Madison Awakening

After an hour of shopping, we sit at Marylyn’s, a quaint little bistro with outdoor seating on Main Street, the center of East Hampton. It has a small town aesthetic with cottage buildings for the upscale luxury shops. There are lots of people strolling the streets, sporting their Independence Day attire, blending perfectly with the flag lined street.   

Ashely’s friend knew we were coming and put a few things aside for us by the time we made it to the boutique. And after lots of trial and error, thankfully we found perfect outfits for tonight. My Amex is hurting, but for my last night with Jonathan the dress is worth a few less dinners out if it creates the desired effect. I was a little apprehensive to go to the party this morning, but now that I have my look, I’m excited.

“I need a Bloody Mary…” Ashely sighs, as she maneuvers her bags.

“I think I could go for a glass of Sauvignon Blanc,” I responded, looking over the menu for something light to eat. The dress hugs every nook and cranny of my body, so I need to choose wisely.  I look up and see Ashely furiously typing away on her phone.

“You doing work stuff? It’s the holiday,”

“Not exactly. I’m checking on who’s going to the party,”

“Is this party really that big of a deal?  Jonathan doesn’t even want to go,” 

Ashely places her phone down and looks at me sternly. “Madison, this is one of the largest social events of the season.” She says. 

I roll my eyes at the seriousness of her tone. Ashely is used to this kind of thing; it’s how she grew up. Just as I was about to scold her for her elitism, the waiter came over to take our order. By the time we finish, I decide to save my breath.

“Whatever. Are we still doing dinner beforehand?”

“No. We will need the time to get ready. I already booked two girls to come to the house for hair and makeup,” She says with a smirk. 

“Thanks girl!” I say, excited about not having to deal with that myself. Once our waiter gives us our drinks and we raise our glasses.

“Let’s cheers to our last night in the Hamptons.” I proclaim.

I hear my phone buzzing and reach into my bag to see who it is but I’m secretly hoping it is him. And to my delight it is.

I’ve been thinking about last night all day. Can’t wait to see you tonight beautiful.

I can feel the blood rushing to my face as I read the message and take a deep slow breath to get myself under control and reply.

Nice to know I’ve left an impression.  Wait till you see my dress ☺

I hit send, place the phone down on the table, grab my glass to take a sip and find Ashely staring at me inquisitively.

“What?” I say and take a big gulp of my wine.

“Was that Jonathan?” She asks, with a side eye.

“Yes. He was just confirming for later.”

“No he didn’t or you wouldn’t have that look on your face,”

“He said he was looking forward to seeing me,” I say nonchalantly.

Ashely smiles. “Of course he is. I’m just proud of you for finally getting laid. You were getting really cranky there.” We both laugh because her sentiments aren’t wrong. I do feel lighter today. It really is amazing what sex can do. “Are you going to see him again when you get back to the city?”

I look at her in horror. “No way. This is vacation sex. It’s better to keep it that way,”

“Why? You live twenty minutes from each other and it’s obviously a bit more than sex.”

“Why do you say that?”  I ask, feeling myself getting agitated.  

“Madison, I’m just saying. Vacation sex typically doesn’t have all this…passion.” She says in a tempered tone. She knows I’m getting mad.

I take another sip to recenter myself. “You’re right girl, there is definitely…fire between us.  But that’s how I know that this is just fun. I’m not looking for a relationship, in addition to the fact his world is way outside of my comfort zone. But I do appreciate you getting me out here. I needed to recharge.” I say sincerely.

Ashely smiles brightly at me and I can tell she feels my love. “Well I’m just glad you said yes. You look different. You look more like you again. And if Jonathan has something to do with it, I’m good with that. Vacation sex or not. Let’s see what the night brings my friend.” 

We raise our glasses once again and cheers to my good fortune.