SPIN CYCLE - Beginning Chapters

April paused to take a quick "appearance check" in the mirror hanging in the Conference Room. She gave her short hair a tousle as she examined her teeth in the reflection to make sure none of the spinach from her lunch at Cardigan's Bistro had gotten stuck in her gums. Satisfied with her appearance, April returned to her rushed preparations for the Board Meeting.

Her black stilettos clacked on the tile hallway as she ran to grab the informational binders for each board member.

"I guess I'm a clacker now," April giggled to herself, as a scene from "The Devil Wears Prada" jumped into her mind.

The shoes were new. April had charged up a fairly hefty amount on her Visa card the week before in preparation for her job interview at Tulsa's most prestigious public relations firm - Fitzgerald, Turner and Associates. April had done her best bargain shopping to get the most items possible, and to also ensure that each purchase was also stylish and of a decent quality. The black stilettos were part of that splurge. Several new pantsuits, three dresses, five pairs of fancy pumps and a fair amount of funky jewelry also made their way into April's closet in hopes that she would land the job.

When April returned to the Conference Room to set the binders out for the meeting, a voice from the corner startled her.

"There you are, April." It was Mary Hamill, the chairwoman of the Board of Blue Star Services, the non-profit agency where April worked. "I was hoping we would have a few minutes to chat before everyone else arrived."

April dropped the binders on the table and walked across the room to give Mary a hug. April quickly took inventory of Mary's outfit. She wore an impeccable black designer suit, delicious Jimmy Choo shoes and jewelry to die for. As always, Mary exuded confidence and class. April considered Mary her mentor, and enjoyed learning as much as she could from her.

Following the quick hug, April and Mary sat down at the long conference room table. April could tell by Mary's pensive look that she had something important on her mind.

"April, you need to really think about the opportunity at Fitzgerald, Turner. It's a huge step," Mary said. "You have done a great job as Communications Coordinator of Blue Star Services. But working here is very different from Fitzgerald, Turner."

"Mary, I know it would be a big challenge, but I'm so ready for it," April replied.

"I hope so, April," said Mary. "Because I got a reference call from Stewart Fitzgerald himself this morning."

April felt her stomach turn a flip.

"You're kidding."

"I'm not," Mary replied. "Stewart was as crotchity and grumpy as always, but I am almost certain that you will be receiving a job offer from his Firm soon. They were very impressed with your personality and with all of the great work you have done here at Blue Star."

"Oh, Mary..."

Suddenly, two other Board Members entered the Conference Room for the meeting. April and Mary exchanged another quick hug before April returned to her last minute prep work for the Board Meeting.

Throughout the meeting, April found it very difficult to concentrate on the discussion of the agenda items. Her mind kept wandering off to the possibility of joining Fitzgerald, Turner and Associates.

April had toured the offices of Fitzgerald, Turner and Associates with one of her high school journalism classes. She knew from the moment she stepped inside the lobby that she HAD to work there someday. The marble floor, enormous columns, soaring ceilings and gorgeous stained glass windows of the Mid-Continent Tower literally took her breath away that first day. During each subsequent visit to the building, April still felt the impact of the majestic building.

In college, she majored in communication and took every public relations course offered. During those four years, April read every piece of news about Fitzgerald, Turner and Associates and its staff. In her mind, she was already on board at the Firm. She just needed a job offer to make it official.

April felt an enormous sense of relief when the meeting was finally adjourned. As the Board Members dispersed, several surrounded Mary and pulled her into a heated discussion about the upcoming Mayoral election. April and Mary exchanged nods and weak smiles as Mary exited the room still dealing with the others.

"I guess Mary and I will have to finish our discussion some other time," thought April as she made sure the Conference Room was back in order.

April grabbed her purse and cell phone off her desk and quickly glanced at the clock. "6:32, not bad for a Board Meeting day," she mumbled as she headed to the elevator.

April plopped in the driver's seat of her steel gray Honda Civic and cranked the engine. Although the car was quite old, it looked good, and more importantly, it still ran well. As she made her way home, April listened to the 6:45 newscast on KRMG radio to see if anything major had happened in Tulsa. Once the news was over, she switched to her "Best of the 90's" CD.

