Thinking Out Loud

David Addison was sitting on the front row of the Dior runway show at New York Fashion Week, waiting for the show to begin. It was a cold February afternoon and all of the major fashion houses were featuring their collections for the following Autumn and Winter. David cut a distinguished figure in a fitted dark gray suit, white dress shirt, dark gray tie with white and silver dots with a matching pocket square, and black wing tip shoes. His thinning gray hair was cut short and he was sporting a hint of gray stubble on his face. Even in his late sixties, he was slim, muscular, and fit, and he still possessed the same sparkling green eyes and swagger that he always had. He had a few crow's feet around his eyes and a few wrinkles in his forehead but those only added to his charm.

Two attractive women in their early 40s walked by and gave him flirty looks. He gave them a smirky but dismissive smile and focused his attention on his fashion show companions. Seated on either side of David were two adorable little girls with shoulder length blonde curls, dressed in identical gold smocked party dresses. David was holding his iPhone in his hand and checking his text messages.

Charlotte: "Grandpa! I'm bored. When is it going to start?"

David: "It'll start real soon, sweetheart. C'mere and sit on my lap and we'll watch some videos while we wait. Want me to pull up some Bluey?" Charlotte nodded.

Sophie: "Grandpa, can we go get frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity after the show?"

David: "You betcha. You know I love chocolate almost as much as my girls do! Here, let's watch something while we wait…"

Charlotte hopped onto David's lap, held his iPhone in her hand, and leaned back against his chest. Sophie sat in her seat and leaned against his shoulder. He gave them both a smirky smile, then kissed the top of each of their heads. The three of them happily watched the cartoon on his iPhone.

Charlotte: "Did they have cartoons when you were little, Grandpa?"

David: "Of course they did! How old do you think I am?!" David gave her a silly, questioning look that made her giggle.

Charlotte: "Pretty old!"

Sophie: "Charlotte! That's not nice! We don't think you're that old, grandpa. What cartoons did you like to watch?"

David: "My favorite was one called Top Cat. My friends even called me T.C. – short for Top Cat – as a nickname. I'll show it to you sometime. I think it's streaming on Apple TV."

Sophie: "Mom always tells us how you used to watch cartoons and The Three Stooges with her and Uncle Alex on Saturday mornings when they were our age. And how you used to make everyone pancakes."

David: "I sure did. Your grandma isn't really a fan of the Stooges but I loved them. Still do."

Sophie considered that for a moment: "Grandma is a reader like mommy is. I like to read too. Charlotte likes to watch cartoons and dance."

David laughed, thinking one of them was like him, at least.

Sophie: "Grandpa, Charlotte and I want to teach you that new dance that everyone is doing on TikTok. Maybe we can videotape ourselves and go viral."

David shook his head and laughed: "You're eight years old, Sophie – and Charlotte is only six! Aren't you two a little young to be going viral?"

Charlotte looked up and smiled: "Daddy!" A tall, blonde handsome man wearing a navy blue fitted suit and brown wing tips walked over to David, Sophie, and Charlotte. David stood up with Charlotte in his arms, shook the man's hand, and they gave each other a hug and pats on the back. Sophie got up and hugged her dad.

David: "Josh! I got your text. We weren't sure if you'd be able to make it! I've been keeping these little blondie blondes entertained with cartoons and promises of frozen hot chocolate after the show."

The two men sat back down, with Charlotte on David's lap and Sophie on Josh's.

Josh: "Thanks, David. I'm so glad I made it in time. I tried to get here earlier but the board presentation ran over and my Uber got stuck in traffic. Is Alex here?"

David shook his head: "No, he's on a stakeout in Palm Springs for the Anselmo case. That case has been going on for almost as long as Maddie and I have known each other – but they pay Blue Moon well, so I guess there's no complaints there. Plus, Sarah is due any day now. And with the two older boys in school, it was just too hard for any of them to get out here. He just texted me to wish everyone well and I promised we'd text them a video and FaceTime with him after the show."

Josh: "So, how are things going with the house sale?"

David: "We just went under contract. We close in sixty days. I gotta tell you, I have a lot of mixed emotions about it. Maddie bought that house way back in 1979 and we've lived our entire married lives together there. Alex and Abby both grew up there. So many memories. It's gonna be hard to leave. But it's time. That place is just too big for the two of us and with us getting older we do worry about that spiral staircase. And we're getting a pretty penny for it."

Josh: "How's the house hunting going? You still looking at a place here? I won't lie to you – we're thrilled. Sophie and Charlotte will be over the moon to have you here. They adore their grandma and grandpa."

