Chapter 01
August is a conundrum in Chicago as far as the weather is concerned. This city endures more rain, and at the same time enjoys far sunnier days in August than in virtually any other month of the year. It was on one of those whimsical evenings, when the weather didn't seem to make up its mind, that Jane chose to go out to dinner at a local restaurant with her boyfriend George and her friend Will.
Sir Lucas Inn was a contemporary casual dining establishment offering a British-based menu. It was situated in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, an upscale section of Chicago's Michigan Avenue. Its large, decorative windows offered a fine view of the iconic Chicago Water Tower, along with some imposing skyscrapers standing guard behind the enduring Tower. Although she'd never been in that restaurant, Jane had heard glowing reviews from some of her colleagues, about its vintage Georgian style decor, and its appetizing British comfort food, and she resolved to use it for her purpose. Come what may, at least she'd enjoy a fresh visual and culinary experience.
Jane Gardiner, a stunning 24-year-old statuesque blue-eyed blonde, was a Realtor for a prominent real estate company in Chicago. She grew up in Lincoln Park, one of the most prosperous communities in this historic city, with her parents, Craig and Fanny Gardiner, and two younger sisters. Craig was a Corporate Officer overseeing the international sector for the same company as Jane's. Her mother was... well... she was her mother.
Fanny Gardiner never worked a day in her life. She wasn't the best mother in the world. She would never be considered a mom, but she was a good mother. Until they graduated from high school, she had always been present in her daughters' lives. Fanny was always quick on bragging about her daughters' achievements without making an extra effort to help develop them. That was the responsibility of their teachers, or their coaches, or their tutors, or their 'overly indulgent' dad. Fanny felt her duty was to be the consummate cheerleader.
Jane loved her mother very much, but she'd never been particularly close to her. Because they possessed similar temperaments, dispositions, and interests, she was partial to her dad; she had even followed in his footsteps in real estate. Likewise, she was Craig's favorite daughter, although he took care not to demonstrate his preference in the open.
Let it be clear that Jane was a rising star in her chosen career by her own merit, not out of nepotism. Her stunning physical attributes, combined with her intelligence, quickness, unaffected sweetness, unmitigated honesty, and strength of character, made for an impressive saleswoman. She was personally committed to finding the right housing fit for her homebuyers, often newcomers to Chicago. It was a responsibility she didn't take lightly. The great first impression she consistently made was returned in first-class service to her customers and her company. Besides having job satisfaction, her generous salary and well-earned commissions were on a par with her excellence. Sadly, she had an unfortunate weakness, a soft spot for her mother. Fanny knew how to pull the right strings to manipulate her older daughter.
Jane's twenty-two-year-old twin sisters Mary and Lydia Gardiner were as different as night and day. Mary was the studious sort, continuously striving to excel academically. At present, she was in college in Columbus, Ohio, pursuing a career in medicine. Her goal was to become a radiologist, to be at the forefront of new human body scanning technologies. In terms of her core beliefs, she was a traditionalist at heart.
Even though they were identical twins, not a person in this world, would ever confuse her with her sister. When she reached her teens, Lydia began to devote herself to the pursuit of boys, parties, fashion, glamour, and everything associated with social media. A month after she graduated from High School, she changed her name to LayLay Gard, and moved to Los Angeles, where she was still searching for fame and fortune.
Two years ago, Fanny, who had more in common with LayLay than with her other two daughters, divorced Craig and moved to LA to stay with her favorite daughter and maybe someday, to become her agent-manager. At forty-two, she was still an attractive woman who knew how to display her assets to her advantage. Unbeknownst to all, including LayLay, Fanny was also an aspiring actress herself and attended many auditions. She also changed her name to … This was hush-hush information.
Although mother and daughter were both wanting in acting chops, instead of taking steps to improve, they kept auditioning in the same manner while expecting different results. They weren't bothered by their lack of success because they were reveling, gratuitously, in the gaiety and fun of the City of Dreams!
Jane's childhood friend William Darcy was born into one of the oldest and wealthiest families in Chicago. Darcy, 27, was the Vice-President and heir-in-waiting for the CEO position of PembDerby Corporation, owner of several high-rise buildings and other businesses in town, around the country, and overseas. He met Jane in grade school. One day, an older boy was bullying second-grader Janey and fifth-grader Willie intervened to rescue her. Since that day, they became very close friends.
Fanny had always entreated them to have a romantic connection, with her ambition of having her daughter marry into such a rich and well-connected family. To Fanny's disappointment, Will and Jane found it difficult to sever the bond of sibling kinship they had established when they were children. Fanny hadn't given up, perhaps one day she would succeed!