April's Honda Civic caught up to the heavy traffic that plagues the 71st and Memorial area of Tulsa. Sitting in a long line of traffic, she recognized hunger pains growing stronger. With a quick flick of her blinker, April pulled into the drive-thru lane of Taco Bueno.

"It's been one heckuva day, and that spinach salad is long gone," she thought, trying to make excuses for the fast food splurge.

April paid for her Chilada platter and took a big gulp of her Diet Coke. An older lady paused and let her pull back into the line of traffic on Memorial. April took a moment and found *Nsync's "Bye Bye Bye" on the CD. Now, with one of her favorite songs blaring and traffic still moving at a snail's pace, April decided to dig into the food whose aromas were intoxicating.

April unwrapped the giant burrito and took a big bite. Just then, her cell phone started ringing, vibrating and lighting up. April quickly grabbed the phone and as she turned down the volume of the music, she muttered, "Hello," through her mouth filled with Taco Bueno burrito.

"Is this April Vines?" the distinguished voice of Stewart Fitzgerald asked.

April's stomach turned a flip for the second time that day. She hurriedly shut off the music entirely and gulped down the big bite of burrito.

"Yes, this is April," she finally stammered.

CHAPTER TWO

April's thoughts rushed and swirled as she tried to concentrate on what Mr. Fitzgerald was saying and on the traffic jam that had enveloped her Honda.

"We were all very impressed with you and your qualifications," he said with a touch of arrogance in his voice. "We would very much like to welcome you to the Fitgerald, Turner team."

As April's mind tried to process Stewart Fitzgerald's words, her arms whipped her Honda into the parking lot of Billy Sim's BBQ. She threw the car into park and took a deep breath.

Stewart Fitzgerald continued on, explaining, "We will pay for your parking, your insurance and will begin you at a salary of $40,000 per year. Does this offer sound agreeable to you?"

Without skipping a beat, April answered, "Yes, Mr. Fitzgerald. I am honored by this offer."

"When can you start?" he asked.

"I will need to give Blue Star two weeks notice, so they can at least get their hiring process started for my replacement," April responded.

"Yes, yes. I understand," Stewart Fitzgerald said. "We would like for you to come in to the office in the next few days to fill out some of the employment and insurance forms, and to get a quick overview of some of the client projects you will be assigned to."

"I believe my schedule is pretty open on Thursday. How about I come in Thursday afternoon?" April said.

As the casual words of her response registered in her mind, she cringed. "He's going to think I'm a complete idiot and withdraw the job offer," April thought to herself.

"We'll see you then, April. And welcome aboard." Stewart Fitzgerald said before disconnecting.

April set her phone down in the passenger seat. Her eyes darted all around. Her gaze quickly latched on the Billy Sim's BBQ neon sign. To her, its red glow almost seemed like a beacon announcing her "arrival" at a new level in her career. April stared at the sign for a long time, replaying the phone conversation over and over in her mind.

She finally gathered herself and pulled the car out of the Billy Sim's BBQ parking lot. Over and over she whispered, "I'm working for Fitzgerald, Turner. I'm working for Fitzgerald, Turner."

April suddenly realized she was outside her townhouse. She did not recall getting there.

"Wow! What a day!" she thought as she giddily ran to her front door.

April slipped her key in the lock and quickly opened the door. She was thankful that she had left her house clean and picked up. This would allow her to sit back and bask in the glorious events of the day.

April kicked off her black stilettos and threw her new purse in the bar stool. She strolled into her bedroom and quickly changed from her new work clothes to her favorite loungewear. She smiled and sighed as she pulled the soft long-sleeved pink t-shirt on over the pink striped pajama pants.

Just then her phone rang.

"Of course," April thought as she saw the familiar name on the caller I.D.

"Hello," she said into the receiver.

"How was your day?" her best friend Megan asked.

"Why don't you come over and I'll tell you all about it," April replied.

"Ok - I'll be there in 10 minutes," Megan answered.

"See you soon," April said as she hung up.

April then headed to her kitchen. It was her favorite part of her townhouse. The kitchen was large and suited for a gourmet chef. It featured granite countertops, a large island with overhead pendant lights, stainless oversized appliances and a wine storage cooler.

