"Hello?
"Hi, this is F.
"Hold on a second...OK, F., I have Micheline’s number for you."
I wrote the number down.
"Thanks. Bye."
I hung and picked up the phone in a single move, then dialed the number.
"Hello?
"Hi. Are you Micheline?
"Yes.
"My name is F. I got your number from the Agency.
"Hello F. How are you?
"I’m fine, thanks. How are you?
"Not too bad, so to speak.
"I’d like to know if we could meet someday and get to know each other.
"Why not? That’s why we joined the Agency, didn’t we? Tell me when you want.
"Wednesday, would it be OK for you?
"....Yes, that’s OK with me. Could we meet at Place des Ternes?
"I’ll be there. 6pm?
"Just fine.
"See you then.
"Good bye."
***
I parked the car in a nearby street and walked to the metro exit on Place des Ternes. In the distance, I could see some women waiting for the bus. I knew she was blonde but I couldn’t tell who. The bus arrived before me and I slowed down to observe. Fortunately, only one blonde remained on the sidewalk when the bus was away. She was petite with a round figure, wearing black leather jacket and skirt.
"Hi. Micheline?
"F? Hi.
"So...
"So?
"...do you want to have a seat and drink?
"Sure."
We went to a nearby pub. We talked, telling each other’s life story. She was divorced with one child and looking for friends, hoping she might find true love again.
"I want company, to go out, to have a good time. I’m not that old to live like an old maid.