A Shot in the Dark

As soon as we made it to Matthew’s apartment, I got a call that the moving truck wouldn’t be here for 2 more days. I had only packed a bag for one night, so this was going to be interesting. As soon as Matthew heard me groan in frustration, he quickly chirped, “Hey sis, what’s wrong?”
“The moving van won’t be here for 2 more days,” I said with a sigh. “I only packed for one night.” Matthew suddenly started grinning from ear to ear, and I honestly had no idea why.
“What’s wrong with you?” I said, as he continued to smile.
“Well sis, I just happen to have a credit card, and we do live right by Michigan Avenue. Let’s go shopping!! I need help picking out a new suit anyways.” He said excitedly. I was in. Shopping on Michigan Avenue with my favorite person? Sounds like the perfect day to me! I washed my face and we headed outside into the brisk March afternoon. This city was so beautiful. From the towering skyscrapers, to the small little parks around town, it seemed like I was going to LOVE it here.
After an exhausting day of shopping, we came back with 2 new suits from matthew, and some nice sundresses for me. Since we were both so exhausted, we decided to make a frozen pizza and watch a movie. SInce my first day at the restaurant was tomorrow, I was nervous. I spent 3 hours tossing and turning thinking about everything from Pat to my new job, and eventually I drifted off to sleep.
My peaceful sleep was interrupted by my 8 am alarm. I was set to be in the restaurant at 9:30 in order to learn the ropes. For the first week I was going to be a waitress in order to learn how the place works. After a week, I was going to be co-owners with my aunt until she was too sick, and then I would have to be the sole owner. I walked into the kitchen to find Matthew cooking me pancakes while talking on the phone.
Soon after, he hung up the phone and said, “Sorry sis, I really would love to eat with you but I have an emergency surgery. Have a great first day and I’ll see you tonight!” I waved goodbye after thanking him for the pancakes, and quickly ate 2 of them. After wrapping the rest up, I went to go get ready.
I am not usually a girl who wears a ton of makeup, but I did wear a little more than usual to look good for my first day. I slipped on my black pants and black button up shirt to wear for my first day. I rushed out quickly realized that it was only 9am. I decided to walk to work and get a taste of the city. After a nice walk down Michigan Avenue, I ran inside the restaurant to find my aunt waiting for me. After our emotional hello’s, she thanked me for helping her with the restaurant.
“I know it’s tough for you to see me sick like this, but just know how much of a help you are being to me,” She said thankfully
“There’s no other place I would rather be. This gives me the perfect excuse to get out of Buffalo and see more of the world.”
“Well I’m glad you don’t think of this as a burden.” I could tell by the look in her eyes she truly felt bad about having to bring me in because of her health.
“A burden? More like a dream come true! It’s not everyday you aunt calls you and asks you to help run her fancy steakhouse in Chicago.” I said trying to lighten the mood.
“Well when you put it that way I guess it does sound pretty great.” she laughed. “Now let me show you around. You can meet the rest of the staff.”
We entered through two door with the words Authorized Personnel Only written in red letters going across.
As we entered the large kitchen I was greeted with a warm welcome.
“Well glad you decided to finally show up. Tracy here won’t shut up about you. Taylor this. Taylor that. Taylor can cook this. This is good but Taylor’s is better. If you don’t live up to it, sorry I think we’re going to have to kick you out. Even if you are the future owner.” Eddie said, who’s name I had learned from his name tag.
He quickly pulled me in for a hug,”It really is nice to finally meet you. I know you aunt is grateful she is able to keep the restaurant in the family.I know it is important to her.” he said low enough for only me to hear. I’m glad that Eddie seemed to want whatever would make Aunt Tracy happy. It showed the he truly cared about her.I could tell that Eddie and I would get along great.
“Alright Eddie stop hogging her and let her meet the rest of the family.” Family. I liked the sound of that. After my dad left it didn’t feel like I had much of a family other than Matthew. Although my mother still loved us, she was working two jobs trying pay all the bills so she wasn’t around much. I was happy to know that I would have another chance at family with the rest of the staff.
After meeting what seemed like 30 people, Aunt Tracy insisted that she and I spend a day on the town just catching up.
We decided to grab lunch at Mexique which is some place I have never heard of but Aunt T insisted it was one of the best.
Once we were finally settled into our seats at the restaurant, I got the game of 20 questions that I was internally dreading.
“So Taylor, how are you liking the city so far?”
“I haven’t been out to see much but from what I’ve seen so far it is beautiful.
“Oh well we just have to get you out more. You have to take ferry ride on the lake when it gets warmer out and I know you love that sport with the sticks and the small black thing that no one can see. We’ll have to look into getting you and Matthew some tickets.” she said as she sipped her drink.
I couldn’t help but laugh at her ignorance. “The sport is called hockey Aunt T, and I don’t think I’m too into the idea of going to a Blackhawks game.”
“Is it because your old boo plays for them?”
“Old boo?”
“Yes you know the one. What was his name? Patrick Keith? Keller? Kal-”
“Kane. His name is Patrick Kane. And this has nothing to do with him. I’m just not a Hawks fan. I have to rep the hometown team you know. Go Sabres!” Even as I said this I knew it was a lie. I had been a fan of the Hawks since Patty got drafted. I was always his biggest fan.
“Mhhm sure. I’m still buying you guys tickets.”
It took a lot out of me not to roll my eyes. The last thing I wanted was to be questioned about Patrick. “Hey why don’t we go surprise Matthew at work? The hospital is only a few blocks away right?” I suggested trying to change the subject.
“Yes of course! That would be fun. Let me just pay the bill and we’ll be on our way.”
After paying the bill we began our short walk to Matthew’s office.

Notes