"Time to celebrate," thought April as she opened the door to her wine cooler. She pulled out a bottle of her favorite wine - Benziger's Cabernet Sauvignon. April had loved this wine since Megan had taken her to a wine tasting dinner featuring the Benziger Winery the previous autumn.

"I can't wait to tell Megan that I am joining Fitzgerald, Turner," April thought as she set out two large wine goblets next to the Benziger bottle.

CHAPTER THREE

April plopped on her couch and turned on the TV. Her mind continued to replay the job offer phone call from Stewart Fitzgerald.

"How amazing is it that I am going to be working for the Stewart Fitzgerald?" she asked herself, as her thumb continued to press the channel up button on her TV remote. "I can't wait to stroll in the Fitzgerald, Turner offices as an employee," she thought, imagining herself in one of her new suits, carrying a designer purse.

A distinctive knock jarred her out of her fantasy.

Then she heard Megan's voice calling out, "Hello. Helloooo. I'm here."

April scurried to the door and greeted her best friend with a huge hug.

"Do come in!"

"Whoa! What's with that glow on your face and your eyes looking all excited?" Megan asked as she put her enormous Coach purse near the ladder shelf.

"Well, we have something huge to celebrate tonight," April replied as she walked in to the kitchen to get the wine.

"Tell. Tell!" Megan exclaimed.

As she slid the cork out of the wine bottle, April said, "You are looking at the newest account executive at Fitzgerald, Turner and Associates."

Megan and April both squealed loudly and hugged tightly.

Then the young women grabbed their glasses of wine and plopped on the couch. Megan listened intently as she listened to April recount the day's events and the phone call from Stewart Fitzgerald.

"Ever since I met you, all you have talked about is working at Fitzgerald, Turner," Megan said. "I'm so proud of you for making it happen!"

"It just doesn't seem real yet. I keep expecting to wake up and find that today was just a dream," April replied.

"So, what are you going to wear when you go up there on Thursday?" Megan asked, with her eyebrows raised.

"I'm not sure," April answered as Megan grabbed her hand to go pick out an outfit.

The young women spent an hour selecting the perfect clothing choice and giggling endlessly. They finally collapsed on April's couch to watch the season finale of "Top Chef." The cooking competition show was their favorite, and they had even tried out some of the recipes from past contestants.

When the show ended, Megan announced that she needed to get home to get some rest for her meeting-filled day. They gathered up the wine glasses and empty bottle Benziger wine bottle and strolled to the kitchen.

As April rinsed out the glasses, Megan jabbered relentlessly about the upcoming social events season, and her lack of dates for them. Megan was a few years older than April, and was very much focused on her endless pursuit of landing a husband.

"You'll find Mr. Right soon, Megan," April said, trying to be as encouraging as possible.

"I hope you're right," Megan replied as she retrieved her Coach purse. "I'll call you tomorrow."

"Ok. Goodnight," April said as she watched her best friend head out to her car.

CHAPTER FOUR

The next two weeks were a blur for April as finished her time at Blue Star Services. She worked long hours to ensure that her replacement would have an easy time figuring out the status of projects and have a solid record of completed projects. Each day, April had groggily left her townhouse before 7 a.m., grabbed a Mocha Latte from Starbucks and gone straight to Blue Star. She didn't leave the office before 7 p.m., except for the Thursday afternoon when she went to Fitzgerald, Turner to fill out her new hire paperwork.

April was especially nervous that Thursday. Megan had helped her select a perfect outfit to wear, so at least she wasn't worried about her clothes. But, April was very concerned about making sure that everyone was still pleased with her.

"Can't have them regret hiring me before I even start the job," she agonized as she parked her Honda in a metered spot on Boston Avenue.

April calmed her nerves by looking around and soaking it all in. She noticed the sidewalks filled with professionals scurrying to and fro. April smiled broadly as she stepped aside for a Tulsa police officer on a horse.

"Only in downtown Tulsa," she whispered to herself.

