Madison Awakening

The day went by quickly after Jonathan left. My conversation with Ashely went over an hour as we discussed my change of status. We also had to discuss attire for the event, switching over to Facetime, so we can find an option in my closet. Thankfully the slinky, high slit champagne ruched strapless dress I wore to a wedding a year back was the winner.

Once the dress was chosen, I raced to the nail salon to get a fresh mani/pedi and Ashely hooked me up with a hairdresser for home session. Throughout the day Jonathan has been texting, which I love. Wanting to stay connected, makes me even more confident in taking this step with him.

At 7:30, I’m scrambling to finish getting ready. I want to look good for him, plus it will be another trip into the thunderdome of the wealthy. I try not to let that distract me as I focus on creating the perfect contour, adding bronze highlight as the final touch.  By the time I’m fully dressed, I have five minutes to spare, because I know Jonathan is always prompt. I spray myself with some Gucci perfume, grab my heels, clutch, and make my way downstairs.

I head to the kitchen, take my phone off the charger, then take one last look in the mirror to approve my finished look. All of my curves are tastefully shown and the slit is everything. Just as I pack my clutch, I hear a knock at the door. My heart starts racing as I put on my shoes, grab my keys and walk to the door. 

When I open it, Jonathan is standing there with a shy smile. He is freshly shaven, in a dark navy suit and patterned light blue shirt, with cognac loafers. I just stand there as he looks me up and down, and his smile widens. He steps in, pulls me into his arms and kisses me like he hasn’t seen me in months. When we finally break, I feel high.

“You look wonderful.” Jonathan says, in almost a whisper and then kisses my cheek.

“Thank you. So do you. Why did you shave? I liked the scruff.” I say, as I caress his face. Either way he’s sexy as hell.

He smirks. “I wanted to look good for my girlfriend.”

I nod then kiss his cheek. “Well, mission accomplished.”

Jonathan reaches for my hand. “Are you ready to go?”

“Yes, Mr. Cain. I am.” 

We step out onto the stoop then I lock the door. As we begin walking down, Lala Sanchez emerges in her full glory. She is wearing a fire red sequin jumpsuit, huge blonde wig and skyhigh patent leather red boots. First, she sees Micheal standing by the SUV on the street, then she looks up and sees us coming down the stairs. She stops mid stride assessing the new person at my side.  

“Hey girl! You are looking extra fab. And who is this?” She says with a flourish when we meet her on the sidewalk.

I can’t help but to giggle at Lala’s shamless flirting.“Lala Sanchez aka Nathaniel, this is Jonathan Cain. He’s my…”

“Boyfriend. Very nice to meet you Lala.” Jonathan says with a smile, and extends his hand to her.

I feel excited and a little annoyed for some reason by his eagerness to announce our status. I guess I’m still adjusting. Lala shakes his hand while beaming at us, and looking Jonathan over like a snack. 

“Where are y’all headed to looking all good and stuff?” She asks.

“Art benefit at the Grand Army Plaza Library.” I say and tuck myself under Jonathan’s arm.

Lala gives me a look. “Very nice. Well I’m off to work but you kids have fun. Nice meeting you Jonathan. I look forward to seeing more of you.” She says, giving us a little wave, then turns and struts out down Lafayette Avenue.

I walk towards the car and give Michael a little wave. “Thank you Michael.”

“My pleasure Miss Davis.” He says.  

Jonathan follows behind me and closes the door. I settle into my seat as Michael pulls away from the curb and feeling anticipation of the night. Jonathan gently interlaces his fingers with mine, then plants a kiss on my hand.

“You really do look amazing tonight. That slit is going to get you into trouble later.” He says with a hint of mischief.

I cross my legs to give him a better look and smile sweetly. “Thank you baby. Tell me about this party. What is it for?”

“The organization is called ‘Artfully We Stand’ that supports Art mentorship programs in schools including culinary arts. We have provided food for the program along with donations. This is their annual event.”

My heart melts. “That’s wonderful. How long have you been working with them?”

“For about four years now. I just do what I can.”

“Hun, that is more than doing what you can. I love that you care so much about helping kids. That just added to your sexiness.” I say and give him a gentle kiss on the cheek.

Jonathan tightens his grip on my hand in appreciation. “Thank you for agreeing to come. Should be a nice time.There will be some performances and the food is usually really good. And one of my partners, Kevin, will also be there. He’s a…character. That’s the best way to describe him.” 

