hoped to get a car—” Madison shrank back.
“Why get a car when public transportation is so much cheaper.” Henry leaned back.
“You have a car.”
“Yeah, but I’m used to driving myself around, I wouldn’t be able to wait on anyone else’s schedule. But you’re used to it. Why change? It would help you save more money.”
“Right.” Madison picked up her phone at the notification ding. “I have to get going to catch the bus back to my place to meet my model.” Madison stood.
“Ok, well, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Henry continued to stay seated.
“Oh, I’ll be busy this weekend and won’t be able to come over.” Madison picked up her bag.
“No problem, I can stop by your place.”
“I won’t be there. I’m going to be staying with a friend.”
Henry cocked his head. “Sabrina?”
“No. Another friend. One you don’t know.”
“Is this friend a guy?”
“Why?”
Henry stood and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I know you don’t have a lot of dating experience. I don’t want you to end up hurt, by some guy who takes advantage of you.”
“Right, well, I gotta go or I’ll miss the bus and be late.” She leaned over to give Henry a hug and then turned to leave.”
“Madison, before you go, do you have some cash you can spare?”
“I only have some hundreds I was going to put in the bank.”
“Great. I’ll take two.” Henry held his hand out.
“Sure. Here you go.” Madison closed her wallet and walked out and softly closed the door behind her. To him, she was a wallet to get money from. Did he even care? To her, they had become close, but now she it seemed as if he was only close with her wallet. She shouldn’t have given him the money, but that would be selfish to keep it for herself.
She knew Henry was used to so much more based on the money he earned playing ball. Of course he would miss things like eating out and going to shows. What right did she have to stop him?
****
Madison went to meet her model Becky. They had talked and texted to set up a meeting time, but it was the first time they would meet in person. They would meet at Madison’s place. Since Madison didn’t have a car and was doing everything out of her apartment, it was easier and more convenient to meet there instead of carting everything to the fashion house and back.
Madison went to answer the knock at the door. “Hi.”
“Hi, it’s nice to meet you.” Becky held out her hand.
“You too. Come in. Thanks for being willing to come to me.” Madison shook it and opened the door wider.
“Yeah, no problem, I don’t mind.” Becky walked inside.
