Madison Awakening

I pop out of the cool oasis mirroring my mood.  The Hamptons god is no longer a passing fantasy but a tangible person that is interested in me. I wipe the water off my face, down my neck and imagine his hands on me.  My body is radiating heat despite being submerged in the water as the realization of my call sets in. When I open my eyes, Ashely is sitting on the ledge of the pool, head cocked to the side.

“Do you have something to share?” She says, arching her eyebrow.  I try to reign in my grin but fail miserably.

“I have a date tomorrow.” I state matter-of-factly, trying to subdue the glee bouncing around within me.  Ashely’s green eyes widen with shock as I twirl in the water in confirmation of my good news.

“Details. Now. And don’t leave anything out.”  She demands.

As I tell Ashely about the two chance encounters and surprise phone call, I can see her mind churning. She knows something. When I finish giving my recap of events, I take a breath and scrunch my face up at her.

“Tell me.  I know you know something.” I say, sensing that when it comes to Jonathan Cain, I need as much information as possible, for my own self-preservation.

“About two years ago I assisted in one of his club openings.” She says and bites her bottom lip, which tells me that I won’t like what she has to say next.

I roll my eyes at her. “I already have an opinion so fill in the blanks.” 

“Well…He has a serious reputation as a lady’s man. He’s basically slept with half of the Upper East Side.” She blurts out apologetically.  

Ashely’s admission doesn’t shock me. His cool aura and sexiness would be a lethal combo for any woman.  His voice was enough to flip the switch on my own dormant libido. And despite all the clear flags, I want to know more about Mr. Cain. 

“I knew by looking at him that he was the playboy type.  But I have to admit, I’m still curious.  I don’t think he would have tracked me down if it was only about sex.” 

“Well then. Let’s make some margaritas, and do a little research.”

After two hours with the iPad and two margaritas apiece, Ashely and I have gotten a thorough education on Jonathan Cain.  After reviewing all the Google images, the limited details of his exploits and summary of his wealth, it is a bit unsettling.  This level of man I have never encountered before. I’ve actually actively avoided wealthy men, seeing the like at Vanderbilt.  Invitations to Aspen and private islands by sleazy, affluent divorced dads have happened more than once.  I take a cleansing breath to calm my racing mind and attempt to digest all the new information.

“Okay, so basic stats: he’s thirty-three, the oldest son of a former US ambassador to England and an Argentinean mother with a younger sister. He has a loft in SoHo and offices in Tribeca. He owns clubs and restaurants in New York City, the Hamptons, Miami, Los Angeles and London. And of course he loves the ladies, but just not for very long.” I state in one long breath and feel satisfied with my summary.

“I think that is a fair synopsis.  So now what?” Ashely asks and clearly wants an answer.

“This guy is sexy as hell, rich and has a prominent background. On paper, he is perfect but there has to be something. The reality is that I could easily just be just another pretty face to him. But…for some inexplicable reason, I think I like him.” I say feeling ashamed by my weak resolve against a beautiful man.

“Madison, those are your hormones talking. So what if you like him? There is nothing wrong with going out with a hot sexy bachelor. You are twenty-seven years old and all you’ve done in the past few months is work and go to hot yoga. It’s time for you to have some real fun, solely for the purpose of fun. If you sleep with him, whatever; there is no shame in getting a couple of orgasms. At least you know what you’re getting with him. Let him serve his purpose and move on.” Ashely states with a loving touch of my hand. She always has the words I need just when I need it. 

I sip my drink and make a silent vow: I can fuck him; I just can’t love him.

“So…what am I going to wear on my date?” I say, grinning at Ashely.  She lifts her glass and we cheers to my fall into temptation.