Milwaukee, Wisconsin is known for things like beer, bratwurst, cheese and motorcycles. It's also known for hot, muggy summers and cold, snowy winters. But it's not known for romance. Kelly Woodall, however, didn't go to Milwaukee looking for romance. She went to try to escape the pain of a broken heart... oh and also for a new job.
It began a few nights after her lover of two years decided that he wanted more than he thought she was willing to give and called off the relationship. As she tried to forget her sorrow by watching a movie on television, her old college roommate called. Though the two of them had remained close over the years, Kelly hadn't yet told her, or anyone else, about the break-up so she knew this couldn't be a call to cheer her.
"Kelly, come quickly. I need you!" she implored.
"Katherine, I have bad news for you. Steve dumped me Sunday so I won't be coming, quickly or slowly, any time in the near future."
"What?" she nearly shrieked. "What happened?"
Briefly she explained the situation to and the next thing she knew, she was being talked into quitting her job and moving to Milwaukee to work for Katherine's company. Her family wasn't happy about her decision but it provided her with a reason to leave memories of Steve hundreds of miles away; not to mention start a new career challenge and meet people who would help her build a new phase to her life.
It was six months later when Kelly was summonded to Katherine's office as she was putting the final touches on her latest project. She wasn't pleased to be interrupted since she working under a tight deadline for a very picky client and her annoyance sparked in her eyes as she entered her office, nearly slamming the door shut behind her. Her mouth was half open to deliver a stinging comment when Katherine cut her off by directing her attention to the man who was sitting in the guest chair near the door.
"Kelly, this is Chris Turbin, our newest client. He's an attorney with the Milwaukee County Bar Association."
"Hi, Kelly, it's nice to meet you," he said, extending his hand to her as he stood briefly.
"Thank you," she finally stammered.
"We've been chosen to publish their bi-monthly newsletter and I'm putting you in charge of the account," Katherine continued.
While Kelly had been providing editorial oversight for several accounts since she started, this was the first account that was completely hers. She had to wonder what Katherine was thinking as she felt completely unqualified for such a task but tried to keep her shock from showing.
"I'm looking forward to working with you," he said, directing his dark blue eyes to look only at her. "Frankly, we're really unhappy with our current publisher and Katherine tells me you're the best here."
"Well, I don't know about that," she said, "But I certainly give my best effort."
Once Chris left the building, Kelly had some rather stern words with Katherine for putting her in this position without any foreknowledge. In turn, Katherine tried to reason with and even flatter her but when pushed; she finally admitted that she was tired of Kelly living like a cloistered nun. According to her standards, her friend was spending too many hours at work and that what free time she allowed herself wasn't being spent socially.
"And how is this supposed to change things?" Kelly asked.
"Because I'm shifting most of your other duties elsewhere so you can devote your time to Chris."
"To Chris?"
"And his publication," she added hastily.
Despite her initial hesitation, Kelly found that she liked working with Chris. It was obvious that he was not only charming and witty but also smart and he had a clear vision for what he wanted from the newsletter. She enjoyed the shared banter which took on an increasingly intimate and flirtatious tone as the weeks passed.
One evening, after putting in a very long day at the office, Kelly stopped at the market on her way home to pick up some things for dinner. August was being typically hot and muggy so she didn't feel like anything that required cooking and perused the produce section, looking to make a salad. As she picked through the tomatoes, she heard someone behind her.
"Carrots and cucumbers, eh? Feeling a bit frustrated are we?"
Instantly she recognized the voice as Chris' and didn't turn around but answered as she continued her search for the perfect tomato.
"No, I'm hungry. When I'm frustrated, I prefer lady fingers and a good Polish sausage."
She felt his hands gently clasp her shoulders as he leaned in and whispered, "Did I ever tell you my ancestors changed their name from Tubinski when they came to America?"
There was a hint of amusement in his voice that made her wonder if he was joking. Either way, she couldn't keep her impudence in check.
"I said a good Polish sausage."
"How will you know if you don't try it?"
"Is that an invitation?"