Protecting What's Mine

Chapter 3: Grace

Looking quite handsome, George, the doorman, is decked out in full regalia. From the smart looking cap on his balding head to the shiny black shoes adorning his feet and the red wool coat and black pants in between, he fits right in with the elegance and formality Lexington Place, the building I have chosen to call home, prides itself on.

What I really like about it though, is how seriously the owners take security. It's like Fort Knox around here. After setting up an appointment for a tour, I was immediately background checked. As I was shown around, the manager was quick to point out all the hidden cameras and panic buttons discretely placed throughout the building and inside the condos. The employees that were staffed twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. And the fingerprint entry technology that was used for each door. I've never been overly concerned about personal safety, but the extra measures made me feel better since I'll be living on my own.

This morning I stopped in the lobby and chatted with George for a few minutes. Rather helpfully, he directed me to the nearest grocery store, which is a Whole Foods, about four blocks away.

That works out perfectly since I don't have a car. It seems like more of a hindrance when living in a city that is so walkable. Traffic is usually heavy, and parking can be a nightmare. There are always plenty of available taxicabs. Plus, the city has a subway and bus system. Since Dominic keeps a driver on staff, all I have to do is text him, and he'll send Henry to pick me up.

With my purse in hand and comfortable sandals adorning my feet, I take my time meandering down the sidewalk, simply enjoying the sights and sounds of the city. There's such a vibrant energy here. It's infectious. I look in shop windows, popping in one or two places to check out a few wares that catch my eye.

Once I'm at the grocery store, I grab a small cart and pick out what I'll need for the next few days. I try to be conscious that the walk back to my building is four blocks, I don't want to buy too much.

When I moved in a few days ago, Dominic took me shopping, and we filled up the fridge and cupboards. Unfortunately, a couple of things were forgotten. I buy just enough to fill two small bags, which feels manageable to carry, before retracing my steps again.

As I stroll back to Lexington Place, I can't deny that there is something thrilling about being smack-dab in the middle of downtown. I don't know if it's the noise. Maybe it's the people, most of whom seem to be rushing to get from one place to another. You can easily spot the ones who live here- they seem unimpressed by their surroundings, as if they've grown used to the chaos. They've got earbuds shoved in or are multitasking on their phones.

The tourists, on the other hand, are the ones with awe painted across their lit-up faces as they stare unabashedly around them, trying to take everything in all at once. The high-end shops. The exclusive hotels. The restaurants. They gaze up at the skyscrapers with bright eyes filled with wonder.

Excitement bursts within me like an overfilled bubble.

I love it.

I love everything about being downtown.

The sensory overload. The sights and sounds. The smells of different restaurants all blending together. The contrasting colors of the buildings and shops. The merchandise displayed enticingly in windows. Taxis and buses barreling down the street.

I feel more alive at this moment than I have since my parents passed away. In no time at all, I reach the building. I'm a little disappointed to have returned so soon. I could wander around the city for hours, just soaking everything up like a greedy sponge.

Right away, George grabs the door for me. "Found the store without any problems?"

"None at all. Your directions were excellent. Thank you."

"Just remember, you can always call us if you're unable to walk back with your groceries, Ms. Castile. It's one of the perks of living at Lexington place."

"Thank you, I'll keep that in mind." I can't contain the bright smile that blooms across my face. "It's just so beautiful out. Perfect weather for exploring the neighborhood."

Almost instantly an answering smile lights up his weathered face, and I know instantly that he's a cheerful, friendly man. I have a feeling that George and I will become fast friends. Other than Dominic, I don't know anyone else in the city.

"That it is, Ms. Castile."

Jostling around one of the bags, I push the call button for the elevator. After falling in love with the condo online while still living in Seattle, Dominic contacted the manager straightaway. He scouted out the building and surrounding neighborhood, making sure it would be a safe place for me to live.

I wouldn't say that Dominic fought me every step of the way, but he pointed out every disadvantage of living here. I know he hoped that I would stay with him for a while, taking my time to find new living arrangements. I wasn't averse to the idea, but after finding this place, I knew it wouldn't be necessary.

Visiting the condo in person was the first time in forever that I'd felt excitement pumping through my veins. I think Dominic could sense it as well, which is why he didn't throw up too many roadblocks.

Even though Dominic has a massive house, certainly more than enough room for us to live without being on top of each other, I craved my own space. I wanted to be close to school and The Art Institute of Chicago, where I'll be volunteering. I'm hoping that by the time I need to land an internship, their familiarity with me will give me an edge over other candidates vying for the same position. My dream is to one-day work for them as a curator. There are other art museums in the area, and I would be grateful to land a position at any of them. But I have so many fond memories of The Art Institute.

While most kids don't find strolling through the corridors of a museum and learning about art to be fun or exciting, it's always been one of my favorite pastimes. Even as a small child, I could stare in fascination at a landscape for hours at a time, studying every minute detail. I would curl up on a bench and try my hand at sketching replicas.

Right down the street from my building is the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and The Museum of Contemporary Art. Having all of these spectacular places no more than a mile or so from where I live leaves me feeling nothing short of giddy.

How could anyone be bored in a city like this?

I plan on filling my days with school, volunteering, and museums when time allows.

"Have a good day, George," I call before stepping onto the elevator.

"You too, Ms. Castile."