Madison Awakening

The entrance to the estate is a sea of LED lights, flowers and the booming sounds of EDM. The stone facade of the tudor style mansion is masked by the spectacle of men on stilts and bubble machines working overtime. In the night sky, a spotlight of “Happy Birthday Patrick” hovers above. Ashely steps out of the limo first, then Jonathan.  I must have looked overwhelmed as I stepped out because Jonathan tucked me right under his arm as we walked down the red carpet with aerial performers scattered along the path.

 Flashing lights were going off from every angle and I prayed to God I wouldn’t look cross eyed as a result. But Jonathan moved with ease. This was his arena. Nothing about the spectacle phased him and that in turn calmed my anxiety. Ashely, of course, was saying ‘Hi’ to the various people on the carpet, because this was also her world. Jonathan made polite waves to a few, but was still very present with me. He held my hand firmly as we walked up the stairs through the massive doors flaked by Josephine Baker-esq girls in their feathered headdresses and trays of champagne.  

“I know what you are thinking,” Jonathan says in my ear.

“What am I thinking Mr. Cain?” I ask with a side eye.

“That this is an over the top, extravagant, and wasteful display.”  

I just look at him and shrug. He’s absolutely right, this is some gaudy mess. But I don’t have money like these people. Maybe this is normal?

“No, this is not normal.” He says, answering my silent question.

Ashely grabs a glass off the tray and Jonathan grabs two and hands me one as we continue to walk through the expansive foyer. The bright white marble was gleaming in between all the gold and white decor centered by the champagne fountain which led to the open wall of glass onto the terrace with the other guests drinking, dancing and enjoying the decadence of the scene. I take a sip of my champagne and squeeze Jonathan’s hand a little tighter. This is a lot more people than I anticipated. I take a deep breath and turn on my smile in preparation for what this night will turn into.

  “I’m going to say hi to a few people. I’ll catch up with you guys in a minute.” Ashely says and heads over to a group of models, leaving Jonathan and I alone. I can tell that he was searching the crowd, when a booming voice comes from behind us.

“JJ!!! JJ is that you!?” 

We both turn, and Jonathan’s face lights up as a lanky gentleman heads towards us in a hurried strut, dragging behind him a beautiful blond man. Both are dressed in coordinating custom tuxedos with strategically placed sequins. I step back a bit as the lanky one gives him a warm hug.

James is a bit shorter than Jonathan, slim in frame, strong nose, warm brown eyes with bronzed tan skin and curly dirty blond hair. But his partner Patrick, looks like he just stepped off the pages of GQ with his bleach blond hair, lean toned frame, perfect shaped brows, chiseled nose and chin. They are a beautiful couple.

“Hey James, so good to see you brother.” Jonathan says as he slaps his back and releases from the embrace. All eyes then turn to me. 

“And who is this stunning young lady with you?” James says, looking me up and down. I can feel my cheeks get warm at the attention. He’s smiling brightly and it makes me like him instantly.

“James, this is Madison Davis. Madison, this is James and the birthday boy, Patrick.” His volume dips a bit when he says Patrick’s name.

“So nice to meet you both. Happy birthday Patrick. Thank you so much for having me.” I say beaming and shaking both their hands. James’ was firm yet warm.  Partrick’s was like a limp noodle. I hate that shit.

“Thank you sweetie. At least someone has manners to wish me a happy birthday.” Patrick replies, twisting his neck towards Jonathan.  

“Happy birthday, Patrick. Nice to see you kept it a small intimate affair.” Jonathan says through clenched teeth. I try to break the tension.

“Your home is beautiful. The performers are amazing!” I say to Patrick.  Kill’em with kindness has always been my mother’s default, in situations like this.

“Aw honey, thank you but we should really be on the Cape. But for some reason James must be in the Hamptons. Like I’m over it all, so James gave me everything I asked for. It was the least he could do. It’s not like we are poor or something, so I should get everything I want on my birthday.” Patrick says. Jonathan tightens his grip on my hand this time and is about to say something when James jumps in.

“Anything for you darling. But I think I just saw Sasha walk in. I know you’ve been trying to catch her.”

“Where? There she goes….” And Patrick storms off leaving just the three of us.  I don’t know what Sasha did but God bless. I can feel Jonathan’s tension start to release and James turns his attention back to me.

“Thank you for coming, Madison. I suspect that you’re the reason why I get to see my best friend tonight. This is not really his thing. Do you summer here in the Hamptons?” 

“Actually this is my first time here. I teach high school English, so I’m off for the summer and my girlfriend Ashely demanded I come out for the holiday.” I say as I see Ashely starting to walk towards us just as I say her name.

“Well, I’m glad that you did. How did you two meet?” Before I can answer Jonathan jumps in to answer.

“Enough with the third degree. Let her enjoy the insanity you’ve orchestrated.” Jonathan says with a hearty laugh. Ashely joins the three of us with her game face still on.  

“James, this is my best friend Ashely. Ashely this is…”

“So nice to meet you Mr. Oliveria, Ashely Lawrence. Thank you for having us.  The party is amazing.”

“Please call me James. My father is Mr. Oliveria.”

“Thank you James. Jonathan, would you mind if I steal Madison away? There are some people I want her to meet for her foundation.” Ashely says as she moves in between Jonathan and I.

“You have a foundation, Madison? For what?” James asks, actually looking  interested.

“I’m the chair for Vanderbilt Prep’s Lavender Ball. It’s our fundraiser for underprivileged students to receive academic scholarships that we are having in a couple of weeks.”

“How wonderful! JJ, looks like you have a girl with brains, beauty and a heart.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do to support.” I smile brightly and blush at the praise.  

“I’ll have my office contact you about sponsorship options. Jonathan, I’ll have her back in twenty minutes.” Ashely says. 

 But before she can pull me away Jonathan pulls me into him tightly and kisses me sweetly sending a flutter deep into my core. When he pulls away, I can see the fire in his eyes.  I step back a bit to get some space fully aware of all the eyes now on us. James’ mouth was agape and Ashely is attempting to hide her surprise at the public display of affection.

“Meet you by the fountain when you are done.” Jonathan whispers in my ear and gives me a peck on the cheek. I’m not sure if it was a command or request but either way, I’m mentally setting a timer to be back in his arms.