“Okay. I’m really excited the party is at the library. That is where you would always find me when I was a kid. My mom would take me for story time on Saturday mornings.  Every time I’d walk in I would always be in awe of how big and beautiful it is.” I say whistfully.

“I’ve actually never been. But the way you’re describing, I’m getting excited to see it myself.”

As we move down Flatbush Avenue, the streets are busy. Summer is in full swing and the sidewalks are buzzing with people. We approach the massive traffic circle and I can see the library lit up brightly in white, yellow and pink lights. We slowly go around and join the line of SUVs waiting to get to the entrance of the library.

I start to feel the flutter and squirm a bit in my seat. Jonathan looks over and squeezes my hand.

“Are you nervous?” He asks.

I shake my head. “Not really. I think I’m just excited.”

“I’m glad. I know the last party I took you was a bit…contentious. But I promise tonight will be fun.” He coos, then sweetly kisses me.

My skin beginning to warm and I pull away. “Don’t you start something we don’t have time to finish…” I say in a whisper and I smile coyly.

He smirks in response, because he knows I’m right.

“Okay, to be continued then.” He retorts with lust still in his eyes causing a little shiver to run through me. We are almost at the drop off, so I take out my compact and give myself a touch up. Just as I finish, Michael stops the car and gets out.

“You ready, babe?” Jonathan says as he gives one last kiss on the cheek, just as Michael opens the door. Jonathan steps out and then helps me onto the pink carpet.

The Brooklyn Central Library has the facade of a fortress, clad in stone on a grand scale. Somehow they were able to stretch the carpet all the way from the door down the three separate sets of steps onto the sidewalk. There are people scattered everywhere and cameras are flashing away.

We begin the ascent up the stairs and stop for a few photos under the “Artfully We Stand” banner. I focus on sucking in my stomach and smile, as Jonathan glides me past the photographers and other guests.  

We reach the massive door flanked by enormous columns with engraved gold Grecian figures. I stop and point out the embedded script on the side of the building as we are about to walk to the door.

‘There are enshrined the longing of great hearts, and noble things tower above the tide, the magic word that winged wonder starts, the garnered wisdom that has never died.’  

I squeeze Jonathan’s hand. “I always read this before going in. It reminds me of the power of words.”

“Very wise, Miss Davis.” He says then kisses me once more, as we cross the threshold.  

Walking inside, my childhood library is gone, replaced by a Midsummer Night’s dream fantasy. Various living art installations and tall flower arrangements make the normally cold marble space, warm and inviting. There is a stage at the far end of the great hall where the DJ is spinning cool easy beats for the room, round tables are decorated with candles and dinner settings with crystal stemware. We are greeted by a server with a tray of champagne. Jonathan grabs two glasses, and hands me one. We click glasses, sip and then he takes my hand. 

As he leads me through the crowd, I see a seating list posted on glass with teenagers painting live next to it. They are deep in the process and seem to tune out the extravaganza going on around them. The work is coming along and I’m impressed. We move our way closer to the bar for a real drink, when I hear a familiar voice.

“JJ! Madison!”  

And we both turn to see the smiling face of James, sans Patrick. He is in a putty colored suit with a bright green shirt and Gucci sneakers. Chic and stylish as always, he comes up and hugs Jonathan, then gives me a tight embrace as well.

“James! I didn’t know you were going to be here!” I say, genuinely excited to know another person other than Jonathan.

“Yes, I was actually in town for the event this year so I wanted to come. I knew Jonathan was coming but I am very happy to see you. You look stunning,” His emphasis on ‘you’ didn’t have an air of disdain, but one of approval. He obviously knows what went down when I left the Hamptons, but he seemed sincere in being happy to see me.  

“Thank you! Are you heading to the Hamptons this weekend?”

“No, I’m actually going to Brazil to see family.” James says. Jonathan then taps my back softly and interjects.

“I’m sorry guys I have to make a quick round as a board member. James, can you entertain my girlfriend till I get back? We are all at table three, if they seat us for dinner before I return. Madison, do you mind, babe?” He asks apologetically.  James has a smirk on his face from hearing the word ‘girlfriend.’  I can feel my cheeks getting flushed.

“Of course not. Do what you need to do.” I say and give a kiss on the cheek.

