Madison Awakening

As I walk briskly down DeKalb avenue, the sun is just starting to get warm. It’s a typical July afternoon. The city has its own levels of hot and today it is manageable.  I pass by a construction site, building the latest glass and steel monstrosity destroying the true aesthetic of the authenticity of the brick, stone and stucco Brooklyn is known for.

In my internal abhorrent of the landscape, my phone rings and Ashely’s face pops up. But I decide I’ll call her back after my meeting. She’s leaving tonight for LA, so I have some time to catch her. Finally after a ten minute walk, I wait at the light to cross Flatbush Avenue, and can see Shane, Stephanie and Alicia waiting outside of Juniors.

I have quite the motley crew waiting for me, but they are my favorite students.  They have benefited from the scholarship and were first to volunteer to spend part of their summer helping me get the ball together. I wave from across the street and they start jumping up and down and yell out “Missss DDDDDD!!!” I laugh and as the light gives me the right away, I cross the street to meet them. I give each a hug and we go inside to grab a booth. Once settled in they each give a recap of what they have been up to since summer break began.

As the kids are sharing, they seem so happy. My heart is so full to see them thriving. But once the appetizers are out, I get down to business. We talk about the schedule, the sponsors and performers. Most of the performers are students, but we also have a special guest that I want to surprise everyone with, courtesy of my Hamptons networking.

After about ninety minutes, all the kids are very clear on their assignments and are really focused on the big day. My phone buzzes again and it’s Ashely. I text her that I’ll call her back in a few minutes. I ask the waiter for the check then ask the kids if they have any questions, when Shane’s phone pings.

Then Stephanie’s pings.

Then Alicia’s phone pings.

Shane looks at his phone and his eyes get wide. I immediately get concerned. The rest of the group starts looking at their phones and they too become wide eyed.

“Guys! What is going on? You know the rule is no phones during our meetings.”  I say in my teacher voice, and then they all look at me blankly. Shane is the first to break the silence.

“Um, Miss D…you’re in the newspaper…” Shane says, trying to find the right tone.

Why would I be in the paper? But deep down, I knew the answer and it had to do with him.

“How do you know?”

“Because my boss just sent me a picture of you in Page Six at some party in the Hamptons. But you look fierrrceeee!” Shane says with a finger wag as he passes me the phone to see for myself.  

All the other kids got the same pic from God knows where, they all began to compliment me and start asking questions. The waiter comes back with a check and I just give him my card without even looking at the bill.

I open the link and sure as shit there I am in living color, standing next to Jonathan as we walk into James’ party. The headline says “A Hamptons Social Soiree for the Ages.”  Staring at the pic, Shane is right. I do look good, thankfully. But I can also see Jonathan standing by my side, smiling down at me which I don’t need to see right now. So as the check returns for me to sign, I deflect.

“Oh yeah. I was with my bestie for the holiday. That was just some party she dragged me to. But at least I’m cute. However, as far the meeting is concerned, we are all done guys. Stay as long as you want but I have to head out. Zoom call in three days to check in, okay?”

“Yes, Miss D.” They all say in unison.

“Okay guys. I appreciate all your hard work. Have a great day.”  

I race out of there like my hair’s on fire and immediately call Ashely. I’m walking so fast I can barely focus on the screen.

“Look who finally wants to call me back?” She says in her snotty sorority girl voice.

“I’m on Page Six”

“I know. That’s why I was calling, to warn you.” She says in a tone that could be considered smug.

“How did this happen?! I can’t be in a tabloid! My kids saw it and it’s going around the school!”

“Relax. You look amazing, which is the most important element. And it’s not like you were in a crack house plus your name isn’t in the caption. You’ll probably gain some appreciation from your board members since you got some sponsorship from that party. By tomorrow there will be another pic of someone else. Don’t worry about it.” Ashely says lovingly.

“I hear you. Do you think Jonathan has seen it?” Saying his name out loud stings a bit.

“I’m sure he has, but that is normal for him. It’s just a society piece so it isn’t salacious in any way. Don’t give it another thought.”

“You’re right. The kids will be on to something new to gossip about in twenty-four hours. By the way, I was going over the sponsors and I found a $100,000 donation from an organization called DFF. Do you know it?”

“Ummm…Nope. Never heard of it.” 

“Okay. Figured I’d ask. Anyway, are you ready for your escape to LA?”

“Almost. I’m getting my nails done now then back home to grab my stuff. The car is coming at four to scoop me.”

“How’s it been with your boss? Has he brought up what happened in the Hamptons?” Ashely makes a loud sigh on the other end of the line.

“Yes and no. Things are still professional as far as the 9 to 5 goes. But after that, he is still trying to sell the idea of dating. He keeps saying that this isn’t just physical with him, but who knows. He just finalized his second divorce last year. Not a great track record.”

“You’re not planning on marrying him. I don’t get what the big deal is. You could date him on the low and see how it goes. He can’t fire you because we will destroy him. Do you think he is the type to do that?” 

“No, he would never, but it’s just awkward. I need to evaluate the risks and rewards. I’m hoping LA will clarify what I really want.” 

Sounding resolute, Ashely seems to be set on her plan. That’s the thing we have most in common. We don’t get off plan, which is probably a gift… and a curse.