Pretty Little Lies

by Jennifer Miller

  I’m really hoping to line up some local magazine work when I’m back in Chicago. A few magazines focus on the nuances of the city, and I would love to contribute to them. Perhaps a weekly feature about locally owned businesses that everyone should visit and support. I would love to do that! Or perhaps I could visit different restaurants or boutiques and feature them in articles. That would be a blast, and I know Pyper would love to help me with that. She never passes up a chance to do a little shopping!

  So, while this is not at all the journey I thought I would be taking at this point in my life, and even though the last few months have been extremely difficult, a part of me is positively giddy about what lies before me.

  Before I know it, I press down on the accelerator a little bit harder, anxious to get to my destination, the distinct bass of a song now playing through my speakers creating a lively, rhythmical pounding in my ears, and I’m feeling energized in a way I haven’t felt for quite some time.

  carefully try to navigate my car down East Ontario Street, wondering how the hell people do this all the time. Nothing like stop and go driving, avoiding opening doors and hitting the rear ends of the cars making sudden stops. I forgot what driving in the big city of Chicago was like! The streets are so busy – were there always so many restaurants located along this road? And, of course, Pyper’s condo is in Streeterville, a very popular and ritzy high rise building on the extreme lake front. Her condo attracts so many well-known, affluent individuals. It wouldn’t surprise me if I ran into Oprah in the lobby. Driving thru the ornate gate, and meticulously maintained Cyprus tree-lined entrance, the doorman comes out to greet me. Giving a slight bow, he kindly navigates me to the underground parking garage and advises me to park in the northwest space near the freight elevator to make unloading my car easy. I see his name tag says ‘Henry’ and I thank him. God bless Pyper for having planned ahead. I barely pull in to what I now understand to have been a parking spot reserved just for me, and suddenly several people swarm my car, ready to help me unload and transport everything into Pyper’s condo. I have no idea who these people are or where they came from, I’m just elated and thankful for the help.

  The last five hours of my drive seemed to drag on forever. I’m a physical and emotional contradiction. On one hand, I’m physically spent, weary and wiped out, with notable shoulder and back stiffness and soreness, and relieved that the drive is over. Yet, a pleasurable tingling-like sensation from each nerve ending permeates me with an anticipatory excitement and exhilaration. I’m happy to be here; to be home.

  Before I can even completely step out of my car, or greet what I quickly decide to interpret as my own personal welcoming committee, I hear feet slapping against the pavement in a fast run and a high-pitched squealing sound. I barely have time for my mind to make sense of the screech and the flash of red before I’m tackled by a very excited and barely coherent red-head, her pounce so fierce that it nearly knocks me down. I think she might be a little happy to see me. I jump up and down in her arms, squealing unintelligibly in response. Our mutual happiness and excitement is unleashed.

  “YOU MADE IT! Oh my gosh, I’m so thrilled you are here Olivia. Let me get a good look at you.” She holds me at arm’s length like my Grandmother would do, then slowly and intently looks me up and down taking an inventory. “You look so good honey, just a bit tired and you have shadows around your eyes, nothing cool cucumbers, a good shower, some pampering at the spa, a great concealer, and hanging out with your best friend while drinking a few cocktails can’t cure!”

  Pyper’s good mood is infectious, and I laugh at her and squeeze her again, in spite of her assessment and the lengthy list of remedies she has just prescribed. “That all sounds amazing Pyper! What do you say we make sure all my boxes get taken inside? I would really like to take that shower before heading out or doing anything else. I do feel kind of tired and a little gross from being in my car so long.”

  “Of course, follow me.”

  I grab my overnight bag out of the back seat and head toward the elevator, trusting that the unpacking crew - aka welcome committee - will do their job without incident.

  I’ve visited Pyper’s condo a few times. She was over the moon when her Father surprised her with this gift. He may spoil her, and she may lack for nothing, but the thing I love about Pyper is that while her Daddy definitely takes care of her and ensures she has the best of everything, she isn’t snotty or uppity about it. She’s laid-back, kind, easy going, and definitely knows how to have fun. Maybe it’s because she doesn’t have the same stresses and worries that some of us do regarding money, I don’t know, but she’s great and not at all how you would expect the daughter of Mr. Lexington, the owner of one of the top grossing mobile phone companies in the country, to be. She also works hard, has a great head on her shoulders, and doesn’t seem to take it all for granted. She’s amazing and I’m so happy she’s my best friend.

  I hop in the elevator and Pyper punches the number for the seventeenth floor. Inside the elevator, I look at myself in the mirror and see that Pyper was just being kind. I look as exhausted as I feel, with tired looking, washed-out skin, dark circled eyes, and droopy hair. If only my blog readers could see me now. Oh the horror! Oh well, nothing a shower, change of clothes, and laughter with my best friend won’t fix.

  “Once we get inside, don’t worry about a thing. You know which room is yours. Head in and do what you need to do. I’ll handle the movers and make sure they get all of your belongings and place them inside. Then, once you’re refreshed and ready to go, I have the whole works scheduled for us at Shimmer & Soothe. Massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. It will be the perfect girl’s day to celebrate our first day as roomies!”