April's eyes then focused intently on the Mid-Continent Tower, which housed Fitzgerald, Turner and Associates. Known as one of Tulsa's crown jewels, the building's exterior was a Tudor-Gothic design with an instantly recognizable weathered patina roof. She felt an even bigger grin appear on her face as she pulled open the heavy door to the lobby.

Stepping inside the lobby of the Mid-Continent Tower, April made a conscious effort to take in everything. She adored the grandeur of the building, and just walking inside it made her feel special and important. Today, even more so.

April observed the security guard answering a young man's question. She took notice of the massive marble columns and the gold inlay of the ceiling tiles. Her eyes skipped over to the beautiful stain-glass murals. April then shut her eyes for a brief second and concentrated on the sounds of the building. The hum of the escalator, the ding of the bells of the elevators, the cheerful voice of the woman who ran the lobby snack shop and the clacking of shoes on the marble floor. This last sound made April giggle and jolted her out of her meditative state.

"I work here now," she said softly as she clutched her new black purse tightly and marched with purpose toward the elevator bank.

April nodded politely to the security guard as she passed by his desk.

As she approached the elevators, a well-dressed gentleman strode up next to her. The middle elevator's bell announced its arrival and April stepped inside as the doors opened. The man also entered, and pushed the "5" on the panel.

"What floor, Miss?" he asked April.

"Three, please," she replied.

"So, you're going to Fitzgerald, Turner," he said, smiling at her. "You wouldn't happen to be their new account executive would you?" he asked.

"How did you know that?" April asked, astonished.

"I make a point to keep on top of what's going on in Tulsa," he said. Sticking out his right hand, he continued by saying, "I'm Ed McDowell. I operate a business here on the fifth floor. I know everyone at the Firm very well. It's a pleasure to meet you."

As she shook his hand, April introduced herself.

The elevator bell announced the car's arrival on the third floor.

"It was very nice to meet you," April said.

"Have a wonderful day," he called out as the elevator doors closed between them.

April strode across the marble floor toward the doors of Fitzgerald, Turner and Associates. Through the glass doors, she could see Diana, the Firm's receptionist, busily scribbling notes as she talked on the phone. The office décor conveyed importance and elegance through its rich paint colors and carefully selected furniture and accessories. Suddenly, Diana looked up and noticed April, giving her a huge smile.

Diana hung up the phone, she scurried around the large mahogany desk and gave April a warm hug.

"Welcome aboard, April! We're all thrilled to have you join the Firm!

Another voice startled both April and Diana.

"So, the new girl has arrived," the deep voice declared.

Leaning against the wall next to the huge elephant tusk display was Philip Fitzgerald, son of Stewart Fitzgerald. He had a very serious expression, which finally morphed into a large welcoming smile. Philip stepped forward to shake April's hand.

"I'm so thrilled to be here, sir," April stammered as his hand enveloped hers firmly.

"Sir? My dad is Sir. Please call me Philip," he said politely and reassuringly. "Now, may I have the priviledge of showing you to your new office?"

"Absolutely," April said as she followed behind him down the long, dramatically illuminated hallway.

When Philip ducked into an office doorway, April paused and then stepped inside. Her eyes grew wide with wonder as she took a look around her new office. It was quite large and featured an enormous window overlooking Boston Avenue. The view was astonishingly amazing. The furniture and décor were also impeccable. The art work featured photographs of the Tulsa skyline.

"I hope you are pleased with the décor and furniture," he said, raising a quizzical eyebrow at April.

"It's perfect, thank you so much," April said as she slid into her highback leather office chair.

"I think Dad has a staff meeting scheduled for 9:30 this morning in the conference room. So, I'll leave you to get settled in," Philip said as he turned and left her office.

April took inventory of her office, examining the computer and printer before checking the contents of the desk drawers. The drawers were empty other than the standard office supplies, such as paper clips, binder clips, rulers and pens. She was truly in love with everything about her office.

CHAPTER FIVE

April picked up the thin leather binder on her desk that was embossed with the title "Fitzgerald, Turner and Associates - Employee Handbook". She quickly flipped over to the section marked "Computer Log-In".

April followed the sign-in procedures outlined in the binder and successfully logged onto her computer. Just then, Diana entered, carrying a thick white folder.

