A Girl's Guide to Chicago

by Kelly Russell

  “Maybe. But he’s not a jerk like that. You wouldn’t have to just quit. I think he would let you do what you wanted or let you figure something out. But honestly Kelly, I don’t think that you should let that get in the way of how you feel. It’s just a job after all. Also, stop listening to your girlfriends. They mean well, but they are not always right.”

  “You know, I’ve never thought about it that way. I haven’t let myself give it a chance. Not that I’ve really had a chance until today. For the last few months, I’ve listened to everyone else telling me how wrong it would be to get too involved with Vin. I wondered for months if he liked Natalie when instead, he maybe liked me? James, I feel so upset. I handled today so wrong. What’s worse is that I don’t even know how to fix it.”

  “You thought he liked Natalie? No. I mean he likes her as a friend, but that’s it. Kelly, you can fix this, you just need to tell him why you acted the way you did today and figure out how you really feel about him and then tell him.”

  While I’m home for Thanksgiving, I tell Mum everything about Vin, and what my friends have told me to do about the situation. She tells me to stop worrying about everyone else and just go with my heart. Basically, everything that James said.

  My Mum and I made plans for her to spend the following weekend with me in the city. She suffers from multiple sclerosis. This disease often makes it difficult for her to get around. We can’t do all the things we love to do together. However, she has been feeling well enough the last few weeks. Mum wants to do a little shopping and have some girl time. Next weekend is the beginning of December and Christmas in Chicago will be in full swing. I’m thrilled.

  Thanksgiving weekend comes and goes. I don’t see Vin when I come back to the city. I don’t know why I didn’t text him. I feel really shy to see him, and I don’t know how to start the conversation. I need to figure out how I’m really feeling. At work the following week, things are definitely not the same. We are both friendly to each other and still work on projects together, but we act like we are too busy to talk.

  I pick Mum up from the train Friday evening and take a cab to my apartment. I’m so excited to spend this time with her. It’s going to be a great girls weekend. I can’t believe she hasn't seen my new studio yet! I’m so excited as I open my front door.

  “Darling! It looks so cozy in here. You have done such a wonderful job making it your home. Oh, look, little Gracie. How does she like it here?”

  “She loves it, we both do. I absolutely love the location.” I look out my front window. “You know it’s been my dream to live so close to Michigan Avenue, and it’s just a block away.”

  “Yes, it is, you have done well for yourself. Dad and I are really proud of you.”

  “Thank you, Mum.” I walk over and give her a giant hug.

  We spend the evening cozied up in my studio, watching TV, eating chips and salsa, and drinking wine. It’s nice to just spend quality time with my Mum.

  In the morning, we get ready and head out to Stan’s Donuts, my favorite donut place in the city. It is just off Michigan, and it has a cute café. We order a few donuts to share: the blueberry fritter, a Nutella pocket, the toffee cake, and two vanilla lattes.

  “Do you like the donuts, Mum?”

  “Yes, a bit rich for me, but they are very good.”

  “So, I know we can’t do too much walking, but we can just go to a few stores that are right around here. Are you feeling okay to do that?”

  ‘Yes, darling. I really want to go with you for a bit and start doing some Christmas shopping. I really want to get something nice for your Dad.”

  We end up shopping for a little over an hour, then decide to go to Ghirardelli to enjoy hot chocolate before we go back to my apartment. Mum can rest before dinner. We plan to have dinner at Tavern on Rush in the Gold Coast. I have never been there, but it looks good, plus it’s another restaurant on my list. Even though the walk isn’t too far from my apartment, we take a cab, so Mum doesn’t have to walk in the cold.

  The host seats us in the bar area next to the window. We chat about the twinkly holiday lights and how we love the way the streets are all decorated for the holidays. It’s starting to feel like Christmas. We each order a glass of red wine and a bowl of tomato soup with a side of twice baked potatoes. A perfect meal on a chilly evening. I can’t remember the last time that Mum and I have gone out for a meal together.

  “This is so nice Mum. I’m glad we were able to do this, this weekend. I feel bad that I haven’t come home as much the last few months. I’ve been so caught up with everything going on in the city.”

  “Well, you know I would love to see you more, but I understand that you’re just trying to make a life for yourself here. Both Dad and I understand that. You have to do what you need to do to be happy. Speaking of what you need to do, have you talked to Vin lately? Have you sorted things out with him?”

  “Well. No, not really. We have not really spoken much this week. I’m not sure how he is feeling now, what I should say, or how to start the conversation.”

  “Well, I definitely think you need to talk to him. He has after all been a good friend to you the last few months.”

  “Yeah, I know. He really has.” I look over at my phone as it beeps and lights up with a text. “Oh my gosh! I can’t believe this, but it’s a text from Vin.”

  “Oh, really. Tell me, what did he say?”

  “He asked, How’s hanging out with your Mom?

  “You have to respond to him. Go ahead and do it now.”

  “Okay.” I look down at my phone and type back.

  Good! We’re having a lot of fun. It’s really nice spending quality time together. She is going home tomorrow in the morning. How is your weekend?

  I stare at my phone waiting for him to respond and my heart starts to beat a little faster.

