A Girl's Guide to Chicago

by Kelly Russell

  From the backseat of my cab, I look out the window as we drive down Michigan Avenue and onto Lake Shore Drive. The streets are not as crowded as earlier, and the buildings’ lights are beautiful. I must admit that with each passing day, I’m beginning to feel more and more like I belong in this city.

  Eight

  It’s the last week of the month and guess what! We are about to meet our team goal! Everyone is so excited. Vin told me I can go ahead and get tickets for a Bulls game. I offered everyone a few suggestions, and this is what the majority of the office wants to do. I’m okay with this idea. I have never been to a Bulls game, and it sounds like a lot of fun. We are planning to leave the office early on Friday, so we can have a few drinks and get something to eat somewhere in the West Loop before the game starts at seven.

  I’m busy working on a new project when I hear my phone beep and see that I have a text from my brother.

  Hey! I got the job at Starbucks at the hotel! I start training on Friday.

  OMG! Yay! Congrats! I’m so proud of you! I know this is not actually what you want, but it’s definitely a step toward what you want to do! Should we go somewhere fun to celebrate tonight?

  Thank you! Okay. Should we meet at Lao Sze Chuan? I’m craving the Tony’s Chicken and the Crispy Shrimp.

  Yes! Yum! That sounds perfect! We might have to get the crab rangoons too! I’ll see you later then!

  I wake up on Friday excited not only about the upcoming weekend but also about leaving work early to go a Bulls game. It has been a long week. I have been working hard to gain more responsibilities other than just being the receptionist. My days are hectic now which I enjoy. I want to prove to myself that I can learn as much as I can about digital marketing, web development, and SEO. I find it all very interesting and every day I’m learning something new. However, having a shorter day today will be a nice break and fun way to start the weekend.

  I peek through the window and see it’s snowing like crazy. Oh no! What am I going to do? I don’t have snow boots. Kourtney was so right. I need to and should have invested in a good pair of snow boots. It’s a total mess outside. I glance at my choices of shoes in my tiny bedroom. They’re all under my rolling rack, which is now actually taped to my wall because it’s so heavy with all my clothes. I see my shiny, new cognac boots. I have been lucky throughout January and most of February that there hasn’t been much snow. There is no way I can wear those boots today. They will get destroyed. Sigh. I walk out and head to the bathroom.

  The bathroom door is shut, and the light is on. I call out to my brother.

  “David?”

  “Almost done.”

  I forgot he is starting his new job today. I’m not going to ask him how much longer since it’s his first day but for me, every minute counts. I’m so slow in the morning and getting to work today isn’t going to be easy. I wander back to my room and decide what I’m going to wear while I’m waiting. I don’t think I have to get dressed up today, so I decide on a cozy gray sweater and dark denim jeans. I walk back to the bathroom and knock gently.

  “Hey. How are you feeling?”

  “Okay.”

  “Are you nervous?”

  “A little. But the manager that I’m training with seems really cool.”

  “That’s good.” I give him the same pep talk he gave to me on my first day of work.

  “You know, in a few days, you won’t feel as nervous. Everyone feels the same way on the first day.”

  “Yep. I know. I told you that.”

  I don’t ask any more questions because he obviously doesn’t want to make small talk. Two minutes later he is out of the bathroom. He gives me a quick hug and walks into his room.

  “Good Luck!” I call out to him.

  “Thanks!”

  I choose an old pair of boots I bought from Target that I forgot about. They’re pretty worn and old. They are not snow boots, but if they get ruined, it will be okay. I’m out the door and into the snow.

  It’s a terrible commute to downtown. The trains are late and slow, and everyone looks so miserable standing out in the snow. I’m trying to cover my face on the train platform, so I don’t get raccoon eyes from the snow blowing into my face.