  “That sounds wonderful Pyper, and I would love to do all of those treatments with you before long, but maybe for today we can just do the massage? I’m pretty exhausted from my drive, but a massage sounds absolutely divine.”

  “Of course! I’m so sorry, I wasn’t thinking about how tired you would be. I’m just so happy to see you and I went a little crazy. I’m sorry for being selfish.”

  “You could never be selfish Pyper. I know you’re just taking care of me and I love you for it.”

  Pyper smiles, “I love that you are here, so I have the opportunity to do so! Now go on and get your shower.”

  The elevator dings, we walk off and head to the right down the hallway, until we reach 17E, Pyper’s condo. Unlocking the door, she enters with me right on her heels. We proceed down the small hallway, past the hall closet, where we enter the kitchen. The kitchen is striking, all dark wood and gray marble, with an octagon-shaped eat-in nook area. Equipped with Viking appliances that include a double oven, full of stainless steel appliances, pots and pans strategically positioned over the island, dazzling track and drop lights, and all the appliances and gadgets one could want and many one definitely doesn’t need – it’s a cook’s dream. The ample built-in wine cabinet and over-sized beverage refrigerator across from the large pantry and pub counter with high-back leather padded bar stools, only further add to the allure. Pyper heads to the French door refrigerator and grabs a bottle of water. “Want one?”

  “Sure, thanks!”

  She gently tosses it to me and amazingly, I catch it.

  I walk to the spacious living room and dining room area, located just off the kitchen, to admire the rooms. I take in the dual wood/electric fireplace, Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, gorgeous area rugs adorned with a cream leather couch, love seat, easy chair, and ottoman, each filled to the brim with coordinating plum and silver throw pillows. A black coffee table, end tables holding large silver candlesticks, table lamps and various mosaic pieces that pick up Pyper’s color scheme add to the beauty. The dining room table is a large black wooden table that seats six. The chair back carving adds a bit of softness, even femininity to the space. In the center of the table is a huge silver vase holding an enormous arrangement of flowers. It’s just as I remember. All very much Pype
r; exquisite, well-done, but not over the top. Meticulous and well-organized, but not off-putting; rather, comfortable, warm, and inviting. And there it is---one wall that is nothing but glass, with an amazing view of the magnificent mile, Navy Pier, and the best part - an unobstructed, nearly panoramic view of Lake Michigan. This room and this view is my favorite part of Pyper’s condo. It is totally captivating! At night, when the whole city is lit up, it’s absolutely gorgeous – the lights shimmering, nearly dancing as they reflect off Lake Michigan – mesmerizing. I can’t wait to see it tonight. And with that thought, I feel my shoulders relax a little.

  I make my way down the hallway to the left, past Pyper’s home office to the guest bedroom, located on the right. I remember that the hallway half-bath looms just slightly down the hall on the opposite side, and that Pyper’s bedroom is at the end of the corridor. Standing in the entryway to the room, I peek in and once again think that the architect who designed this floor plan should have received some award – not only did she maximize every square inch, provide more storage space than most houses, but crafted it so that the bedrooms are actually two grand master suites – both abundantly sized with two huge walk-in closets, bathrooms that are larger than my prior bedroom, built of lovely travertine and stone with milk – glass windowed snail showers, and garden spa tubs, along with granite topped double vanities, and a small private room merely for the toilet. Incredible!

  I begin to wheel my suitcase into the room and pause, staring at the room. I can feel Pyper at my back. The guest room that was once decorated so beautifully in a sea green and contained only a nice pull out couch and chair is now completely redone with glossy white walls and brand new bedroom furniture. The couch and chair are gone, replaced with a gorgeous four poster canopy bedroom set in rich mahogany, with side tables, and a matching chest of drawers. In addition, there is a lovely media armoire, a coordinating mahogany desk and padded office chair, as well as an area set up to serve as a reading nook, with a lovely overstuffed chair, a storage ottoman, and goose-neck lamp. I turn open mouthed to Pyper.

  “Wow Pyper! This room – the furniture — it’s all amazing! When did you get this room redone?”

  With a look on her face revealing both pride and happiness with my reaction, she said, “I had it repainted and refurnished once we finalized plans and I knew you were going to come live with me.”

  I turn to Pyper with tears in my eyes, “What? Pyper! Why would you do that? You know I was perfectly fine sleeping on a pull out. I told you I didn’t want you to go to any trouble for me. You already won’t let me help with rent. This is too much.” I am overwhelmed with her generosity.

  “Look, I want you to be comfortable here and I knew you would love this bedroom set. I had the walls repainted because I want you to choose what color you want and have this space reflect you. If you don’t want to paint the walls, you don’t have to. This is a new start for you, a new beginning. I knew you got rid of all the stuff that reminded you of Deacon, and I sure as hell wasn’t going to let you sleep on a damn pull out couch. Don’t even get me started on the rent thing because we’ve been over that. I don’t even pay rent on this place. My Dad can more than take care of it, so we will let him. Don’t bring it up again. My parents can’t wait to see you by the way!”