"Ok, Miss April," Diana began. "Here are some of the forms and paperwork that we need to get completed before the staff meeting."

Diana guided April through the tax forms, the insurance enrollment forms, the retirement plan info and a few additional pages. Then she pulled out a bright green paper and began explaining the parking procedures.

"As I'm sure you've noticed, parking is at a premium downtown," Diana began. "One of the employee benefits here is paid parking at the Mid-Continent Auto Park, which is right across the street. It features valet parking."

"Excuse me, did you just say 'valet parking'?" April interrupted

"That's right," Diana responded, smiling widely. "That always impresses people," she thought.

"Fill out your car's make, model and license plate info on this form. And, then your car will become known as number 502. Whenever you need to access your car, simply dial 582-4444 and ask them to bring down 502. Come on, we're taking a quick field trip, so I can show the ropes of how it workds."

April could hardly contain her amazement at the valet parking notion. It was just something she had never even heard of, other than at fancy hotels, restaurants and charity events.

The two young women strode down the hall and out the receptionist's area to the elevators. Instead of pushing the "L" button, Diana pressed the "LL" button. The elevator doors opened and they stepped outside.

Immediately on the left was a shoe shine stand and a barber shop. On the right were the escalators that led to the building's main lobby. Directly ahead was a set of glass double doors.

"Here we go," Diana said enthusiastically as she held the door open. "If you go to the right, you will cross under 4^th Street to the parking garage. And, if you go to the left, you can go all the way to the Adam's Mark Hotel without ever stepping outside."

April replied in astonishment, "I have heard stories about the downtown tunnels, but didn't know they really existed."

"Well, you'll soon be a seasoned tunnel rat," Diana chuckled as they walked through two more doors and entered the Mid-Continent Auto Park.

The lack of brilliant lighting in the tunnel made it seem dark and mysterious. With a quick glance to her left, April could tell that the tunnel made a sharp turn to the right, making the path disappear into almost total darkness. It seemed like a place right out of a best selling thriller.

April looked up and imagined the cars on 4^th Street zooming by above her. It was amazing to think they were actually crossing the street at that moment in an underground tunnel.

Stairs here? Leading to the garage????

Diana introduced April to Kevin, the manager of the parking garage, and to George, the head valet. They explained the morning, mid-day and end of day parking procedures to April, and showed her around the customer waiting area. Diana thanked the men for their time as she and April headed back toward the Mid-Continent Tower.

"We have just enough time for a couple of additional introductions before the staff meeting starts," Diana told April.

She then guided April into the snack shop located in the lobby of the building. It was full of all kinds of snacks, foods, beverages, magazines and miscellaneous items.

A petite lady with a Dorothy Hamill-style haircut appeared from behind the magazine display.

"Good morning, ladies," she said cheerfully.

"Hey, Kelly," replied Diana. "I'd like to introduce you to our new A.E., April Vines."

"Hi, April, I'm Kelly."

The three women discussed setting up April a store account to allow for quick purchases, and then April and Diana headed back toward the Fitzgerald, Turner offices.

Diana and April paused briefly at the security guard desk, but the security guard was not there. They decided April could meet him later.

As they entered the elevator, April asked Diana about the gentleman she had met earlier that morning.

"This very nice gentleman who offices on the 5^th floor here, rode up with me this morning. What is his story?" April inquired.

"Oh, that's General McDowell. Most people just call him General. He is the most wonderful man," Diana explained.

"Is he really a General?"

"Yep, retired Army," Diana answered as the elevator car arrived on the third floor.

Before re-entering the Fitzgerald, Turner offices, Diana showed April the location of the ladies room, the express elevators to the upper floors and the stairwells.

As they approached the Firm's entrance, they noticed several people scurrying about.

"Guess it's time for the staff meeting," Diana mumbled as they hurried inside.

April scurried to her office and grabbed a pad of paper and a pen before clomping down the hall to the enormous conference room. She was quite surprised to find the room filled with people all waiting for her.

Stewart Fitzgerald rose from his seat at the head of the mahogany table and said, "We are so thrilled to welcome April Vines to our team as our newest Account Executive. April , why don't you tell everyone a little about yourself?"

