A Girl's Guide to Chicago Read online

  “Well, I don’t know too much about accounting, but I’m willing to learn and take on the challenge.”

  “Good. James can go over the basics with you, and I have no doubt you can figure out the rest.”

  This is a great opportunity. My role in the office is continuing to change. I’ve been putting in a lot of hard work and dedication, and it’s starting to pay off. I’m hoping to get a little raise after taking on so much more work. I will wait to see how everything goes with my new responsibilities.

  “Okay, I feel like we’ve gotten some fresh air. Are you ready to go eat?”

  “Yep. I’m getting pretty hungry.”

  “Okay, we’re close to this restaurant called Beatrix. Have you heard of it?”

  “No. I hardly know any restaurants. I’ve been making a list of all the restaurants I come across and want to try.”

  “You’ll like it. I met a client there, and both the coffee and food are really good.”

  “Okay great. Let’s go.”

  We walk around the corner, and I see the sign for Beatrix. The restaurant is at the Aloft Hotel. I love a trendy hotel restaurant or bar so I will enjoy this place. Beatrix is not busy, and we are able to get a table right away. The host seats us at a cozy little table with two oversized chairs. I love the decor of Beatrix, it has a warm atmosphere. They have a cute coffee bar filled with delicious pastries and desserts. We both order right away. I ask for the Straight A Salad. Vin gets a turkey burger. Our food doesn’t take long, and once it arrives I’m starving, so I dive right in.

  “I know we talked the other night about our favorite ’80s movies. But have you seen any good movies at the theater lately?”

  “Actually, no I haven’t. I love going to the movies, but right now I don’t have anyone to go with me, and I don’t like going alone.”

  “Well, I don’t really have anyone to go with me either, and if you want, we could go see a movie?” I look up from my salad and give him a surprised look.

  “Oh, sorry if that threw you off. I just thought we could go as friends. Since we both like movies, I just thought it would be an idea.”

  I did like the idea, and I love movies. Vin and I did get along well so it would be nice to see a movie. Is it strange to go to a movie with your boss? I wasn’t sure. But I respond before I can think about it too much.

  “Oh, yeah, totally, I would love that.”

  “Okay. Maybe let’s go next week?”

  “Yeah, I’m free.”

  “Cool. You ready to head back to the office. We have been gone a while.”

  “Yep, I’m ready.” I take one last sip from my latte, and we head back to work.

  The following week, I’m totally swamped with work. I’m learning all I can about QuickBooks and figuring out all the billing. I hate to admit to Vin that things are not that organized. I know the team, especially James, is happy to have the invoices organized for their clients. I’ve been working with both Vin and James to come up with a system to get things paid and how to send invoices. I enjoy being a big part of the team. I’m so much more involved in the day to day.

  This evening, Vin and I are going to see a movie. He will pick me up and drive me home. He lives downtown. I tell him he doesn’t need to do that since the theater is downtown. But he insists that it’s not a big deal. I haven’t told anyone about the movie, except for James. I really don’t want to make it a big thing, because it’s not, but people like to talk. I especially don’t want Natalie to know I’m going with him. She is still trying to get him to hang out with her.

  It’s just before seven, and I’m ready to go. I get a text from Vin.

  Here.

  Okay, coming out in 2 seconds.

  K.

  I get into his black SUV. “Thanks for picking me up. You really didn’t have to.”

  “It’s no problem, it’s not far for me.”

  Fifteen minutes later, we pull into the theater’s parking garage, which is just off Michigan Avenue. We head inside and up two huge escalators. Vin tells the girl at the ticket counter that we would like two tickets.

  “Vin! You can’t drive and then also pay for my ticket. I can pay.”

  “I got it.” He hands the girl his credit card.

  “Okay, well thank you. That is really nice. I’m going to buy us some popcorn then.” We get our snacks and head into our theater.

  “Do you care where we sit?”

  “No. Anywhere is fine.”

