Jeanne’s pace increased as she heard the heavy tread of footsteps behind her. It was the middle of the day, but this was New York and it was clear that she was being followed.
“Excuse me, wait, miss?”
Jeanne turned around, and within minutes of their last encounter, she was again looking Eliza in the eyes. As if the thought, somehow secured that it would happen. There she was looking her sister–who did not know that she was her sister–in the eye.
“I saw you at the cafe, and I felt like I knew you. You look familiar. Do I?” Eliza continued, wide eyed and with a hopeful smile.
Jeanne shrugged, it was a now or never moment. But did she want to blurt out on a SoHo Street that she was her sister? Did she want to bring all of that up, and open Pandora’s box on Crosby Street?
“You are Eliza Morton, right? I am a writer, I’ve covered the art scene. I just had that moment when you think you know someone and you do, but you don’t. We have never spoken before, but I have seen you. My name is Jeanne Bordeaux.” Jeanne extended her hand instinctively.
“Oh! Indeed, I have read your articles, do you want to…” Eliza looked flustered, taking Jeanne’s hand. “I mean I followed you out into the street, I am with my boyfriend having coffee, maybe dinner. Join us? Are you in a rush?”
Jeanne smiled, it could not hurt and maybe it was the most delightful serendipity. She shrugged.
“Sure, why not. I was headed to a gallery for a look at an artist, but there is no rush.”
The two of them walked back to the cafe where Eliza’s boyfriend was sitting. Was that the reason why she and her fiancé had broken up? Maybe her sister was better off than she thought, from seeing her love life in bits and pieces in the newspaper?
“I did know this lady!” Eliza beamed at the man. “She is the writer Jeanne Bordeaux?”
“Oh Ms. Bordeaux, I have heard of you too. Read some of your articles,” He put put his hand for her to shake it.
“Jeanne, call me Jeanne.”
“Jeanne, I am Terrence.”
Jeanne sat on her hands as she eased into the booth beside Eliza to ease their shaking. She was so nervous, she had never been this close to Eliza before, or spoken to her! She was at a loss for what was going to happen between them.
Whatever happened it would be an education, that is for sure on both learning about her sister and learning who she would be in this situation.
Find out more about Jeanne’s education, every Fleur Friday. Follow Eliza’s story here. This week the Wicked Wednesday theme was education which you can read more of here.
