Chapter 10 - The Master's True Worth
Gene turned to look at June, his expression changing from confusion to absolute, irreversible disgust.
He looked down at the hand-sewn silver hallmark Eleanor had pulled into the light, then looked across the room at my parents cowering in their seats.
"Is this true, June?" Gene asked, his voice shaking with betrayed fury.
June couldn't speak; she buried her face in her napkins as the entire room watched her carefully crafted world implode into ruin.
Gene took his engagement ring from his pocket, where he had been holding it for tomorrow’s ceremony, and placed it on the table.
"The wedding is canceled," Gene said quietly, turning to the club manager. "Please pack the dinner for the local shelter and bill my account."
Three months later, my alteration shop had moved out of the shared plaza and into a renovated brick loft on the historic square.
The gold lettering on the front window read Miller & Vance Heritage Bridal, a joint partnership funded directly through the Vance foundation.
Troy was in the back courtyard, installing new antique wrought-iron racks to hold the spring collection orders that were already pouring in.
My phone rang on the oak desk, showing my mother’s number for the tenth time that week, but I let it go straight to voicemail.
They were still trying to explain why June had lost her apartment and why Gene’s family had revoked all local business ties with her friends.
I didn't need their explanations anymore, and I certainly didn't need their permission to be proud of what my hands could make.
Troy came through the back door, holding two cold sodas and smiling with the warmth that had kept me grounded through the hardest nights.
"The new sign looks perfect out front, Maya," he said, handing me a bottle and kissing the top of my head.
I looked at the rolls of rich American satin resting on the polished cutting table, ready for the next bride who wanted something honest and true.
May you like
I didn't have to hide behind anyone’s name or beg for an invitation ever again.
I was right where I belonged, in my own shop, with my own work, and building a life that nobody could ever take away.