  Once off the train, I stop by Starbucks to get coffee to warm up. I will officially be late for work. I have never been late, but I think today it will be okay. I walk into the office at 9:07 and I see that half the office is not even here yet. I guess that’s to be expected when the weather is so terrible outside. However, by around nine thirty everyone is at their desks. The atmosphere is quiet, so I assume everyone is grumpy because of the weather. I am not really in the mood to get everyone’s spirits up today either. Listening to music always puts me in a better frame of mind, so I put my headphones in, open my Spotify, and start my day.

  Around three in the afternoon, I walk over to the team and remind them about the plans for the afternoon.

  “Hey, guys! Let’s start wrapping up around three-thirty so we can get over to Green Street Meats to have a few drinks and food before the game.”

  “Sounds good, thanks, Kelly. You guys hear her? Let’s wrap up for the day in the next thirty minutes.”

  The guys mumble back an okay.

  “Alright James. Make sure they are ready.”

  Vin is finishing up a call with a client and tells me he’ll get a cab and meet us in a little bit. The rest of us walk out onto Michigan Avenue and sidewalk is covered in salt, snow, and slush. We tromp through all the wet mess over to Lake Street and get into our cabs. I realize now why snow boats are so important, this is just so horrible to walk through, even for a few minutes.

  There’s already traffic in this late afternoon. The one thing I’ve heard about living in the city is that the weather doesn’t stop people from doing what they want to do.

  Green Street Meats has a massive bar in the middle with picnic style tables all around the restaurant. You wait in line to order your food, pick it up, and find an area to sit. Easy enough. It’s your typical BBQ restaurant, wood-paneled walls, low-hanging lights, and kitschy decorations.

  We order our drinks first before ordering our food. Most of the team orders beers but I order a margarita and sit down next to James and Jillian. I send my brother a quick text to remind him of my plans for this evening.

  Hey! How was your first day? I can’t wait to hear about it! I just wanted to let you know I will be out all evening. We have our company outing. Going to the Bulls game tonight!

  It was good! Okay. Be safe.

  I put my phone away and take a sip of my margarita. It’s perfect. James and Jillian talk about something annoying that a client did today. I don’t want to engage in or talk about work, so I listen and enjoy their conversation and sip on my drink.

  I look up and see Vin walking through the door. His black wool coat is unbuttoned. He’s dressed as though there’s no blizzard outside. He is also wearing his good shoes. He mustn’t have snow boots either. He is always dressed to the nines and looks cool but, geez, doesn’t he get cold? He sees me and walks right over.

  “Hey Kelly, what are you drinking?”

  “Oh. Just a margarita.”

  “Looks good.”

  “You should get one.”

  “Nah. I’m going to get a beer or whiskey.”

  Vin heads over to the bar, and James gets up and follows him. I look around for Jillian. She’s having a shot with two of the guys from the office. I look around for our team. Everyone is hanging out in groups, so I get up and join James and Vin at the bar.

  I take a seat next to James. They’re cracking up with laughter about something funny that happened with one of the clients. It’s nice to see them having fun together outside the office.

  “Okay. I think we’re boring Kelly a little with all this.”

  “No, it’s okay. I’m just sitting here listening.”

  “Well. Since we are all just hanging out and no one else is around, I want to tell you guys that I really enj
oy and appreciate the two of you. I think, Kelly, you have done an excellent job the last few months. James, you are always good at everything you do.”

  “Awe. Thank you.”

  “Yeah, thanks, Vin. Appreciate it.”

  “I think we really work well together as a team, and I don’t want to intrude on whatever you guys have going on, but it would be fun to all hang out together sometime.”

  James and I look at each other and start laughing.

  “Vin! What are you talking about? We are not dating!”

  “Oh! Okay. That’s cool. I just thought . . .”

  “Why would you think that?” James cuts in as he moves in to face him more closely.

  “Umm, because you guys went out dancing and you guys talk and hang out all day at the office.”

  “Didn’t you know I’m gay! I like Kelly, but I don’t like her like that. However, she is all yours if you want!” He reaches over to pretend to move Vin and me closer together.