David nodded: "We're looking at a couple of places in the city while we're here – tomorrow afternoon after the photo shoot. I mean, now that we're retired and with Alex running Blue Moon, and with you guys here in New York, it makes sense for us to be bicoastal. The plan is to get a smaller place in LA close to Alex and Sarah and the boys and an apartment here in New York near you and Abby and the girls. Divide our time between the two. Maddie's parents did that when Alex was born and it worked out great for everyone."

Josh: "How's Ginny doing by the way?"

David: "She just turned 99 – can you believe that?! She's still sharp as a tack and gets around well for her age. She's still in her little apartment in that retirement community, on the golf course we like to go to. Maddie still misses her dad though – we both do - he's been gone for almost a decade. They were really close. He taught me how to play golf and we became really close over the years too."

Josh: "I remember him. He was a great guy. Wise. Funny. Loved a good whiskey. How's Uncle Richie doing?"

David: "He and Elizabeth are doing well. Elizabeth retired a couple of years ago but she still does some case work for Sidley Austin, part time. I'd've thought Richie would've retired by now but he's still working cases with Alex at Blue Moon part time. Michael is at Blue Moon too. And Katie does all of the Blue Moon legal work. Incredible how that business has grown over the years."

David felt his texts buzz again. He looked down at his screen:

From Goldilocks: Curtain time. Nervous. Haven't walked a runway since 1978.

David texted back: You'll be great. We're on the front row. XOXO your biggest fan.

The venue was packed with designers, models, fashion editors and writers, buyers, and the press. Soon the lights flashed and dimmed and the show began with a single, simple announcement.

Announcer: "Dior. Fall 2025 - Winter 2026 collection."

Hip French rock music – an extended version of Gojira's "Mea Culpa" – began playing. Model after model walked out wearing the most cutting edge looks in high end fashion, looks that would be in the most exclusive stores in a few months. The collection was almost all black, and included everything from evening dresses to more casual looks.

Charlotte pointed and exclaimed: "Mommy!"

Abby Addison-Stewart – the face of Dior for the past few years and spokeswoman for Miss Dior perfume - walked out wearing a floor length black and gold dress, heavy jewelry, an oversized 1980s style black leather jacket with the collar turned up, and sunglasses. Her blonde hair was styled into an Audrey Hepburn style updo. She confidently strutted down the runway, turned, took off her sunglasses, winked and smirked at the crowd, turned around on a dime, and walked back. The audience applauded. Abby knew how to work a crowd.

David's heart filled with pride, seeing their daughter walking down the runway. She was beautiful and striking, so much like Maddie - her height, bone structure, long legs, blue eyes, and blonde hair - with his smirky, mischievous smile. But Abby was so much like David in terms of her personality - her confidence, her playfulness, her sense of fun, the way she played to the crowd – that was all him – and those qualities plus her natural beauty made her one of the top supermodels in the world. David wondered how the son of a fish market owner from South Philly ended up married to a former supermodel and the father of another. He smiled and shook his head.

Sophie: "Grandma! She looks so pretty!"

Directly behind Abby, her mother, Maddie Hayes Addison, walked out wearing a wool and silk black double breasted jacket with a fitted waist, a long black wool and silk skirt with a bottom flare and slit up the side, a heavy pearl necklace, large gold earrings, and black stiletto heels. Her shoulder length blonde hair was styled into a vintage 1940s style. The years had been kind to Maddie. Her skin was glowing and she had a fantastic hourglass figure, thanks to daily Pilates and Peloton workouts, and spending lots of time playing pickleball and swimming with her grandsons in LA. She colored her hair blonde but hadn't had any work done – she had tiny crow's feet along her eyes and a few wrinkles on her face but looked twenty years younger than she was.

Maddie and Abby smiled and high-fived each other as they walked past each other on the runway and the crowd went wild.

Maddie walked to the end of the runway, beamed at the crowd, and spun around. She caught David's eye and winked at him, and smiled at Josh, Sophie, and Charlotte. The crowd applauded.

David watched in awe at Maddie walking down the runway. He'd seen her modeling photos for years, even before they knew each other – she was, after all, the famous Blue Moon Shampoo girl. They'd been to many fashion shows together over the years to see Abby, but he'd never seen Maddie in a runway show before. David and Maddie had been together for almost 40 years, and even now, after all these years, she took his breath away. She was still absolutely breathtakingly beautiful – the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. His heart swelled with love for this woman, and the life they had built together.

After the show, Maddie and Abby posed for photographs together for the fashion photographers and press gathered for the show. David, Josh, Sophie, and Charlotte joined in for a few of the photographs.

David: "Hey Goldilocks, you were wonderful up there. I've never seen you walk a runway before. You look absolutely breathtaking." David leaned over and whispered in her ear "And sexy. God, these stiletto heels." Maddie smiled shyly. "David!" David gave her a warm, soft, long kiss on the lips, touching the back of her hair with his hand, parting her lips slightly with his tongue.

