Madison Awakening

As I exit the bedroom, I am able to see the rest of the glass castle. The hallway is a very pale gray with white trim and bare. I wonder why there are no pictures up, but since this is not his only home maybe those things are in the city. I wonder what the SoHo place looks like, and then I immediately swipe the thought aside.

I’m not seeing him again so why wonder?

I hear some soft music playing in the background as I pass a few more rooms. Finally, I reach the living room, which is open to the kitchen and there is Jonathan shirtless and sexy, standing over the island chopping up strawberries. I take a deep breath to slow my heart down and walk in with a smile. He looks up just as I make it to the stool to sit down and smiles brightly.

“There you are. I was about to come get you.” Ha says, placing the bowl of strawberries in front of me.

“It was a long walk from your bedroom. This place is pretty big,”

“This is my entertaining house. I don’t want people in my real home. Do you want a glass of Sauvignon Blanc?”

I nod and he grabs a bottle out the fridge, reaches for the stemware on the opposite counter and pours two glasses. He passes me one, lifts his glass and I follow.

“What should we cheers to?” He asks with a hint of playfulness in his eyes.

“Lets cheers to…satisfaction,” I say with a grin.

“To satisfaction,” And as we click glasses, I can feel that pull building again between us. We both take a sip and I revel in the coolness of the wine. I look over the counter and see bread, cheese, butter and a skillet.

“So what are you putting in my mouth?” I ask seductively.

His eyebrows raise and a sexy smirk touches his lips. “Right now, strawberries. That is until I finish making grilled cheese sandwiches.  Later, that remains to be seen.” He responds and I can see the naughty thoughts in his stare.  I’m first to break contact because it’s too intense. I try to redirect the conversation.

“I didn’t peg you for a grilled cheese kind of guy,”

“I love food, as you already know but this is not going to be your typical grilled cheese,” He says with an air of arrogance.

“Oh yeah? What makes your grilled cheese so special?” I challenge. 

“Patience, Madison. Patience.” He says coyly. I reach into the bowl of strawberries and take his advice.

We talk casually about random things like places to eat in the city and all the new trendy spots popping up in Brooklyn, but the whole time I’m watching him carefully. He is meticulous in his process. I watch the way he cuts the bread and cheese with precision.  I have never seen a more complex way to make a sandwich. I chuckle to myself and that causes him to look up from buttering.

“What’s so funny?”

“You.”

“What is so funny about me in particular?”

“I have never seen such a process to make grilled cheese.” 

“Aw, well once you taste it you will know why the process is what it is. I like everything I do to be the best or it’s not worth doing.” He says.  And so far he has proven that sentiment.

My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of a phone blaring. At first, I look at Jonathan with annoyance and then realize it’s my phone that is ringing. I look around and try to figure out where the hell I put my purse.

“It’s in the foyer on the table,” Jonathan says, not looking up from the stove answering my unspoken question.

I jump off the stool and race to the foyer to get my purse sitting next to the vase of hydrangeas. I open it, fish out my phone and see Ashely’s face. I inwardly curse myself for not contacting her earlier.

“Hey girl,” I say in a hushed tone.

“Where the hell are you?! Do you know what time it is? I sent like a billion texts!” Ashely says enraged.  

“Ashely. I’m fine. I am sorry I’ve been out of touch. What time is it?”

“It’s almost ten o’clock. You’ve been gone all day and I hadn’t heard from you. I was about to call Jonathan next if you didn’t pick up.” She says but the venom has left her tone.

“I had no idea it was so late. You know I don’t do watches in the summer. I’m at Jonathan’s house. I should have let you know but I kind of had my hands full.” I say in a rush.

“I’m sure you have.” She laughs girlishly and I can’t help but to join in. “Are you staying over?”

“No, of course not. You know how I feel about that.”

“Okay. I’m going out for drinks with the event planner for the next movie premiere. I’ll see you later then?”

“Yup. I’ll be home when you get back.”

“Okay. Have fun girl. Or should I say more fun?” She teases.

“Goodbye Ashely.” I say, exacerbated.

“Night hun.”