“Totally, Kelly.” Amy interjects. “Don’t let Kourtney push you. There’s no rush.” She looks over to Kourtney and playfully sticks out her tongue.
I leave Kourtney’s around four o’clock. Vin is coming by around six to pick me up. This gives me plenty of time to shower and to get ready. I try not to think about my conversation with Kourtney and Amy. I know what I’m doing is harmless. For some reason, they just think it’s inappropriate that I hang out with Vin. I think they are wrong. He’s such a nice guy, and they hardly know him like I do.
I put on a pair of shorts and a cute tank. It’s still hot outside. I add a pair of wedges, and I’m ready. Just after six, I get a text from Vin saying that he is downstairs.
“Hi!”
“Hey, you look tan.”
“Yeah, a little red maybe, I spent the day at Kourtney’s pool.”
“How was that?”
“Really fun. She lives in a beautiful building that has an amazing rooftop with a pool. I’ve never been to a building like that before.”
“Cool. Are you hungry? James is going to meet us over there.”
“Yep, I’m pretty hungry.”
Wicker Park is very different from Downtown, Lincoln Park, and Lakeview. It’s a little grungier and has a different vibe. Vin told me he used to live in Wicker Park before moving to downtown, and he loves the area.
“It’s very artsy and unique. I’m excited to see what it’s like.”
“Yeah. I will show you all my favorite spots.”
We walk first to Smoke Daddy and put our name on the waiting list. They tell us it’s going to be about a one-hour wait for the patio. That gives us plenty of time to walk around for a bit. We meet up with James and walk around Division Street and over to Damen and Milwaukee Avenue so I can see what the neighborhood is like. Vin points out all the spots he used to hang at and tells us a few stories about starting his agency in Wicker Park.
“Do you see this wall here?” Vin points to the wall we are walking by on Damen Avenue.
“Yep. What is it?”
“It’s often painted with different murals. But, behind this door right here, there’s kind of hidden bar called The Violet Hour. This bar is really a hidden gem. It’s a speakeasy, but it also reminds you of something out of ‘Alice in Wonderland.’”
“Oh, that’s really cool. I’m adding it to my list for sure. I would love to see what’s inside. What a cool concept. You would never know that place was there.”
“Yep. It’s a pretty cool spot.”
We’re starting to get hungry, and we head back to the restaurant. We wait another ten minutes or so, and our table on the patio is ready. The host seats us at a table along the street. Above us are lots of twinkly lights. It’s twilight, so the sky is somewhat light, but it’s still pretty. Dining on a patio at nighttime has become one of my favorite things to do. I want to sit outside as much as I possibly can.
The food is awesome at Smoke Daddy. I order my usual pulled pork with coleslaw that comes with a side of their sweet BBQ sauce. I end up eating most of my sandwich. We all order a second round of drinks, so we can sit and enjoy the evening air. Vin drops me off a few hours later, just after ten. I’m exhausted from all the sun. It was a full day. I literally crawl into bed a few minutes later and fall fast asleep.
Last night, Vin asked if I wanted to meet up and explore the Chicago Riverwalk. He has been there a few evenings this summer for drinks with his friends since he lives so close in Marina City. I haven’t really been over there to hang out yet, but I heard it’s one of best places to go during the summer.
I meet him over near his apartment on Sunday afternoon, and we walk down the stairs to the Riverwalk. It’s a beautiful day, and it is packed. Couples strolling into bars. People walking their dogs or riding their bikes. Some are partying and playing music on boats docked along the river.
We walk up and down the Riverwalk first so I can see all the spots to hang out. I love the Tiki bar that’s close to Navy Pier, but after walking back, we end up ordering a glass of wine at City Winery. We find a seat near the steps by the river to relax and enjoy our glass of wine and watch the boats sail by. We sit in silence for a while to take in this pretty day and watch all the happenings around us.
“This is so nice. I could totally sit here all day, but I’m also getting a little hungry. Are you?”