  “Well, what is he saying?”

  “He hasn’t responded yet.” I put my phone back on the table, take a few sips of wine as we both stare at my phone. My phone beeps and lights up again. I reach over and grab it.

  It’s fine, nothing crazy. Is your Mum taking the train back in the morning?

  Yes, she is. Why?

  Well, maybe you should use my car. I know she has trouble getting around and it’s a long train ride on Sundays, right? Might be a lot for her.

  “He said that I should use his car to drive you home tomorrow, so you don’t have to take the train.”

  “Awe, what a sweetheart.”

  “Well, do you want to do that instead?

  “Well, actually that would be nice. I am feeling a bit tired from the weekend.”

  “Okay. I’ll tell him that we would love to use the car.”

  That would be so nice! Are you sure you don’t mind?

  Of course not. Just text me in the morning when you are coming by.

  Okay, I will. Thank you so much, Vin.

  No problem. See you in the morning.

  Okay.

  “Kelly, when you bring the car back to him, you really have to talk to him.”

  “I know Mum. I will.”

  I’m bummed the weekend is over already. We get into a cab and head over to Vin’s apartment in the morning. He comes down to meet us and gives us both a hug.

  “I’ve heard a lot about you, it’s so nice to meet you, Vin.”

  “Same to you too. Did you have fun this weekend?”

  “Yes, I did. It was lovely.”

  “What did you guys do?”

  “We did some shopping, had some girl time at Kelly’s apartment, and went out to dinner. Her place is really nice. She did well, it’s so cozy. But, we should get going, so I can get home to your Dad. Once you bring Vin’s car back, then maybe you two can hang out the rest of the day.”

  I give my Mum a smile. I know where she is going with this. “Okay, let’s get going. Thank you again for the car. I will text you when I’m on my way back.”

  “Okay. Take your time.”

  We get in the car
, and I turn to my Mum. “So, what do you think of him?”

  “I think he’s a sweet boy. If you want to date him, I think you should give it a go. You never know.”

  “Well, I’m not sure we’ll actually date now after what happened. I’m still not sure what I want, but I definitely miss spending time with him, and we do need to talk.”

  Before I leave my parents’ house, I have a quick coffee with Mum and Dad, and I text Vin that I will be in the city soon.

  I drive into Marina City, and the valet guy takes his car. I text Vin, I’m here. He comes down a few minutes later.

  “Hey. How was the traffic?”

  “Not bad at all. Thanks for letting me drive your car to take my Mum home. It would have been a bit much for her to take the train.”

  “Oh yeah, of course.”

  “So, what are you doing the rest of the day. Do you have any plans?”

  “No, not really. Nothing ’til later. I thought we could hang out this afternoon like your Mom said.”

  “Well, we can just grab a coffee and figure out something to do? My favorite holiday drink is the peppermint mocha at Starbucks. We could also walk around and maybe do some shopping?”

  “Okay. But, didn’t you shop yesterday with your Mum?”

  “Yeah, but there are a few other places I would like to go.”

  “Okay, that’s fine.”

  We walk together without saying much as we head toward the Starbucks. I’m really not sure how to start the conversation, and I don’t think he knows what to say either. A part of me just wants to forget it, because we are hanging out now and everything seems somewhat normal. We grab our peppermint mochas and have fun browsing around some of the stores. We joke around in Nordstrom about some of the over-the-top holiday items, and that seems to break the ice between us a little more.

  “Hey, I know a perfect holiday-ish thing we can do. It’s something that’s been on my list. Are you hungry? I haven’t eaten much today.”

  “Yep, I would rather check out something new then shop. Where is it?”

  “It’s in the Gold Coast. It’s the Restoration Hardware. It’s a huge restored building, and the showroom has multiple floors.”

  “But, what about food. Can you eat there?”

  “Yeah, there’s a gorgeous café in the middle. At least it looks gorgeous from the Instagram photos.”

  We walk across the city to Restoration Hardware and the inside looks like a mansion. We put in my name for the café. It’s a forty-five-minute wait, so we spend time exploring each floor.

  Each room is decorated with beautiful RH furniture and accessories. I have my eye on a few things, including one of the faux fur blankets. My phone buzzes and I have a text that our table is ready. We head back downstairs toward the café, and we are seated on one of the couches in the middle of the room. The roof is another atrium. It really is so pretty in here with the garden-style tables and couches and a water fountain in the middle of the room. We order afternoon tea and share a cheese board, and a burger. I take a few photos for my blog before we start eating.

  “What are you doing this evening?”

  “Well, actually my parents are here.”

  “They are? From New York?”

  “Yeah, just for a few days. My Mom wants to go to dinner tonight and afterward go to Zoo Lights. She loves going every year.”

  “That sounds fun. I haven’t been to Zoo Lights yet.”

  “Do you want to come to dinner with us and go.”

  “Meet your parents and go to dinner?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Hmm. I’m not sure. Maybe you should just hang with them and then if it’s not too late, maybe we can watch a holiday movie after. Have you ever seen Love Actually? It’s my favorite holiday movie. I have to watch it every year.”

  “Okay. Yeah. If it’s not too late, I can come over after and watch it with you.”