  “Umm . . . that’s not what I was trying to say either . . . ”

  James and I start cracking up. Vin is looking uncomfortable, embarrassed.

  “We’re just messing with you man. Of course, we can all hang out.”

  Once we convince Vin that we are just joking, he loosens up again. I notice some of the team is in line to order food and the line is also getting longer. I look at my phone. It’s almost five-thirty. We have about an hour until we leave for the game.

  “Hey, guys. Let’s get some food. The line is getting longer, and I’m getting hungry.”

  “Okay. Let’s do it.”

  The guys finish their drinks, and the three of us get in line for food. I order a pulled pork sandwich and coleslaw, and the guys each order ribs and few sides to share. We get our food and join the rest of the team at one of the picnic tables.

  The food is delicious. I love a good pulled pork sandwich. One of the guys has ordered a round of shots for the table. Most of the guys and Jillian have already had quite a few drinks. He passes them around to us, and we make a quick toast to Vin for being such an awesome boss. In unison, we cheer to Vin and take the shot of whiskey. I try to get Jillian’s attention, but she’s is still hanging out with one of the guys. The more drinks they have, the closer they get. Good for her though, at least she is having fun.

  I stick with James and Vin and head back to the bar after we’re done eating. I order another margarita, and the guys order whiskeys.

  “You know, Vin, I’ve never been to a Bulls game. I’m pretty excited to go.”

  “You haven’t?”

  “No. I haven’t”

  “The Bulls have been my favorite team since I was a kid. I love going to games, and I’ve always been a huge Michael Jordan fan.”

  “Have you been to a game, James?”

  “Yeah, but only a few.”

  “Well, I can’t wait to see what it’s all about.”

  Just before six-thirty, Vin, James, and I round up our group, so we can get cabs and make it to the game on time. Vin told me the intro is the best. I don’t want to miss this! Everyone is eager for the game. We head out around the same time and split up into cabs.

  There is a sea of people at United Center all waiting outside to get into the stadium. I can feel the excitement as we walk up to get in line. I’m standing next to James and Vin, and I’m holding my ticket tightly in my hands. We have our tickets scanned through security and enter the stadium. I can feel the energy.

  I wait with James and Vin at the concession. They each grab a beer and a glass of wine for me. I’m already feeling a little buzzed from the margaritas, but I’ll sip on my wine throughout the game.

  It’s five minutes before seven. The crowd begins to boo the opposing team as they walk onto the court. At seven, the lights suddenly dim, and the intro music blasts through the speakers. The court spotlights turn on.

  “Kelly. Watch all of this. You are going to love it.” I look over at Vin, and he is grinning like a little kid.

  I can feel chill bumps rush up my arms. Music blares throughout the stadium, and the crowd is deafening. I look up at the jumbotron. Animated bulls are charging down the streets of Chicago. Vin is right. This is so cool! The bulls bust through the opposing team’s bus and reach the stadium. The announcer’s voice booms through the speakers. “And now, here are your Chicago Bulls!” The Luvabulls are cheering on the team at the sidelines, and the enthusiasm of the Chicago crowd roars louder. I can feel its vibration throughout my body. The crowd grows wilder. The team players are announced one-by-one and rush onto the court and greet each other with a high-five.

  “So, what did you think? Pretty cool right?”

  “Vin. You were absolutely right. The intro is amazing!”

  “Yeah. I’ve seen a lot of openings and Chicago has the best.”

  I have to say, I’m not a huge sports person. I don’t watch a lot of sports, but I’m really enjoying this. It’s fun to watch because it’s a fast-paced game, and there is always something going on. Benny is Bull is a crowd favorite, and now I’m a fan as well, but the intro is my favorite part.

  After the game, I decide to just head home. I’m really worn out from the week, and I don’t want to drink anymore. James and Vin and some of the guys are going out, and they wait for me to get a cab.

