Styled For Love

Chapter One

It was a late October day, I watched out the window as people passed by. After two weeks, I was still in awe of my surroundings. New York was everything I dreamed of and so much more.

I was in an apartment I could barely afford. With only a blow up mattress that was keeping me off the floor. I was slowly but surely working on the apartment. The only thing that mattered and that was completed was my closet.

I found a one bedroom apartment on the lower east side for $2500 a month. It had stainless steel appliances, a washer machine, and dryer. This was such an amazing find, I couldn't pass it up.

My phone beeped indicating I had a new message. It was from my friend Joey.

Joey: Still at work, leaving in 1hr. Want to meet at the nines at 8?

Me: That's perfect! I will see you then.

I got out of bed and started to get ready. Joey was my sole acquaintance in the city, our friendship spanning since we were 12. Having taken different paths after high school, we reconnected after graduating college. Tonight marked my first outing since arriving in New York, aiming to seamlessly blend in yet stand out.

I painted my face. Making sure to do a soft and natural glam. I wanted to appear as if I woke up this gorgeous.

I went into the bedroom that I turned into my closet and picked out some new pieces I've been dying to wear. I carefully selected a textured light grey mini skirt and a business corset grey top. The combination exuded a fabulous aura, leaving me impressed. Choosing between gold and silver accessories, I decided to experiment with a mix, embracing the notion that mixing metals is not a crime.

For the fall evening, I draped my cashmere coat over the ensemble, feeling a sense of luxury in the mirror. Glancing at the clock, it was 7:50 pm—time seemed to slip away.

I ordered an Uber. And was on my way in no time.

With the traffic I made it to the nines by 8:35pm. I could have made it sooner if I took the train, but this outfit was not giving train. It was giving my chauffeur dropped me off. Which is somewhat close to the truth in delulu land.

The vibes inside the nines were immaculate. The lights were dimly lit with chandeliers decorating the ceilings. It had a classic New York feel with a side of sexy.

Providing my name to the hostess, she guided me to where Joey awaited. We exchanged approving glances at each other's outfits.

"Ok, I see you, you look good Kiersten," he remarked.

"Same to you. You look like a million bucks"

"I know I know. Thankyou! ........But seriously what are you going to do in nyc"

Joey was eager to know how I was going to provide for myself with no job lined up. He wasn't one to beat around the bush.

"In all honesty, I'm going to make some things shake. I'm secure on my savings but I don't want to live off of it. I was becoming depressed at home, I needed to move."

Before Joey could further question me. A waitress came by to take our orders.

I ordered a cosmo and he got a lemon drop. I felt like I was in an episode of sex and the city.

"I don't want to kill the mood but if anything happens, you know mi casa es su casa" he said with the most sincere expression.

I looked at him and nodded. I'm glad I had someone who truly cared about my well being in this city.

"Thankyou Joey"

Our drinks came and we talked for hours about who was pregnant from high school, inflation, luxury brands, the impact of the Kardashians, layoffs and so many other things.