  Around eight-thirty, there’s a light knock at my door. I open the door, I give Vin a big smile when I see him standing there.

  “Hey! I’m glad you decided to come over. How was hanging out with your parents.”

  “It was good.”

  “You still okay to watch the movie? If we start it now. It won’t end too late.”

  “It’s your favorite holiday movie, right?”

  “Yep, it is.

  “Okay, then, let’s watch it.”

  Twenty-Six

  “So, what did you think of the movie?”

  “I liked it, I can see why you like it so much.”

  “Yep, it’s the best, and it always gets me so excited for Christmas. I haven’t done anything extra holiday-ish yet in the city. I’ve only really seen the holiday lights and the decorations around Michigan Avenue and maybe a few holiday drinks.”

  “Okay, well after work this week we can go to the Christkindlmarket. My Mom loves going there too whenever she’s here. We can get some mulled wine and German food.”

  “Okay, yeah let’s do that. There’s also something else on my list that I read about. An old theatre in Southport called Music Box Theatre is playing It’s A Wonderful Life during the holidays. I think it would be cool see that movie in an old theatre. They have showings on Saturday afternoons, and since we like movies, maybe we can go? What do you think?”

  “I’ve never seen It’s a Wonderful Life.”

  “You haven’t?”

  “No.”

  “Okay, then.” I reach over and grab my laptop. “I think you will love it, let me see if I can get tickets for next Saturday.”

  As we walk into the Music Box Theatre, I already know this is the perfect thing to do to get us into the holiday spirit. The theatre is charming, decorated with traditional Christmas decorations. We get in the concession line and order hot spiced wine, popcorn, and my favorite movie candy, Sno-Caps. We walk toward our seats. Someone dressed as an elf is playing Christmas songs on the piano. A few minutes later carolers come out, and everyone joins in a sing-a-long. The movie begins, and I’m excited to watch the movie in the old theatre as it was meant to be seen, and for Vin to see it. Every time Mr. Potter comes on the screen, people in the theatre start to hiss and then cheer for George Bailey throughout the movie. I always get a little teary-eyed at the end of the movie, and we stay in our seats for a few minutes after it’s over.

  “Wow, it was so amazing to see that movie in this theatre. I loved all the caroling before the movie. That was really so much fun.”

  “I thought it was great. I’m glad we did this. It was way better than I thought.”

  “I’m glad we did this too. Thank you for going with me.” Before I know what I'm doing, I reach over to grab his hand as we follow the crowd out of the theatre.

  It’s the last Friday before Christmas. We are playing Christmas music in the office, and I plan on ordering lunch today for everyone. I also brought in some holiday cookies and candy canes to make the office feel a little more festive. We are all excited that it’s not only Friday but also that we have a long week off work.

  James, Jillian, and even Kourtney said they all want to go to SoPo for some drinks and dancing tonight. I’m totally down for that. Since James and I have talked about this place so much over the last few months, I think Jillian and Kourtney are excited to see what is so great about this bar. They both come over to my apartment, so we can all get ready together and take a cab north to meet up with James.

  “You guys, I don’t want you to think this is somewhere really fancy. I don’t want you to be disappointed when you walk in. It’s just a fun spot, and the DJ plays really fun music, and if you like martinis, they have tons to choose from, all for five dollars, all night long.”

  “Well, I like music and martinis, and I’m excited to go.”

  Kourtney looks out the window and checks something on her phone. “You guys, it’s really starting to snow. Maybe we should just order some food and stay here.”

  “No, let’s go. Kelly has been telling us about this place for so lon
g. We will only go out for a little bit.”

  It ends up taking us thirty-five minutes to get all the way up north to SoPo. We walk in, and James is at the bar with some guy. “What took you guys so long? Luckily, I found someone I knew so I wasn’t sitting here all by myself.”

  “I’m so sorry! It’s like a blizzard out there!”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, it just started to really come down. I don’t think we should make it too late of a night because it’s going to be tough getting home.”

  “Okay. Agreed. But for now, let’s get some drinks.”

  We find a bigger table toward the back and pile all our coats onto one of the chairs. We end up doing more sitting and drinking than dancing this evening. No one else is back here, so it feels like we have our own private little area. The main room with the bar isn’t that busy at all. The snow must have stopped most people from coming out, which is rare for Chicago. Usually, the snow doesn’t stop Chicagoans, and the bars are packed on Friday nights. I notice that James is busy texting on his phone. He keeps looking toward the front door and then looking back at his phone.

  “Is someone else coming?”

  “Maybe. But the weather is getting pretty bad outside.”

  “Well, we really shouldn’t be out too much longer anyway. We should call it a night soon.”

  “We will. I just have to see if they are coming.”

  “Who?”

  “Just a friend.”

  I give him a look. He is acting so strange. I’m pretty sure he is waiting for a guy he likes to show up. James looks at his phone again and looks up at the group.

  “Okay. He’s here.”

  “Who’s here?” I look up toward the door just as Vin and his friend Vince walks in.

  “Oh my gosh! What are you doing here!” I jump off my stool and rush over to him. I can’t help myself, and I give him a huge hug, and he hugs me back.