Forgotten Yesterday (16 page)

“Here.” I swallow. “I’m right here.”

“Then I’m still waiting.” He looks straight into that place only he can find. “For you to find your way back to me.”

Author's Note

Many locations in Forgotten Yesterday are based on real places in the City of Chicago. I have a great love for the city, having lived there myself, and wanted to share some of those special locations mentioned throughout this story.

The restaurant where Ruby works is entirely fictional, but Chicago is home to many steakhouses. Some of my favorites include: Wildfire, Morton's, Ruth's Chris, and Gibson's. The atmosphere and food is delightful, in every single one, and so are the cocktails.

That first night Brian takes Ruby to the neighborhood of Wrigleyville, which is well known for its sports bars and of course, the Cubs. I always imagined that they were standing outside one of my favorite pubs, The Irish Oak. They have great music and it’s within a block of Wrigley Field.

The University of Chicago, while not highlighted too often in the book, is located in the neighborhood of Hyde Park, and is by far one of the most beautiful campuses I've ever visited.

In Ruby's dream, where she and Brent go out for her birthday, I always imagined they were at the South Loop restaurant, Gioco. I love the plush interior of that establishment.

In Ruby’s
notorious dream
, where both her fantasies
and
nightmares are played out, she and Brent go to Lincoln Park Zoo. I adore that place. It’s free to the public and open year round. Be sure to say hello to the primates for me, they were always a favorite.

The Drake Hotel is iconic to Chicago, and located on the northern end of the Michigan Mile. I highly suggest taking part in the Afternoon Tea.

The restaurant where Ruby and Brent have brunch is based on The Oak Tree Restaurant & Bakery. I always enjoyed taking family and friends to breakfast there. Nothing compares to dining with a bird's eye view of Michigan Avenue.

The hot dog stand with the "insatiable" customer service is based on The Wieners Circle in the neighborhood of Lincoln Park. There’s so much to say about this place, it certainly does have a reputation. Take Ruby's advice...check it out online.

Finally, Lake Michigan. Ruby's comparison of the lake to the city is exactly how I felt when I lived there. You can look out over its horizon and bask in its calm and serenity, whenever you needed a break from the noises and city lights. It truly is a constant and welcomed friend.

Acknowledgements

This little book has been a huge undertaking and I have more than a village to thank. I have an entire city. It’s been a long journey.

Special thanks to Amanda, for holding my hand through every aspect of pain endured while drafting this story over and over, and then over again. For loving and knowing my Brenruby better than I thought any reader ever could. You definitely have visitation rights to this couple.

Mendy, for talking out every new idea I had after my original “fall” with this script. Your ear has been indispensable and so has your encouragement.

Ella and Alyssa, for your support and being there when I needed you. I value you both so much.

Thank you to the many beta readers who have taken the time to look at and read the many versions of this story. MJ, Kelly, Kim, Kimberly, Jen, Cherry, Kristy, Peggy, Bobbie Jo, Kerry, Lauren, Trish, and Brits. Your feedback has helped to shape this tale in many ways. Thank you for answering my many twenty questions—and the thousands of questions after that.

Thank you to everyone who loves Brent and Ruby and for your patience while this part of their story was in the making.

And finally, fate. You frustrate the hell out of me, but in time, I always see that your plan is for the best.

Keep reading for a sneak peek of

Deciding Tomorrow

By

Renee Ericson

Deciding Tomorrow

By Renee Ericson

*Sneak Peek*

"Attention passengers," a female voice alerts overhead. "The captain has started our final descent. At this time, we ask that you please return your seats to their upright position, stow away your tray tables, and any loose items. We will be on the ground shortly."

Pressing the button on the armrest, the seat pulls my body vertical. I stow away the magazine that I feigned to read the entire flight and then look out the window, into the early morning, grey sky. It's nothing but a cloud-filled sky for as far as I can see. 

A soft finger brushes my elbow and a rattling sound comes from the passenger next to me.

“Hang on,” says the woman in the middle seat. The child in her lap contorts, twisting his little body around. “I’ll get it.”

She bends over, stretching toward the floor, attempting to reach something. The toddler is blocking her as she tries to maneuver in the small space. Her efforts look exhausting.

“Allow me,” I offer, reaching toward the area at her feet.

“Thank you,” she sighs, relieved.

I snatch up the soft plush giraffe from the floor and hand it into the mother’s waiting hands. She gives it to her son, who immediately puts it in his mouth.
So much for germs.

“Thanks again,” she says, adjusting the little boy as he bounces up and down. “It’s so hard travelling with little kids. Especially, on such a long flight like this.”

“I’m sure it is. No problem.”

She wipes the hair from the front of her face. “I can’t wait to get home. We’ve been gone for what feels like forever.”

“Oh, you live in L.A.?” I ask, smiling at the slobbering little guy, sitting on her legs.

“Yes. Well, just outside in one of the suburbs. My son and I were in South Carolina, visiting my mother. I try to make the trip once a year.”

“That must have been nice. I’m sure she was excited to see you two.”

“She was.” Her little boy pulls one of the magazines from the pocket on the back of the seat in front of her. “What about you? You heading home, too?”

“No, I live in Chicago and I’m just coming out for a visit.”

“Oh, are you visiting any one special?”

“Yes.” I smile. “I am.”