April felt her cheeks growing red and hot as she felt butterflies rise in stomach. "So much for just filling out paperwork today," she thought.

She smoothed her blazer down and took a deep breath.

Then April spoke, telling the Firm members about herself.

"I was born and raised on a farm in Inola. I am the first college graduate in my family, and I am thrilled to be joining the Firm," she said.

"Now for the important, question, what side are on you on during Bedlam?" a young man asked.

April scanned the eyes in the room as she replied, "Well, I am an NSU grad, but I probably lean toward cheering for OU because I have so many friends who attended there."

Her response generated some applause and a few quiet boo's as well. April was prepared for that because she knew that the staff at Fitzgerald, Turner was known for its interesting activities and employee challenges during Bedlam week.

April glanced around the room and decided that she had said enough and slid back into her seat.

Stewart Fitzgerald began running through some brief news items pertaining to clients of the Firm. April took careful notes from the discussion and even wrote down a couple of questions that popped into her head.

Suddenly, Stewart Fitzgerald's personal assistant Nancy appeared at the doorway and gave him a nod with her eyes shut. This simple gesture was their established signal that an emergency was needing his immediate attention.

"OK, folks," Stewart Fitzgerald told the group. "Looks like I've got a crisis to go deal with. We'll reconvene again soon. Watch for the meeting notice. Laura and Philip, please take care of getting April familiar with her client assignments."

The group stayed still and hushed as Stewart Fitzgerald gathered his leather notebook and enormous cup of coffee and dashed out of the room. When he disappeared around the corner, the group became lively and chatty as they gathered up their notepads and coffee. April followed suit and began collecting her things.

She returned to her office and spent the rest of the morning quietly filling out paperwork and familiarizing herself with the online account forms. Every once in a while, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the computer monitor and April felt butterflies swim in her stomach. She was still amazed that she was working at Fitzgerald, Turner.

A voice called out to her, "Hey, lady! How about some lunch?"

It was Laura Burns, a vice president at the Firm. She was a tall, soft-spoken woman who had an impeccable reputation Tulsa. Laura was quick to put people at ease, and was known as the "Queen of Crisis" in the region. Laura knew how to handle a crisis situation better than anyone.

"That sounds great. I didn't have any plans," replied April as she grabbed her purse.

The two women headed out of the office and toward the elevators.

"I'm taking you to downtown Tulsa's iconic lunch spot," Laura began.

"It wouldn't be Nelson's, would it?" asked April, excitedly.

"That's right," Laura replied.

April couldn't have been more pleased with Laura's selection. Nelson's was a historic and vibrant lunch spot. The restaurant had been serving up its famous chicken fried steak lunches since 1929. April had eaten there a couple of times before, and she was thrilled to be going there again. Not only was the food fantastic, the restaurant was always bustling with lots of Tulsa's V.I.P.'s as well.

Laura talked a little about her family and background as they walked down Boston Avenue. April couldn't help but take inventory of her colleague's attire as they paused at the crosswalks. Laura's clothes were of very nice quality and classic in their tailoring. Because of her height, Laura always wore pumps with a low heel. April also noticed that Laura carried a nice Coach leather handbag. Again, everything about Laura pointed at class, sophistication and common sense.

The women quickly found themselves entering the doors of Nelson's. The restaurant was crowded and noisy, as was to be expected. Three voices immediately called out, "Hello, Laura!" as they walked in. Laura politely waved as they took their place in the long line.

CHAPTER SIX

Laura's face suddenly got serious as she leaned in close to April. Whispering in her ear, but being loud enough to be heard over the noise of the crowd, Laura advised April, "Be sure to know what you want before you get to the front of the line."

April nodded with a grin. Ordering a meal at Nelson's could be intimidating to the unexperienced, undecided diner. The restaurant's staff had a huge crowd to take care of, so they didn't like it when the line got held up by someone trying to make up their mind.

The line was moved quickly, and April and Laura grabbed a tray and silverware and approached the counter. Both ordered the house speciality - chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes.

"Guess I'll be hitting the gym for an extra long workout today," Laura said as she slid in a booth.