Madison Awakening

I wake up the next morning to the sound of Afrojack blaring through the house.  My eyes dart around trying to figure out what time it was. It feels like only slept two minutes. I roll over with my face in the pillow, trying to blindly locate my phone from the nightstand. After finally grabbing it, I roll back over and see that I have two new text messages from Jonathan. I can’t help the elation at seeing his name on the screen. The first one that was sent late last night after our date.

Still thinking about dessert…

I giggle at the inherent sweetness of the message. I scroll down to read the second text, from seven this morning.

Can’t wait to see you later. Michael will be there at noon. Wear flats.

I wonder what he has planned?

The thumping bass interrupts my thoughts. It’s only nine-thirty, which is plenty of time to get pretty. I stretch my arms then get out of bed to prepare for round two with Mr. Cain.

I walk into the bathroom, strip down then turn on the shower. Before I step in, I take a long look in the mirror and can start to see myself again, clearly; without the malaise that was plaguing me before our Hamptons getaway. I snatch my dark brown hair into a tight bun and survey the topography of my body. By no means am I skinny, as my breasts are a healthy D cup and my hips are full. I’m a curvy five foot six inches, and with my newly acquired tan, my skin is glowing as if from the inside out. 

I step into the shower allowing the tepid water to cascade over me. Grabbing the soap and my loofa, I start scrubbing every inch of my body. With eyes closed, I allow my mind to drift back to the French bistro and our first kiss. I can feel the forcefulness of his mouth on mine all over again.

Then, my eyes pop open in the realization…This is a problem.

I immediately rinse, turn off the water and step out of the stall. As I grab my towel meeting my gaze in the mirror, I can see the hardness set on my face instead of the lightness from before. I know Jonathan is a playboy but… I just need to play the game my way.

Don’t over think this Madison, focus on the fun…I remind myself and leave the bathroom to get myself together.

Since I have time, I throw on a robe and head downstairs to grab a little something to eat. When I enter the living room, I see Ashely in the middle of an intense workout through the opened French doors leading out to the patio. EDM is coming out of every speaker, which explains my wake up call. With her back towards me, I watch her as she does cross lunges with weights in hand. She must have finished her last set because she stops and turns around, surprised to see me.

“Mornin’ girl!” she yells over the music. She walks over to the table to grab the remote and finally reduces the volume.

“Hey. Did you eat yet?”

“Nope. Are you cooking?” She asks, with hope in her eyes.

“No, I was thinking of having something light, like fruit, yogurt, and granola,” I say, as I walk towards the kitchen. I pour two cups of coffee in preparation for what is coming next. Ashley follows behind me and parks herself on the stool at the island as I pass her a cup.

“That sounds good, I’ll have the same. So…How was your date with the Jonathan Cain?” She says dreamily, rolling her eyes with a faux swoon.

“It was good.” I state calmly, turning my back, as I grab the fruit, and yogurt from the fridge.

Ashely huffs loudly. “Stop holding out Madison! Give up the goods. Did you use the ‘gift’ I put in your purse or what?” She says wickedly.

I whip my head around. “No, I didn’t. I do have some shame Ashely.”

“The shame is that you didn’t use them!”

We both start laughing hysterically as I grab two bowls from the cabinet and start to compile our breakfast.

“No, I didn’t use them, but it was an amazing date.” I beam, as an electric current runs through me.

“Stop being vague. Tell me everything.”

“Well, we had dinner in a private room at one of his restaurants. It was so over the top, Ash. A wine for every course, a massive fondue, the works!”  

Ashely gives me a sardonic look. “Madison, I don’t give a shit about the food. Stop holding out! Tell me about Jonathan!” She exclaims.

I roll my eyes and pass her breakfast, secretly hoping it will shut her up a little.

I give Ashely the full review of dinner including the one awkward moment. But essentially, it really was the best date I’ve ever had. After I finish, Ashely smiles broadly and shakes her head.

“Oh…you totally like him. How was the kiss?” She asks, and I can feel my cheeks involuntarily lifting, forming an embarrassing goofy smile. “If that grin is any clue, I would say better than good.” She states matter-a-factly.

“I’d say he’s in my top three…”

Lie...He is number one. The man has a direct line deep within me just by touching his lips to mine.

Ashely looks me over thoughtfully, before speaking again.“I guess so far so good. So, when do you see him again?”

“At noon.”

Ashely’s eyes open wide. “Madison, this guy is really into you. No guy, especially one with Jonathan access, books a date less than twenty-four hours after the last one.”

“Ashely, please.  He just wants to get laid and he knows I’m only here till Friday.” I respond.

“That has nothing to do with it and you know it. That man can sleep with anyone, anytime. He’s going on dates with you.”

I contemplate Ashely’s words as I eat my Greek yogurt. I guess it’s a good sign he wants to see me again so soon. I smile inwardly at the thought he can be interested in me. Especially amongst the perfectly polished, blue blood socialites at his fingertips. I take another spoonful and realize I am reneging on the deal I just made with myself upstairs.  I must have frowned, because Ashely reaches over and gently places her hand over mine.

“Listen Madison. I know that you haven’t felt like yourself lately. Maybe you need to just do something outside of your normal. Just go with it. Don’t question what is happening; just see where it leads you. If that happens to be in Jonathan’s bed, then it will be on your terms, not his.” Ashely says with complete sincerity.

I nod and take a cleasing breath.“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Anyway, he is taking me somewhere today that I need to wear flats for.”

“Oh yeah? Hmmm…I wonder what he has planned.”

“I haven’t a clue. I just hope it’s not a hike or something. I don’t want to be on a sweaty date.”

“I doubt it.  He doesn’t seem like the mountain man type.”

“So what do I wear?” 

“I say sundress and sandals. Can’t go wrong with that. It’s cute and comfy.”

I consider Ashley’s suggestion and quickly catalog what I brought for the week in my head. “Good idea. I have a few with me.”

“And Madison, don’t think about what he wants. Think about what you want and go from there.” She says, patting me on the arm then walks off to head upstairs, leaving me alone to contemplate her advice.

What do I want?

And instantly the answer is him. After months of not wanting anyone, not feeling anything, I want him.  Without ever speaking I felt drawn to this man and now I can enjoy him in the flesh. I give my head a slight shake to come back to reality and realize I only have an hour to get ready.  I dump my bowl in the sink and race upstairs to become cute but casual for my very own Adonis.