  “Thanks so much, Vin, for getting us these tickets. It was a lot of fun. A really good first game.”

  “Good. We will have to go again.”

  “For sure. Thanks, guys! Have a good rest of your night.”

  Nine

  I’m back at work. However, I’m already looking forward to the weekend. I cannot wait to celebrate my birthday on Saturday with my friends and family in the ’burbs. I asked James and Jillian if they wanted to do a small dinner with me the following Friday. I found an Italian restaurant that isn’t too far from where I live. I love Italian food, and I’m eager to try a cozy little traditional neighborhood restaurant.

  By late Thursday afternoon, I’m burnt out from work. I walk over to the girls to chat with them for a few minutes, and I notice that all three of them seem stressed out. They were busily typing away on their computers.

  “Hey, guys, what’s wrong?”

  Amy looks up at me. “Ugh! We are short a few models for tomorrow night’s event at Underground. A few girls had to cancel, and it’s too late to get models to cover them and get their paperwork in.”

  “Oh no, that's terrible. I’m so sorry.”

  “Yeah, Natalie thinks the three of us should just go and cover. We were going to be there anyway, but we didn’t plan on actually working the event. We need four more girls, but three would be okay.”

  “Well. Can’t Kelly can join us too?”

  I give Natalie a look that says geez, thanks. “Umm, I’m not sure I can. I wish I could help. I have plans to go home this weekend to celebrate my birthday.”

  “Well, if you decide you can help us, we’ll make it a fun night, we promise. We can have a few drinks to celebrate your birthday. I really don’t want to tell Mark that we don’t have enough girls. This is our first really big event, and I don’t want him to think we can’t handle it.”

  I let out a sigh and look at Amy. “Okay. I’ll help you guys. I don’t want Mark to be upset with you all. I guess I can go home Saturday morning instead.”

  Amy gets up from her desk and runs over to give me a huge hug. “Thank you! Thank you! This will be great! I promise you! It’s only for a few hours. Just make sure to bring shorts. We just have to wear shorts and a promotional t-shirt. We will also hang out together the whole time.”

  “Okay. I can bring shorts. This will be an experience. That’s for sure.”

  Friday evening, we head over from the office to the club Underground. We all squeeze into the back of a cab and head into the evening traffic. The event starts at seven, which is early for a club, but this is a promotional event before Underground opens to the general public for the night.

  We have a lot to do
before the event starts. The four of us quickly change into our shorts and tees and freshen up makeup and hair. We spend the next hour running around making sure everything is just right. We set up a few areas with gold balloons and gold beads as a giveaway along with some promotional swag the client provided. The waitstaff is setting up the bars and preparing the appetizer tables and trays. We check in each of the promotional models who are working the event as they arrive. They are given directions as to what they need to do throughout the evening. Amy is super organized and has a list of the model’s names and what each of their jobs should be and where they should be stationed throughout the evening.

  I’m trying to keep up with the three of them and to be as helpful as I can. I’m impressed. These girls are pros at this. I know they are a little stressed out, but you can’t tell, and everything in the club looks great. Before the doors open, they take a few photos to add to the website and to show Mark. I think he will love how it turned out, however, you never know with him, he could be expecting celebrities to show up.

  It’s just after seven, and the club is filling up fast. Free drinks, free food, and free swag really draw a crowd. The four of us are hanging out in a corner making small talk as we hand out beads to the event guests. We dance a little and enjoy people-watching. The music is fantastic, and I hate to admit it, but I’m having a good time. Who knew I could have so much fun working an event.

  Natalie gets a text from Vin saying that after the event, we should stop by Leg Room to meet him for a drink.

  “He says he’s with a couple of his friends, so it should be fun. I guess they have a table and so we can easily join them.”

  Amy, Kourtney, and I all give each other a look. We can see that Natalie wants to go.

  “I’m not sure we should go.”

  Natalie gives Kourtney a look.

  “Natalie, he’s our boss, and I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”