  “Okay. Up here. I like sitting in the way back. I don’t like anyone sitting behind me.”

  “Okay. That’s fine.” I follow him up the theater stairs and sit down next to him.

  As I watch the previews, I start to feel a little nervous and awkward that Vin is sitting right next to me at a movie. My boss is at a movie with me and just paid for my ticket. I feel like I’m doing something wrong. But, on the other hand, it’s also strange because I feel comfortable around him. He feels like an old friend, and we find it easy to hang out and talk to each other. I have not felt this way with the last few guys I have met.

  “You okay?”

  “Yep, I’m good.”

  “That last preview looked really good. I love anything with The Rock in it.”

  “Yeah, I like him too.”

  “I’ll watch most movies though, as long as they look good.”

  “Oh, me too.” The lights dim down signaling the start of the movie. The credits start playing, and I grab a handful of popcorn and settle into my seat.

  Before I know it, it’s an hour and a half later, and we slowly walk back down the steps and out of the theater.

  “What did you think of the movie? I thought the writing was good.”

  “It was great. I love a good drama. It’s a good sign when you can talk about the movie afterward.”

  “I agree. We can discuss the movie in the car if you want. I like to do that too. Since we both like movies so much, we have to go see another movie again soon.”

  “For sure.”

  Vin drops me off at my apartment. I walk in and see the light on in my brother’s room. I lightly knock. “Come in!”

  I slowly open the door and walk in. “How was the movie? Who did you go with? James?”

  “No, actually I went with Vin.”

  “Wait! No, you didn’t! I know you guys hang out with James, but now you are going to the movies with him alone?”

  “No, it’s not what you think. We are just friends. We both love seeing movies. We talked about how we don’t have friends who like going to movies as much as we do. So, we decided to go.”

  “Okay. Well just be careful. That could really affect things at your job.”

  “I know. It’s not an all the time thing. Trust me. I like my job too much to ruin things, and I have no interest in dating my boss. That would just be weird.”

  “Okay, whatever you say.”

  “It’s fine. Well, I’m going to bed. It’s getting late.”

  “Okay, good night.”

  “Night.”

  As I walk toward my room, I have that weird feeling again that I’m doing something wrong. I try to push the feeling aside and get ready for bed. I call for Gracie, so she will come lay with me. I guess I should take a step back from him. If my brother doesn’t think it’s a good idea, and I don’t want people to know, it’s probably not a good thing. I really don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea about us.

  Fifteen

  I spend the next week or so completely engrossed in my work. I’m busy every day and hardly have time to chat with either the team or the girls like I used to. However, today I’m taking a break to have lunch at the sushi place with Jillian. It is nice to have girl time. I’m about to take a bite of my spicy tuna roll when Jillian almost makes me jump.

  “Oh! I can’t believe it. I forgot to tell you. A few events are coming up that seem really fun. The spring events are way better because everyone wants to come out of hibernation. I know I’ve promised to take you with me to an ev
ent. Next week we can go to one that I think you will really like.”

  “Really? I can really go?”

  “Yep. I can put your name on the list, and we can go from work.”

  “Oh yay! I’m so excited! Thank you for inviting me.”

  “Yeah, no problem.”

  I don’t think she understands just how excited I am. This is my first official fashion event, and I was invited. Me! Someone who hardly knows anything about the city. I couldn’t believe it! I must make sure I have something really cool and trendy to wear.

  I call my Mum after work to fill her in on everything I have been up to. I chat about my new responsibilities at work, what I’ve been up to with my friends and my invite to the fashion event. I didn’t tell her about going to the movies with Vin. I’m not sure if she would approve either. She would just be worried that it might affect my job, as well.