“Yeah. I definitely need to eat something if I’m going to drink any more wine. Kourtney told me yesterday about this restaurant that I think might be kind of close by. Let’s see, I think it’s called Hampton Social. Do you want to go check it out?”
“Sure, if you want to.”
“I guess the restaurant makes you feel like you’re hanging out in the Hamptons or something. It has to be walkable from the Riverwalk.”
Vin looks it up on his phone. “Yeah, it is. Not too far at all. Looks good. Let’s go.”
“Okay, one second. Kourtney also told me about this app called OpenTable. You can make reservations to restaurants all over the city and get points toward gift cards. I just downloaded it yesterday, and I want to see if I can make a reservation.”
I open the app and search for the restaurant. “Perfect. They have a reservation for three-thirty.”
“Great. Book it.”
We finish our wine and head over to Hampton Social. Kourtney had described the restaurant exactly how it looks. We are lucky to get a table by the open windows. I love the dècor in here. Everything is white and blue and has a very nautical East Coast beach vibe.
“Have you ever been to the Hamptons?”
“No. Have you?”
“No, but I really want to someday. Oh, you know what, I’ll be right back. I want to get a photo of that Rosé All Day sign on the wall before someone sits here.”
We split a pizza and order two glasses of their rosé of the day. It is refreshing on a hot summer day. It’s after five when we leave the restaurant. I’m feeling pretty happy from both the wine and the weekend out in the sun. Summer weekends in Chicago are literally the best. I’m sad for the day to be winding down.
“I know we have been out most of the day, but do you want to do one more thing before you go home?”
“Okay, sure. What’s that?”
“I looked up something for us to do at a restaurant. I wanted to see if anything is going on today.”
“Okay, tell me!”
“Over in Millennium Park, at the Pritzker Pavilion, they have either a concert or a movie during the evening on certain days of the week. Tonight, they have a free concert. It starts in a little while. We could walk over there and check it out. We don’t have to stay for the whole thing.”
“Ooh yes! Let’s go! I’ve wanted to go to a movie in the park, but a concert sounds really fun too!”
We find seats in the pavilion and watch the orchestra set up. I check out the people around us who brought food and drinks and set down blankets in the picnic area on the lawn behind us.
I whisper to Vin. “We should have brought some wine with us. I didn’t know you could bring drinks in here.”
“I didn’t know either. I have never watched a movie or been to a concert here before.”
“For living in the city for so long, you really haven’t done too much.” I kid with him.
“I’ve haven’t really met anyone who likes to do things like this.”
I give Vin a smile. He is right. I haven’t known anyone who likes to do these things either.
The orchestra begins to play, and I’m totally mesmerized. Its’ sound is so beautiful, and as the sun goes down, the lights from high-rises around us get brighter, and the whole city is glowing. It’s magical. I feel so content to be sitting here in the middle of this amazing city listening to music.
Today is the day that Mark is on The Today Show. The whole office crams into the conference room to watch his segment. Five guys are the finalists, and they each have to convince Kathie Lee and Hoda and the editor of Esquire Magazine who is the best-
dressed man in America.
The three judges will then vote on the winner, which will be at the end of the segment. Mark comes on TV and we all cheer. We might tease him in the office as to how much of a big shot he thinks he is, but at the end of the day, you have to be proud of him for getting this far. I mean, he is on The Today Show. Kathie Lee introduces each one of the finalists who show off their personal style and convince the judges why they are the best-dressed man in America.
Mark is the second to last to show his stuff, and he actually does really well. The last guy is up, and they cut to commercial. When the show comes back to air, they have recap the news, recap the weather, and go to commercial again. Finally, the show opens again, and it’s time to announce the winner. Mark doesn't win first place, unfortunately, but comes in second. He must be bummed. So, our excitement for the day is over, we turn off the TV, and get back to work.
Two days later, Mark is back from his New York trip.
