Madison Awakening

“Ash! I need you to zip me into this dress!” I yell down the hallway.  

The beauty squad just left and I’m standing in my strappy pewter heels, black corset, and panties admiring the final result in the mirror. I look like I’ve stepped out of black and white movie. My hair is in perfectly smooth waves swept up on the right side with a beautiful crystal art deco hairpin holding it in place. My makeup is flawlessly done with muted metallic tones, eyelashes and bright red lips. In my underwear, I look like a pin up girl. I giggle to myself at my random thought just as Ashely walks in to finally help me. She is all dressed and she looks stunning in her red silk column dress with a feather and pearl headband and long rhinestone-layered necklaces.

“You look beautiful Ashely! Red is so your color!” I exclaim.

“Thanks. We’ll see how long I last in these heels. Let’s get you into your dress.  Did you hear from Jonathan?”

“Yes. He’ll be here any minute, that’s why I was screaming like a lunatic for you!” 

 Ashely grabs the dress off the bed and hands it to me to step in carefully.  I shimmy myself into the white and silver midi length dress with layered fringe beading and cap sleeves and maneuver my breasts in the proper position. Ashely stands behind me and zips me up just as the doorbell rings. I look at the clock and it’s nine o’clock on the dot. He is always on time.

“Okay he’s here. I’ll go get the door and you finish getting ready. You look amazing.” Ashely says as we look into the mirror together.  She gives me a quick hug and then she heads downstairs.  

I look myself over and twirl to see at all my angles then I put in my earrings and reposition my diamond pendant. I hear Jonathan’s voice and immediately feel my heart start to race. I thought it was going to be Michael at the door. Now I’m nervous to see him. He’s seen me naked but since this is the last night, I want to make an impact. 

As I look at this glamazon version of myself, I am reminded that this is dress up. This isn’t my real life. I am lavishing in a fantasy lifestyle and a man I would never in reality. Jonathan is sexy but there is no long term option here. He isn’t interested in the real version of myself. Tonight is the last night of my Hamptons vacation and I am focused on what I came for, fun. The malaise I had when I first came has vanished. I feel buoyant, bright and sexy. The only goal tonight is to enjoy the last moments with Mr. Cain.

I grab my purse off the bed, check to make sure it has everything I need and finally leave my room to head out. As I walk down the stairs, I try to quiet my mind and put on my best smile.  I can hear Ashely laughing in the kitchen as I turn the corner and I come face to face with Mr. Cain.  I have to hold in a gasp at the sight of him.

Jonathan is wearing a crisp black tux perfectly fitting every inch of his incredible body with a white shirt, bow tie, clean-shaven and slicked hair. I think I stopped breathing for a second, and going by the look on his face he might have done the same.  He didn’t smile when he saw me; he just started walking as if it was an automatic response. Heat immediately floods my cheeks and I get a flutter in my belly. I start walking towards him then he pulls me into him gently and gives me a light kiss on the lips.

“You look beautiful. You weren’t kidding about the dress. You’re stunning.” He whispers quietly, probably because Ashely was right behind him not minding her business.

“You look so handsome in this tux. You clean up nice, Mr. Cain.” I say with a hint of humor, but that is to cover the overwhelming desire to get to the body under the beautiful clothes.

“I want to really kiss you but I don’t want to mess up your lipstick.” He whispers with a smirk.

“That is very fortuitous of you. I’m sure we’ll find a time for you to mess up my makeup later.” I whisper back and give him another peck.

“Shall we go?” He says nice and loud, almost yelling. I laugh and release him and turn to Ashely.

“You ready girl?” 

“Yup, I’m ready if y’all are done whispering.” Ashely replies with a mocking tone.  I stick my tongue out at her and begin to pull Jonathan behind me out the door.

We walk down the path to the limo and Michael is waiting for us with the door open.  

“Good evening Michael.” 

“Good evening Miss Davis and Miss Lawrence. You both look lovely.” He says with a head nod.

“Thank you Michael.” I respond with a smile as Ashely slides into the limo. I follow behind her and Jonathan gets in last. Michael closes the door and Jonathan moves himself closer to me. He takes my hand and kisses the back of it softly.

“You really look incredible.” He says to me, eyes smoldering.  I squirm a little in my seat as the limo begins our drive to ‘the social event of the year.’

I can see Ashely has her game face on. The dress she chose was the perfect marriage of classy and sexy. She is typing feverishly away on her phone, I assume to her boss. Tonight will be a good networking opportunity for her. It’s still pretty ironic that I’m the one that got us the invite to such an exclusive event. I look up at Jonathan and breathe him in again. Jonathan looks down and smiles.

“Why do you look like you just ate the canary?” He says with a smooth deep whisper that gives me goosebumps.

“I was just thinking how crazy it is that I’m going to this party with you. It’s a birthday party and I don’t even know the person.” 

“Okay, I’ll give you a quick background. James and I have been friends since prep school days in Paris. His family is in art collections and dealing, so I credit him with giving me some culture. He travels a lot, but summers here so that’s when I actually get to see him. James is genuinely the nicest person you ever want to meet. His husband, Patrick, on the other hand is the opposite. All I’ll say is that he comes from old money and makes sure everyone knows it. But he’s good to my friend and that’s all I care about.” 

“What are you two whispering about over there?” Ashely yells from across the limo.

“Girl. Mind your business! Or I’ll call Leanne and tell her we’re going to a party to find you a husband!” I yell mockingly and Jonathan gives me a puzzled look.

“Madison, that’s a low blow. You know I’ve been trying to get Mama off my back.” Ashely says with a slight pout and a hint of her southern drawl. I really shouldn’t tease her. Ashely is ambitious and has no desire to be a trophy wife, which is the opposite of what Lawrence women have been for generations.

“I’m sorry girl. I was just asking Jonathan about James and his husband. Sounds like it’s going to be a great party.” 

And just as I say the words, the limo slows down to turn into the estate’s circular driveway with a caravan of limos and SUVs.  Jonathan looks down at me beaming.

“We’re here. Thank you again for coming with me. We are going to have a great night.” He says and places a gentle kiss on my lips. I feel like I’m floating and smile at his sweetness. Ashely has a smirk on her face, pretending not to be watching. The limo stops and I can see bright lights beaming in the night. Michael gets out and I take out my compact to give myself a once over.

“You’re perfect. Let’s go have fun.” He whispers as I close my clutch. Michael opens the door and all of my senses are assaulted.