  For my first fashion event, I decide to wear a blue blazer, jeans, and my favorite pair of strappy heel sandals. Hopefully, my outfit is trendy enough to make a good impression. Jillian and I head to the event straight from work, which is at Kenneth Cole on Michigan Avenue. Jillian tells me the event is to promote his new shoe collection and there’s a chance Kenneth Cole might be there. I guess in larger markets like Chicago, he likes to be present to promote his own shoes. I don’t know much about Kenneth Cole or his shoes, but it would be cool to meet a designer.

  I notice that some of the team is heading out for the evening, so I shut down my computer and walk over to Jillian. I’m starting to feel a little anxious about this evening because I’ve never been around press or the essential people who cover these events. I’m anticipating all the things that could happen because I just don’t know what to expect. Jillian is still busy tapping away on her computer, but she looks up and smiles at me as I sit down next to her.

  “What are you working on?”

  “Just getting ahead on some blog posts and social media for clients this month. We are looking to hire a few more people to help with all the work. That will help me a lot. I can’t seem to keep up these days. I’m working such long hours right now.”

  “Oh, that will be great if you can hire some help. You don’t want to get burnt out.”

  “No, I really don’t.” She closes her laptop and folds her arms on top of it.

  “So about tonight. You can just stay with me if you want. I have to make the rounds and take some photos. After that, we can just hang out.”

  “Okay, that’s good. I can for sure just follow your lead. I’m so looking forward to it.”

  I’m not going to tell her how nervous I am. We get ready to leave, and I walk around the office to make sure everything is turned off. I notice that Vin is still working.

  “Hey Kell, what are you still doing here?”

  “Oh, Jillian and I are going to an event. She invited me to go with her.”

  “Cool. Have fun.”

  “Yeah, I will. See you tomorrow.” I give him a slight wave that he doesn’t see. He is typing again on this computer.

  We walk toward Kenneth Cole, and I’m probably driving Jillian nuts with questions about what happens at these events.

  “Usually it’s a mix of press, Chicago influencers or bloggers, and bigger websites like the one I work for. After you have been to a few, you will recognize a lot of the same people. Each event varies in size, and the size also depends on how much hype or promotion the store does. This one seems to have a lot more hype.”

  “Wow, it sounds like this could be a big deal.”

  “This one might be because of the brand, especially if Kenneth Cole actually comes. I told you I wanted to bring you to the best one.”

  “Yep, you did.”

  I’m thinking maybe my first event could have been a little bit more chill, because we are not far from the store, and I can already see a small crowd of girls walking into the event. Bright lights shine from inside. My heart is starting to race as we walk through the door. A girl in a black dress wearing tall heels asks for our names. Jillian gives her our names. She thanks us and invites us to come in.

  I glance around the store. Every girl looks like they came straight from getting blow-outs and their makeup done. They are all wearing little black dresses in differing styles. I look over at Jillian and notice that even she is wearing a black dress. I look down at my jeans and blazer, and I instantly feel out of place. I should have asked her what to wear.

  There’s a DJ in the corner playing music, champagne is being passed around along with silver trays full of appetizers. A TV camera crew setting up. Jillian whispers to me that NBC News is here and that probably means Kenneth Cole is here or on his way. My heart starts to beat faster. I don’t know what he looks like, but I’m so excited to see him. Heels and boots are elegantly displayed all over the store. Girls are gushing over the new collection.

  “Hello ladies, welcome. Do you two know about the newest 9.2.5. silver technology pumps and boots?” I turn around. Standing behind me is a stunning, immaculately groomed sales associate. She’s rail-thin, wearing a tight-fitting black dress, and a pair of Kenneth Cole three-inch stilettos, making her seems taller than she really is. Her dark hair is pulled tight in a high ponytail that shows off her creamy pale complexion. She is pointing to one of the displays and waits for our response.

  “No, we don’t.”

  She gives us a wide smile. Her bright red lips make her teeth gleaming white. “Well, these shoes are very exclusive. No one has done this technology with heels before. The silver part at the bottom of the shoe helps keep the pressure off your foot so you can be comfortable in your heels all day long.”