“Don’t worry. I will keep Madison from getting bored.” James says and shoos Jonathan away with his hand. Jonathan rolls his eyes in response and heads off to make his rounds, leaving James and I alone.

“So, how is Patrick? All recovered from his birthday party?” I say as we walk to the bar. The line isn’t too long so we take advantage. I order a Titos soda this time, as I’m not trying to have a repeat of this morning’s hangover. James orders an Old fashion.

“He’s good and has recovered. Patrick is in LA at the moment working. He is in interior design. But what about you? What have you been up to?”

“Oh, just getting ready for the ball. Did you get the thank you card I sent for the generous donation?” I ask, as we take our drinks and move towards the art wall.

“Yes I did. And it was my pleasure. But I think you know that’s not what I’m talking about.” He says and gives me a side eye.

I feel heat rushing to my face again.  He’s Jonathan’s best friend and wants to know the deal.  I get it.

“Well, I know that you know Jonathan and I did not part on the best of terms when I left the Hamptons.”

James shakes head. “Yes, I know. I came over to get some paperwork that day and he looked terrible. He ran off to London to try and reset himself. But, I am glad he came back to you.”  

“I’m sorry to hear that. We weren’t on the same page then. But last night we had a long talk and agreed to start a new page. So yes, I am officially with Jonathan.” I say with a goofy grin.  

James smiles brightly. “I am so happy to hear this news. I’ve known JJ for a long time. On the outside, I know he seems like he has it all but he hasn’t allowed himself a connection to anyone since the accident. I’m so glad he found you. I want my friend to be happy and you do that for him. I saw it the night of the party. He was more like himself with you then in the past seven years.” James says and gives my hand a light squeeze.

What accident?

I smile at James for his kind sentiments but now I’m left with new questions about Jonathan. I was going to ask a follow up question, when suddenly Jonathan wraps himself around me from behind and kisses my neck.

“We are sitting for dinner.  Let’s get to our table.” He annnounces.

We follow the herd towards our table. The crowd is pretty diverse with it’s a mix of money men, models and artistic essentrics with some kids scattered about. It reminds of how close my own event is and a wave of anxiety rolls in my belly. 

“You okay?” Jonathan asks as he helps me into my seat.

I must have given something on my face. He sits next to me and on the other side of him, sits James. I turn and give Jonathan a smile as he grasps my hand on the table.

“I’m fine. Seeing the kids brought home how close the ball is and got a quick hit of anxiety. But I’m all good now.” I lean in to give him a reassuring kiss and linger longer than what is probably appropriate. 

Our tender moment is interrupted by a gruff, cackling voice. Jonathan turns towards the distraction and his face shows recognition. When he stands,  I turn and see a shaggy haired, tall, chubby, man dressed in a comic book printed suit making his way to the table.

“Johnny!! There you are! I’ve been looking all of over the fucking place for you!” 

James and I sneak a quick glance at each other sharing the same thought…

Who the f is this guy?

“Hey, you found me. Kevin, this is my girlfriend Madison. Madison, this is Kevin Paul, my partner in the Miami project.”  I wave hello and smile, successfully masking my disgust. He’s sweaty and his jaw is gnawing around. Ew.

“Come on Johnny! Business is the boring shit.We go back to crazy nights in Ibiza! Madison, you party?” He asks with a grotesque smirk on his face and immediately my skin crawls. I open my mouth to answer but again, Jonathan beats me to it.

“No. She doesn’t party. And can you tone it down? There are kids around.” He says in a strained tone then sits down and reaches his arm around me possessively.

His jaw is a little tight, so I caress his cheek, and he smiles down at me in appreciation. James introduces himself to Kevin politely, then sneaks another glance my way. We are definitely on the same page on this guy. We don’t like him.

Kevin is still standing on the other side of the table looking around when he makes another loud announcement.

“There’s my date! Taking her sweet fucking time.”  

As the crowd parts, Antonella Vincenza saunters her way towards the table. She is wearing a black bandage dress, tits out, spikey back strappy heels and Gucci clutch. She looks better than the last time I saw her. Looks like she got botox or an acid peel or something.

I can feel Jonathan’s shoulders tighten as she makes her way to the table. James must have felt the vibe and gets up to greet Antonella with double kisses as a buffer then begins peppering her with questions. I sit smiling, wondering how this is going to play out. We haven’t met officially, but she knows me and I know her. What I’m more curious about how Jonathan is going to deal with this.