“Hey! How was it? We all watched you, and we all thought you did really great!”
“Oh. Thanks. I was a little bummed that I didn’t win, but it was fun. It was a fantastic opportunity and looks really good on my resume.”
“Okay, you have to tell me all about behind the scenes. I’m always really interested in that stuff.”
He tells me what it’s like to be on The Today Show, and it does sound really cool.
“So. Maybe you want to do me another favor?”
“Okay, sure.”
“The day I was on the show, Kerry Washington was also on. We hung out in the green room for a bit, and she is really cool. Like really, really cool.”
“Really? Wow! That is cool. I really like her!”
“Yeah. We hit it off really well. So, I was wondering if you could figure out who her people are and send her some flowers from me?”
He has a big grin, but I laugh and shake my head. “She married you know, with kids!”
He keeps that grin on his face and heads back to his office. It’s never a dull moment, always the same Mark.
Twenty-Two
I get up early this morning so I can spend a little more time on my hair and makeup. This evening Jillian and I are both invited to an event at Swarovski on Michigan Avenue. They are launching a new line, and I was invited along with a few other Chicago bloggers to cover it.
It’s my first invite to cover an event for my blog, and this time I’m definitely wearing a little black dress and a pair of black heels. I felt so out of place last time. Maybe it’s silly to feel this way, but I want to fit in with the rest of the bloggers. I want others to know I’m serious about my blog. As I walk into the office, I get a few weird looks from some of the guys.
“Hmmm good morning. So, why are you so dressed up today?”
“Well, James. Jillian and I got invited to cover an event tonight at Swarovski.”
“Ohhh, so fancy!”
“I’m pretty excited since it’s my first official event that I have been asked to cover.”
“Well, that’s cool. I’m excited for you.”
I notice that as everyone walks in, they give me a double take. Mark comes busting through the glass doors as always in his standard outfit of jeans, vest, and Prada bag. He takes off his sunglasses and looks at me.
“You have a hot date tonight or something?”
“No, I’m going to an event after work.”
He gives me a strange look as to whether it is the truth or not. “Hmm cool.”
Vin walks in and gives me a big smile. “You look nice.”
I can feel myself instantly getting red. I give Vin a half smile and try to focus on the emails in my inbox. I have a message from Leah. She is planning a girls’ night next week at a place called Cindy’s and asks if I’m free. I have no idea where that is, but I tell her I’m in. I open a new tab in my browser and type in Cindy’s Chicago. I see that it’s a rooftop bar and restaurant at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. I look through the images. The rooftop is gorgeous and has an amazing view of all of Millennium Park and the lake. I haven’t been to a rooftop yet, and I’m so excited to go.
Jillian and I hang out together in the office after work. We don’t have to be at the event until six. I haven’t spent much time with Jillian lately, so it’s nice to spend some quality time with her. She’s more open and social with me then she used to be.
Just before six, we leave the office and head toward Swarovski. We walk in and see it’s decorated so beautifully. Their newest collection is out on displays with giant sparkling crystals hanging everywhere you look. White and blue balloons float in the air all around the store. Each employee is wearing pieces from the collection, and each piece is so gorgeous. There are a lot of large sapphire and white crystals in this collection.
We are offered a glass of champagne and look around at each piece in the collection. I have my eye on a pair of gorgeous sapphire drop earrings. As I’m browsing similar earrings, Jillian grabs my arm.
“Oh my gosh, the fashion editor of Runway Magazine is here!” She excited, and I turn around to look.
If I’m going to be honest, I have no idea who the fashion editor of Runway Magazine is. I follow Jillian to where the editor is standing. She is surrounded by girls asking her questions. They all seem to be gushing at the chance to talk to her. She’s obviously a big deal, and I feel kind of dumb that I don’t know who she is.
The editor is quickly whisked away by her assistant, so they can take photos and wrap up what they need for their article. I made a mental note to look up how they covered this event. I want to get some tips from a major magazine.
