Chapter 5
Elena – Chicago
OUR FLIGHT WAS SHORT, WAY TOO SHORT AND I’M STARTING TO THINK THAT we should have just braved the weather and driven here, but seeing as our tickets were sponsored, I thought it best not to come across as ungrateful.
Midway airport, though smaller than O’ Hare airport, is just as busy.
The place is bustling with activity of mostly domestic travellers.
We collect our baggage and head out of the airport to get a rental vehicle, once that is sorted out, we make our way to our hotel.
We’re staying at The Lakeview Grand hotel, named for Chicago’s breathtaking lake views.
It’s a four-star hotel which suits me well.
After checking in and collecting our key card, we make our way to our room.
It has two single beds, a decent bathroom, a tiny kitchenette for coffee and tea including a bar fridge which Evie is digging around in.
“Don’t touch anything in there, most hotels have that pressure sensitive and they charge you an exorbitant amount for it.”
“Shit, I didn’t know that. Thanks for the heads up. It’s lunch time, you want to grab a bite or call room service?”
“Let’s call in for now, maybe we could go out for dinner?”
“Cool, fine by me.” Evie checks out the menu and places our orders.
We both unpack while we wait for our food.
After I’m done, I sit on the bed and start to think about how to handle the Matt situation.
I know I’m going to have to face him at some point but I want to go in prepared.
I’ll start by returning the ring. I suppose I’ll have to move out so I should make arrangements to pack up all my stuff and have them put in storage.
I need a place to stay, someplace I can park my car.
I’m just an Indie author and a newbie at that so I don’t have a steady income which will make securing an apartment difficult.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Evie interrupts my wallowing.
“Urgh, everything is such a mess. I was just thinking that I need to move out. I need to get my stuff in storage and I need a place to stay but all that costs money, money that I don’t have.”
“No worries, babe, I’ve thought about all of that.”
“You have?” I roll my eyes at her. “Of course you have.” I give her a look arching one eyebrow up in a well, are you going to fill me in on these thoughts you’ve already had about my life?
“Yeah, I have. You could just move in with me for however long you need to. I have a storage locker with all my mum’s stuff in it and it is large enough to fit everything that you own. You can be away from Matt and focus on building your career, and what better way than to live with your editor?”
Just as I was about to respond I’m cut off by the knock on the door. Our food arrives and we both dive in. Both of us sit cross legged on our own bed enjoying our lunch. I still haven’t responded to Evie’s offer. As generous as it is and as desperate as I am, I don’t want to be an imposition.
“So, what do you say, babe? Are you going to take me up on my offer?”
“I don’t know, I don’t want to be a bother.”
“No bother at all, you need the space and I have it. It’s really simple if you think about it. Don’t let your pride get in your way. You need help and I’m offering it. The smart move would be to take me up on my offer.”
I abandon my lunch and launch at her in a fierce hug. “Thank you so much.” I’m sniffing now, tears streaming from my eyes. The swelling has only just gone down from last night’s episode and here I go - again.
“Whoa! Easy there Ellie. You’re very welcome. Stay as long as you need, hell, stay forever. God knows I don’t mind the company.” I sniff again before giving her another hug and then I go back to my bed.
“So, how are you going to do this?” I frown at her.
“What do you mean?”
“You know, like, how? Are you going to go back there and confront him; tell him you know and you just came to pack your stuff? Or are you going to just ghost him and send a moving company to go pick up your stuff? Personally, I like the cold shoulder idea and no contact. Leave him to explain the details to his family when they learn that there’s no wedding. ”
Damn it the wedding, how could I forget. I had paid for the photographer, the florist and for the cake. I even bought my own gown and it’s due to arrive in the next week or so.
“I need to start making calls and getting refunds. I need that money, especially now.”
“Do you think you could get your money back?”
“For the cake, flowers and photographer, I think I can but I doubt I’ll get a refund on the dress, it was customised to fit me.”
“Okay, at least it’s not all bad news. Do you have the details? Maybe we could send out emails to them and see if they’re willing to help?”
We finished off our lunch and I sent the email correspondence to the various suppliers including the bridal shop. Now it was just a matter of waiting.
I shower and change into a sleek black dress; it’s form fitting with an open back and long sleeves.
