Chapter 36

MADISON'S POV Clings of crystal glass and the silken hum of highly refined chatter flowed effortlessly across the opulent restaurant dining room. I sat opposite my brother Ethan, fiddling with the plate of gourmet pasta before me. This had been his doing, as most nights like these tended to be: his love-rituals of exorbitant meals in surroundings to match. I found comfort in simple, home-prepared meals. I have placed all three exercises in this new document. "Madison, you've barely picked at your food," Ethan teased, pushing towards my plate with his fork. I exhaled wearily and swirled my fork through the pasta. "I'm eating, just very slowly. You know how all these fancy places overwhelm me." Ethan laughed. "That is because you are much too introverted than is good for you. You'll have to get used to the likes of this if you think serious designers, big names will hire you anytime.” I shrugged and started surfing my phone. Scrolling the latest headlines, some article made my thumb free