Under the City Lights

Chapter 4

POV: Zara

I wake up to an empty apartment. Kristina must have stayed over at Brendan's place. I look to my phone that has a few messages indeed from Kristina telling me that she is okay and that she will be home later today. The sun is shining through my blinds as I get up to look for food. I hear my stomach grumble with every step I take to the kitchen. Opening the cupboards, I realize we are all out of food. All we have left is a bottle of ketchup, half a gallon of milk and a frozen pizza. It is all useless. I will have to be sure to make time to go and pick some things up.

I stray to the living room and plop down onto the sofa and turn on the news. Maybe there would be a story about the shooting at the bar from last night, but there isn't. As I'm watching the weather lady give a forecast my phone starts ringing. It's my boss, Elliot Bradford, from Bradford Editorial & Publication Press. Why is he calling on a Saturday?

"Good morning, Elliot." I speak politely into the phone.

"Good morning, Zara. I'm calling because I need you to attend a company party with me tonight. My secretary was supposed to go, but she's sick. That's why I'm calling last minute."

"Awe I'm sorry to hear about Scarlett, but sure I'd be happy to go. What's the party for?" I'll have to remember to text Scarlett later and ask if she's alright.

"I'm so glad to hear that. I knew I could count on you and the party is for Maranzano's. You must've heard of them."

I think for a minute, then I remember. "Ahh the high end tailor and suit supply place?"

"Yeah, that's the one. They're inviting us to confirm our interest in collaboration. This is super secret info so don't go spreading gossip to everyone in the office. Maranzano's wants us to publish a men's magazine in their name."

My eyes grow wide. Bradford Editorial & Publications is publishing a fucking magazine for Maranzano's! This is fucking huge for Elliot's company. We potentially landed a deal with a high end menswear brand and I am going to the company party! I need a new dress stat.

"That's insane Elliot! Of course I won't tell, but this is a huge deal. What do you need me there for?"

"Because Zara, you're our best writer. I know this isn't what you normally do. You know putting together a magazine, but you could move up from assistant editor if you do this well. I have high hopes for you in this business."

"Thank you so much. This opportunity means so much to me. What time is the party?" My knee bounces with excitement.

"It's at eight o'clock and its cocktail attire. I'll have my driver pick you up, so we can head over together."

"Sounds great. I'll be ready. See you then."

"Goodbye Zara." He hangs up.

I smile so wide that my cheeks start to hurt. Then I automatically call Kristina to tell her the good news and that I won't be home for dinner. After talking to her I throw my hair into a sleek ponytail and head to my closet to pick out an outfit for later this evening. Shifting through the many dresses that I already own, I decide that none of them are what I want. This is a very special occasion and great opportunity, so I want to feel my best. I'm going to treat myself and go out to look for a new dress. Yes, I realize that I don't necessarily need one, but I've already paid rent this month and there's plenty in my savings account.

Hurrying to the bathroom, I brush my teeth and apply mascara. Then I fill in my eyebrows and change into a red sundress with tiny white polka dots. I pair the dress with white heels then head out the door after calling out for an Uber.