“And you’re wearing a suit from that new designer that’s been in the news, is that right?”
“Yes.”
“Madison, let me take a look at you. Did he buy you this dress? It’s a nice design. I haven’t seen anything like it. I don’t recognize the brand.”
“It’s one of my own.”
“Oh. Well, maybe he will buy you something nicer. Can’t have my daughter wearing handmade clothes.” She moved back to sit next to her husband.
Dante couldn’t believe she had the nerve to put down Madison’s hard work. He looked around at the hurt expression on Madison’s face.
“Lots of people would be willing to wear Madison’s handmade clothes. Some of her designs will be shown at fashion week.”
“Yes, we know.” Madison’s mom tugged at the bottom of her dress. “I got the tickets, Madison. We will be there to see the latest and greatest.”
“And Madison’s work as well.” Dante spoke up.
“Of course, we will try to stay to the end for the amateur hour.”
Dante realized there was no point in saying how hard Madison worked and that it was more than just amateur hour as she put it.
“I still need to find something to wear.” Her mom smoothed her hands down her dress again while giving Dante the eye.
“Mom, I have a design that I wanted you to wear.”
“Something you made?” Madison’s mom didn’t even bother looking away from Dante to answer her.
“Yes.”
“No, thank you. You know I only wear designer pieces.”
“I am a designer.”
“Not famous, dear. Anyway, enough of this. Henry, what did you call this meeting for?”
Henry cleared his throat but said nothing about what Madison’s mother had said. “I brought you here to discuss the biopsy. Even though I’m stronger and they scheduled me for this Friday, there is a risk that I won’t make it or that they find something else. So I wanted you to be prepared if I don’t make it out of surgery.”
“Don’t say that. Every surgery has that risk. Same with me.” Madison pointed to her chest.
Dante’s heart constricted at the image of Madison dying while giving something to her ungrateful family.
“I didn’t come here for an ‘I might die’ conversation.” Madison’s mother looked at her watch.
“It’s something that we need to be aware of and also the fact that because of the risk, you might not want to follow through on the kidney transplant, and miss your interview slot. I mean I’m not sure on the recovery time for you. Will you still be able to show your design? Could it go on without you? We need you to get this job.” Henry looked around the room. “Also, there will be nothing for you to do while they are doing the biopsy. So you could drop me off, use my car to do the interview, and then come back and get me once I’m out of the recovery room.
“I’m not changing my mind.”
Dante wished she would. He would talk to her when they left.
“An interview, dear. What for? I’m sure your nice young man will take care of you. No need to get a job.” Madison’s mom winked at him.
“Dante isn’t here to take care of me. The interview is for the fashion house.”
“Oh, that. Yes. I’ll be happy when this is over and you move onto something else. I want to be able to say something other than my daughter is a seamstress. What do you, Dante?”
“I work in finance.”
“Nice. Keep him around, Madison, and keep him close or he might find someone more experienced.”