It’s an elegant choice for a night out. I wear my dark brown hair up in a loose French twist with a few stray strands framing my face.
A touch of light pink gloss, light gold eyeshadow, black eyeliner to enhance my deep blue eyes and I’m almost ready.
I put on a pair of earrings to finish off the look.
Stepping back from the mirror, I look at my reflection with silent approval.
“Wow, you look amazing.” I have no idea why but Evie’s praise makes me blush. I roll my eyes at her.
“You’re looking pretty good yourself, hot stuff. Are looking to get lucky tonight?” I give her a cheeky wink and laugh.
“There isn’t a man on this planet that can handle all of this.
” I fear she may be right. Evie is a lot to handle and most men find her wit, independence and unfiltered mouth intimidating.
But tonight, she looks the epitome of class and elegance in a knee length bottle green dress.
Like my own dress, hers is also form fitting but hers has a tiny slit in the middle at the back.
Her blonde hair is hanging in loose waves down her back.
So different from the messy bun and surfer chic look she normally wears.
“Are you ready to go?”
“Yeah, almost, just let me get my shoes.” I put on a pair of black heeled pumps with a strap at the ankle.
“Right, I’m ready.”
We decided to go night shopping on The Magnificent Mile before visiting a jazz club for dinner and drinks.
Evie and I enjoy shopping for silly things, I found a book store that had a selection of old books.
A special leather-bound copy of Danielle Steel’s No Greater Love caught my attention and I absolutely had to have it.
The previous owner must have had the precious book rebound and it looks exquisite and timeless.
Evie bought a few items as well and we got silly souvenirs, a snow globe and keychains for both of us.
After two hours of shopping, we made our way to the jazz club, thankfully there was no line at the entrance and a lovely gentleman greeted us at the door before a young beautiful woman showed us to our table.
It’s warm and inviting, the sound of the soft jazz playing in the background is soothing.
“What’s that look on your face?”
“Huh? What look? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“You had a faraway look in your eye, like you were content? It wouldn’t be so concerning if it weren’t for the fact that you just found out your fiancé is a scandalous knob shine and you just sent a bunch of emails requesting refunds for a wedding that’s not going to happen.
So, spill, what gives?” I turn around at the sound of someone clearing their throat, obviously a reaction to Evie’s appalling use of the English language.
When I turn to see whose ire we’ve attracted, all I see is thick black hair and a back adorned in a suit coat.
Probably some tight assed stiff, I’m willing to bet he probably has a stick up his ass the same length as that chair leg he’s sitting on.
He’s sitting alone at a table set for what – three? The poor guy probably got stood up.
“Well?”
“I don’t know, it’s just this place, this city, it feels comfortable. I like it here.”
“You think you could live here someday?”
“Yes, I think I could. Perhaps I should look for job listings here while I’m staying with you in Michigan.”
“I think that’s a great idea. At least you’re open to possibilities. This city is lovely though. I quite like it myself.”
“Do you think you could live here someday?”
“Possibly, I mean yeah I guess, it’s a beautiful city but I would need incentive to make the move.”
The waitress arrives to take our drink orders and we give her our meal order as well.
I ordered a fettuccini with steak and stir fried veg with a side salad and Evie is having a steak fillet with house vegetables and a salad as well.
We’re both having cosmopolitans with our food.
We chat a bit more while waiting for our food, when a freakishly large man makes his way towards us.
He’s tall, like really tall, dressed in black jeans and a dark grey cashmere pullover, he has dark eyes and dark slightly wavy hair, a sharp jaw line, his hair is long and gathers just at the neckline of his pullover.
He’s magnificent like an Italian Adonis.
Evie turns around to see what’s gotten me staring.
I’m sure my jaw is probably on the table and I’m probably drooling.
“Fuck me sideways, I want to live here.” The man glances my way and smiles a huge megawatt smile at me, then winks before he strides past our table. Realisation dawns on me.
“Oh, dear God, did I say that out loud?”
“Sure did, babe.” She offers while raising a glass to me in a cheer to that gesture.
“Did you see that man? He’s gorgeous. If that’s a preview of what I can look forward to in Chicago then baby sign me up.”