Abby rolled her eyes: "Ugh, you guys, would you stop!" Josh laughed, and kissed Abby on the lips, as well.

Maddie laughed and blushed a little: "I never thought I'd ever do another modeling campaign. I mean, it's been decades since I've done any modeling. And I certainly never planned to be on the runway again, not in a million years, but I couldn't say no to this new mother-daughter campaign Dior is doing for this collection."

David pulled Maddie and Abby both into his arms. He leaned over and kissed Abby on the cheek. "My beautiful girls! Abby, you were great, sweetheart. I'm so proud of you. And your mom."

Abby kissed David on the cheek and gave him a hug: "Aww, thanks Daddy!"

Abby: "So mom, we are all set for the photo shoot tomorrow. Call time is 10am."

Maddie: "I'll be there!"

Abby: "You guys are welcome to stay with us, you know. You don't have to stay in a hotel."

David: "Dior is putting us up in style. The Plaza. Fluffy bathrobes and room service and Central Park views. We're treating it as a vacation – or at least I am!"

David's iPhone started ringing. It was Alex on FaceTime.

Alex: "Hey dad! I got the video you texted. Wow, Abby and mom look so beautiful! I wish I could have been there! Let me talk to them!"

David handed his phone to Maddie first.

Maddie: "Hi sweetheart, how are Sarah and the boys? How's the Anselmo stakeout going? I can't believe that case is still going on!"

Alex: "Hey mom! The stakeout is fine – got some great footage this time. I'm driving home from Palm Springs in a few. Sarah is doing well but she's just miserable - 5 days until her due date and counting. Davey seems excited about another little brother. Not so sure about Daniel or Dylan. They all miss you. They are all looking forward to pool and pickleball time with grandma when you get back."

Maddie: "We'll be back home in a couple of days. Did your dad tell you the house is under contract? We close in 60 days. The heat is on to find another place. Hopefully a little closer to you and Sarah in Brentwood. Looking at a couple of places here in New York tomorrow afternoon too, after our photo shoot."

Abby: "Mom, let me talk to him." Maddie handed the phone to Abby. "Hey bro, what's shakin'? How's Sarah and the boys? How's that Anselmo case coming along? It must be the longest case in the history of the universe!"

Alex: "Hey sis, I'm sorry I couldn't be there. You killed it! Dad texted me a video. How are mom and dad? Any door slams yet? Still all over each other?"

Abby walked a little away from the group: "Alex! No, they have been behaving themselves so far. Dad gave mom a huge kiss after the show and you know that look they get and the whole room heats up. They are staying at The Plaza instead of with us and I'm kinda glad. You know what happened last time. They think they're being quiet but they never are!" Abby and Alex exchanged knowing looks, rolled their eyes, and laughed. "But you know, I've always admired the love they have for each other and have refused to settle for anything less. I mean, sure, they have their moments of slamming doors. Remember that time when we were in elementary school and the whole front door came off of its hinges?" Alex nodded and laughed. "But wow, the way they look at each other, even today. It's romantic."

Alex: "It would be a lot more romantic if it wasn't our mom and dad! Remember that time we came home early from that lock-in in 9th grade and walked in on them in the kitchen? And the trail of destruction. We thought we were being robbed! They were so into it they didn't even know we were there for the brief moment we were before sneaking upstairs. It's a wonder we weren't scarred for life."

Abby laughed: "Oh my god, don't remind me. Cringe! Remember we had a pact about that! As Josh and I always say to each other – LOCK THE DOOR AND STAY OUT OF THE KITCHEN."

Alex: "I mean it's no wonder why we are only 11 months apart! They can't keep their hands off each other."

Abby: "Alex!"

Abby and Alex started laughing so hard that the rest of the group started looking at them. Maddie and David shared a questioning look. Maybe it was better not to know.

Alex: "You still coming out to LA for Spring Break? I think Davey and Daniel have the same week off that Sophie and Charlotte do. Wanna take them to Disneyland? Maybe Josh and dad and I can play some golf too. Hang out with Uncle Richie and Aunt Elizabeth. Go see grandma and Steph. Dad said they are planning a big party before they close on the house."

Abby: "We'll be there! And the baby will be there then too – I can't wait to meet him! I can't believe they are selling the house. It's the end of an era and I sure am gonna miss that pool and those views. But I get it, it makes sense and they are gonna make a killing on it. They can buy smaller places in LA and New York and still have millions in the bank. I mean, it's not like they need the money but still!"

Abby handed the phone back to David and she and Maddie went backstage to change.

After Maddie and Abby changed out of their runway clothes, the family took an Uber XL to Serendipity on the Upper East Side. Maddie had made a reservation for them. Maddie and Abby had salads while David, Sophie, and Charlotte enjoyed frozen hot chocolates and Josh got a burger and a soda.