This event isn’t as crowded as the Kenneth Cole event, so we just hang around a little while longer and mingle with some of the other bloggers and a few PR people.
As some of the event goers are leaving, the host at the front of the store is handing out little blue bags as a thank you for coming. We peruse the store one more time to make sure we have enough photos then head out. We thank the host as she hands us our gift bag. I have never received a gift bag from an event, and I can’t wait to see what’s inside.
“What did you think of your first official event?”
“It was good. Not as exciting as the first one, but a fun first event to cover for my blog. I’m just happy I was invited.”
“Good. Well, it’s only just after seven, so do you want to go to RL since it’s on our way home. You have wanted to go there.”
“Oh, yeah! Okay, let’s do that. Great idea Jillian.”
RL is just what I expected. The restaurant is very sophisticated and timeless. The host seats us in a cozy booth. There are pictures everywhere along the walls. I pick up the menu, and I see the grilled cheese and tomato soup that Jillian told me about. It’s one of my favorite comfort food in the fall and winter.
“So, what are you going to get. The burger here is really good. Do you also want to get a glass of wine?”
“Sure. Why not? Well, I do love grilled cheese and tomato soup, but it just seems too hot for that, so, I will go with the burger if that is what you are having.”
The waiter brings us a basket of bread, and we order two glass of white wine and two burgers.
“How’s work going for you lately? I hope hiring another person has helped you.”
“Yeah, it’s been a huge help. I can focus more on strategy. Sam is doing more of the writing and social media. I feel much less stressed.”
“That’s good. I feel like I’ve gotten better at doing all the accounting. The last few months have been so busy. Anyway, what do you think is in this gift bag? Is that normal?”
“No, not really, but let’s open them.”
“Okay.”
I undo the ribbon and open the bag. Inside is a thank you card from the store manager and a little blue box. Inside the box is a pair of round studs filled with mini crystals. They are so simple, yet so pretty. I love them.
“Wow, what a beautiful gift!”
“Yes, I didn’
t think it would be as nice as this. Any gift is usually something promotional from the store.”
“Well, these will be perfect for my post. I can wear the earrings with a cute outfit and show how to style them for every day and write all about the event.”
“That’s a fun idea. I’m asked just to strictly write about the event, which gets kind of boring.”
“Well, maybe you can spice it up a bit. Tell people how to style some of the pieces or something.”
“Yeah, maybe.”
The server comes over with two huge burgers. “Wow, there’s no way I can eat all of this.”
I cut my burger in half. I can save the other half for dinner tomorrow. I take a big bite, and Jillian is right, the burger is good.
“What do you think?”
“It’s great. I really like this place, it’s so nice.”
“Yeah, it’s kind of a staple here in Chicago and a good place to come all year around.”
After dinner, we slowly walk together toward Delaware, where we now always part ways and go in our opposite directions.
“I can’t believe you live a few streets away now. Isn’t it crazy how things work out? You thought you would never be able to afford to live around here.”
“I know, it’s crazy! So much has changed in the last few months. I had a few bumps in the beginning, but things are really working out now.”
“You’ve definitely come along way, and you’re totally more of a city girl now. You were kind of a confused mess in the beginning. You always looked so nervous.”
“I did.”
“Yeah, but that’s okay, you got there in the end.”
“Yep, I’m getting there, things are definitely working out great.”
Twenty-Three
Sadly, for me, summer is slowly coming to an end. Even though the days are still warm, the weather cools down in the evenings, and the leaves are starting to change.
Transitioning a wardrobe into a new season can sometimes be difficult. It’s hard to know how to dress, what to wear. I think layering is always the best option. I’m wearing a pair of cropped black pants, a silky tank top, and my favorite jean jacket that I’ve had for forever. It’s a good in-between summer and fall look and looks cute enough to meet up with the girls for cocktails at Cindy’s.
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