  I have to admit that the heels are beautiful. They are a classic black leather pump with long, very skinny silver heels. I pick up one of the shoes and rub my fingers along the leather. It is so soft. I love them. They are very Hollywood glamorous.

  “If you purchase any pair of heels or boots, we will give you a fifteen percent discount. But only during the event this evening.”

  I turn over the shoe to see the price. They are $150. Even with the discount, they are still way over $100, and I just can’t buy another pair of expensive shoes. I have been putting too much on my credit card. I slowly put the heel back on display feeling a little bummed.

  “Well, ladies. Let me know if I can get you a size.” She gives us another smile and walks toward another group of girls.

  As a server passes by, he stops to offer us champagne. We each take a glass, cheers, and take a sip. The store is getting really crowded. The music is getting louder as well.

  “Ready to go mingle with me?”

  “Sure.”

  “I’m just going to find some of the girls I know.”

  “Okay. I’ll just follow you.”

  We head into the crowd of girls, and for the next twenty minutes, I’m being introduced to other Chicago bloggers, girls who are writers for Michigan Avenue Magazine and CS Magazine. A photographer comes by and asks to take our picture. He asks our names and tells us we may be in the next issue of CS Magazine and to look out for our photo. The music is suddenly turned down. A woman is at the microphone.

  “Excuse me! Ladies and gentlemen. Excuse me! Can I have your attention? Hello. Excuse me. Just need your attention for a few minutes.” The crowd begins to quiet down and turns to look at the lady at the microphone.

  “Hello, everyone and thank you! Thank you for coming tonight and being a part of our newest collection here at Kenneth Cole. I want to introduce to you a very special guest this evening. He has taken the time from his busy schedule to come here to speak to you all about his newest shoe technology. I’m very excited to announce to you, Mr. Kenneth Cole!”

  The crowd cheers and applauds as he makes his way to the microphone.

  “Thank you, everyone! Thank you! Thank you so much for coming here to tonight. It’s always so great to be in Chicago. It’s such an amazing city.”

  I nod my head in agreement, and I feel chills. This is so
cool! Kenneth Cole is actually here. This is one of the most exciting things that I have ever done. He speaks for the next few minutes about his newest shoe technology and how it will change the way that women wear heels.

  Now, I really want a pair of these heels! I will have to save up. I need to be more responsible and stop charging everything to my credit card. When Kenneth Cole finishes speaking, he is whisked over to the reporters. The lady gets back on the microphone and tells us to stick around. There’s still plenty of food and drinks. Kenneth will be around shortly to take photos.

  I’m not a blogger, but I have to get a photo with him. It isn’t every day that you have the chance to meet a famous fashion designer.

  “Jillian, can we hang around for a bit? I really want to get a photo with Kenneth Cole.”

  “Sure, we can do that. Let’s make our way over in a little bit after he is done with the press.”

  We make our rounds again, grab another champagne, and wait for Kenneth Cole. I see a crowd of girls heading in his direction.

  “Jillian, let’s go over. He just finished with the reporters.”

  “Okay. Let’s go get that photo.”

  I grab Jillian’s arm, we walk toward the crowd and stand in line for about ten minutes.

  It’s our turn to take a photo.

  “Hello, ladies. Thank you for coming. What are your names?”

  “I’m Kelly, and this is my friend Jillian.”

  “Nice to meet you both.”

  I’m grinning like a little kid as he holds out his arm to shake hands. I’m so not playing it cool at all.

  “Would you ladies like to do a photo?”

  “Umm, yes please.”

  “Kelly, I will take a photo of you, and then you can take one of me.”

  “Okay.” I hand Jillian my iPhone.

  We take the photos, thank him, and express how much we love the new collection. He gives us a thank you, and we walk away. I’m literally on cloud nine. What an awesome experience.

  “Okay, we can go now if you want. I don’t think the night can get much better than that.”

  “Okay, sounds good.”