Maddie: "David, please tell me you're going to eat something besides that enormous frozen hot chocolate. And it's freezing outside! I can understand Sophie and Charlotte wanting one but you're a grown man! An old man."

David: "Hold the phone, who are you calling old?! I'm younger than you! Besides, it's got all the major food groups – dairy, protein, sugar, chocolate. I don't mind the cold." David leaned over and whispered to Maddie: "Besides, you can warm me up later."

Maddie: "Addison!"

Abby whispered to Josh: "See what I've been dealing with my entire life?"

Sophie: "Grandma! Will you go to the bookstore with me and mommy tomorrow?"

Maddie: "Of course, sweetheart. Your mom and I have a photo shoot in the morning, then your grandpa and I are looking at a couple of apartments, and then we'll go. I love that bookstore near your house."

Charlotte: "You know what that means, grandpa!"

David: "Cartoons and a dance off for me and you?" They high fived each other.

After dinner, Josh, Abby, Sophie, and Charlotte took an Uber back to their Upper West Side apartment. Maddie and David decided to walk back to The Plaza. It was a beautiful, cold night and they held hands and walked along 60th Street, past Bloomingdales at Lexington Avenue and alongside Central Park, taking in the lights and the sounds of the city.

Maddie: "I love this town. I'll be glad to live here again, at least part of the year, and spend more time with Abby and Josh and the girls. They are so adorable. They remind me so much of Abby at that age."

David: "Boy, they sure do. And Abby reminds me so much of you. A lot of beautiful genes in this family, baby, all thanks to you. I was sitting in the audience at the fashion show this evening thinking what a lucky man I am, Madolyn."

Maddie: "Abby's a lot like you, too, David. She has your smile, and your sense of fun, and your charisma. She's so funny. And Charlotte is something else – just like her grandpa."

They walked into The Plaza and took the elevator up to their suite overlooking Central Park. Their room was decorated in white, black, and gold with velvet armchairs and a sofa.

David plugged his iPhone into the Bang & Olufsen speaker in the hotel room and played some music through Spotify. The sounds of Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" filled the room.

Maddie: "Oh I remember this song, David. From Abby's and Josh's wedding! I've always loved it."

When your legs don't work like they used to before
And I can't sweep you off of your feet

Will your mouth still remember the taste of my love?
Will your eyes still smile from your cheeks?

And, darling, I will
Be loving you 'til we're 70

And, baby, my heart
Could still fall as hard at 23

And I'm thinking 'bout how

People fall in love in mysterious ways
Maybe just the touch of a hand
Well, me, I fall in love with you every single day
And I just wanna tell you I am

So, honey, now
Take me into your loving arms

Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars
Place your head on my beating heart
I'm thinking out loud
Maybe we found love right where we are

When my hair's all but gone and my memory fades
And the crowds don't remember my name
When my hands don't play the strings the same way
I know you will still love me the same

'Cause, honey, your soul
Could never grow old, it's evergreen

And, baby, your smile's
Forever in my mind and memory

I'm thinking 'bout how

People fall in love in mysterious ways
And maybe it's all part of a plan
Well, I'll just keep on making the same mistakes
Hoping that you'll understand

So, baby, now
Take me into your loving arms
Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars
Oh, darling, place your head on my beating heart
I'm thinking out loud

That maybe we found love right where we are

David: "C'mere. Dance with me." Maddie kicked off her shoes and David swept her into his arms.

Maddie: "Remember the first time we danced together, in that bar?"

David: "How could I ever forget?"

Maddie: "I can't believe that was 40 years ago. You swept me off my feet, although I didn't want to admit it at the time. You're so handsome, David. After all these years, I'm still so attracted to you." She ran her fingers along the back of his hairline and through his hair.

David: "It's all gray now, baby." He took one of her hands and kissed it. "You're so beautiful, Maddie. You're still just as stunning as the first time I saw you, when you walked into my office at Blue Moon. Maybe even more so."

Maddie: "David…"

David: "We've made a great life together, Goldilocks. Truly. I love you, baby. Are you ready for our next adventure?"

Maddie: "Absolutely."

David leaned in and pressed his cheek against Maddie's. He held her in his arms and touched the back of her hair with his hand. He put his nose into her hair and sniffed it – that scent that had intoxicated him for the past 40 years. They held each other for a long time, swaying to the music.

Maddie and David made love in the moonlight in their beautiful suite at The Plaza and fell asleep in each other's arms.

To Be Continued.

"Moonlighting: A Cookbook and Culinary History - Recipes, Restaurants, Clubs, and Cocktails Featured in the Iconic 1980s Series" coming August 2025!