(this is annie)

The scene: It's early evening at the shoe department of Neiman Marcus, which has been transformed into a runway show and soiree for young designer ZAC POSEN, who is actually pulling off a white tuxedo with black trim. Our heroine, ANNIE, is by herself in a sea of thousand-dollar handbags and designer shoes; most of her own outfit was bought on eBay. A fashion show has just concluded, and ANNIE has immensely enjoyed both the frocks and the satisfaction of seeing models up-close (they, too, have pimples). HIRED WAITSTAFF mills about with homemade confections, which makes ANNIE feel class guilt.

ANNIE, spotting POSEN: Oh hello! I am Annie. Thank you for doing the interview with me.

ZAC: Oh, hello! Very nice to meet you. It was a pleasure.

ANNIE: Everything looked beautiful tonight [this should be said genuinely].

ZAC: Thank you.

ANNIE: What do you think of Chicago so far?

ZAC: I really love it [again, should be said genuinely]. The architecture is amazing, all of this area downtown. I'm hoping to go to the museum tomorrow.

ANNIE: Oh yes, you should go if you have time. There's a great exhibit about international tourism and travel right now. [cue ominous music, dim lights]

ZAC: That sounds interesting.

ANNIE: [a beat, then holds up blue lollipop] I FEEL LIKE TELLY SAVALAS! HUH HUH HUH.

ZAC: [looks politely perplexed, is ushered away as ANNIE once again feels like she can't take herself anywhere]

Labels: chicago