  “I promise to take the best care of everything while I am here, and I can’t thank you enough. I really missed you. I love you.”

  “I love you too, chica! Now get that sweet ass in the shower, because we have massages to enjoy. While we are out, we should stop by a store so you can pick out the comforter, sheets and blankets you want! If you’re up for it, I know just the place.”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  Throwing another smile at me over her shoulder, Pyper turns and scurries down the hallway to her room. Smiling to myself, I walk into my room, already thinking about what color I want to paint the walls. I set my suitcase on the bed, open it, grab my bathroom items and head to the shower. So far, things are off to a great start.

  Stepping out of Pyper’s Mercedes and striding the short distance to the entrance, I feel renewed by the shower. With thoughts of how to personalize this newly claimed space, recently unknown energy seizes me, and I can’t help but smile. I’m looking forward to my massage, and again feel grateful to Pyper for having the forethought to arrange it. Shimmer & Soothe is really quite magnificent. Entering through the large glass doors, I immediately notice that to the left of the reception desk there is now a small gift shop that appears to sell many of the products used by the spa and its professional staff: luxurious robes, slippers like those in the women’s lounge area, and the various facial, massage, body, hair and makeup products.

  I follow Pyper to the reception desk, which is located front and center when you walk inside. Behind the reception desk is an impressive and eye-catching wall-mounted fountain. It is made of three large, slate panels suspended between beautiful metal fixtures with accent lighting in an overhead valance that highlights the water sheeting over the natural stone. Beautiful.

  I can’t help but notice that the girl working behind the desk visibly straightens when she sees her boss walk in. Young, no older than nineteen, with blonde hair and dark brown eyes, she is adorable, with a sweet voice to match. “Hi Miss Lexington. How are you?”

  “I’m doing fine Caroline, how are you? Keeping things running nice and smooth up here I hope? Appointments keeping pace with projections?” Pyper catches my eye and winks, “Did the delivery come for the Longevity facial supplies as planned?”

  “Everything is going well, we’ve gotten a lot of bookings today, and yes, the products arrived about an hour ago. Margo and Hannah are in the back, unpacking the boxes and placing the price labels on them.”

  “Excellent. Caroline, this is my best friend in the whole world, Olivia Brooks! She’s just moved back to Chicago and you will see her often, so remember her face. Olivia, meet Caroline.”

  I smile, “Hi Caroline, nice to meet you.”

  “Hi Ms. Brooks! It is so nice to finally meet you. Miss Lexington has been talking about your arrival a lot, and I’ve been anxious to meet you.”

  “Well I’m happy to be here, thank you, and please call me Olivia.”

  “Caroline, Olivia and I were to have a full schedule, but instead we’ve elected to just get massages for today.”

  Before she finishes, I interrupt, “Actually Pyper, I’m fine with keeping what you had originally scheduled. I’m feeling great so, if it’s still okay, let’s proceed as planned.”

  “Are you sure?” I nod and so Pyper continues, “Okay, great! Never mind Caroline, please go ahead and let Kelly and Stephanie know we are here. Ask them to give us ten minutes to change and then they can meet us in the lounge to take us back for our facials, which I believe is first on the schedule.”

  “You are correct. I will tell them now, Miss Lexington.”

  I can’t help but grin at the proper way Caroline keeps speaking to my friend. Pyper motions to me and we head off to the right of the reception desk which is where the women’s lounge is located. The male clients’ lounge entrance is located to the left of the reception desk. On the backside of the wall with the fountain is a spacious sitting area with strategically placed tables and chairs for clients to enjoy a beverage, chat, or read. If they choose, they can order lunch from the hotel restaurant across the street, known for its health-conscious, yet luscious fare that provides a modest discount to spa patrons. There is an ornamental serving table set up against one wall, providing complimentary coffee (decaf and regular), hot water with various herbal and non-herbal tea bags, iced tea, lemonade, a cold water cooler, and a juice and protein shake bar across the room against the opposite wall. Glass doors lead out to the large indoor Olympic size swimming pool, which is surrounded by plush lounge chairs, each containing a fluffy towel.

  Having entered the women’s lounge, we proceed to a desk where we are assigned a locker, given a card with the locker number on it, and told to pla
ce our clothing and belongings in and set the four digit combination to any number of our choosing. I follow Pyper back to the women’s locker room, open the locker, and find a velvet-soft robe and medium sized spa shoes, which are really just flip flops. Removing all of my clothes except for my off-white, lace bikini undies, I put on my robe and spa shoes and go with Pyper to the waiting area, where we relax in comfortable chaise lounges and pick up a recent gossip magazine to browse while we wait for our estheticians. I notice, and can’t help but take a peek at the newest Pose magazine to see if my article appears as a cover headline. Doesn’t look like it, but a quick scan of the index shows it is on page 11. ‘Hot Trends Coming This Spring.’ I smile, seeing my name below the title. I don’t think I will ever get used to that.