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"I do like New Haven" Monet said chatting amiably to Jean Grey as they headed in their taxi to the Hotel Taft. "Hussle and Bussle. It reminds me of Cairo. The same sleaze and corruption, although quite a lot cleaner. There is more 'hope' here in New York I think. The Great Depression hasn't hit them as hard"

"I only have a couple of things planned. As I mentioned the Schubert Theatre is showing 'Love me tonight', but that's after dinner. I thought after we got settled we might want to go visit the Pardee Rose Gardens. Absolutely lovely. Very calming. It seemed a good place to perhaps do some training"

Jean elected to meet Monet dressed in a beige wool suit, accessorised with gloves and a black beret.  During the taxi ride she also engaged in chatter, some idle, some pointed.

“New Haven does seem to have its own… character.  I’m sure it’s going to be fun.  I hope you don’t mind me asking Monet, but how well ‘received’ are you here?  If there is anything I shouldn’t do, just say so… inwardly if you like.”

She was well aware that Taxi drivers gossiped, so substituting other terms for telepathy seemed prudent.

“I’m looking forward to the show, it’s got rave reviews apparently.  And I think something funny and charming is just what the doctor ordered.  Speaking of educated men, what did you make of Steven?  His is a rare type to encounter within places like Heaven.”

Her dinner date she intended to keep private for now, but a second impression of the man could be helpful.  As for some of the other  club hi-jinks that came to mind.

“There were more than a few masks in attendance too.  It could be sheer co-incidence or interested parties checking out the competition.  I’m expecting more active nights ahead…”

"It depends" Monet said making a grimace "Money speaks. And I pick places carefully. I have places that accept me. Some grudgingly. Some after I went to speak to the management nicely. New Haven is better than some other parts. It's as your constitution says 'we beleive all straight white christian land owning men are created equal'. At least new york state isn't going all 'Jim Crowe'. It still hasn't signed up for the anti-miscegenation laws. Not that that's a problem for me" a rueful smile. Monet's love life was what you might call 'non existant'

"Occasionally there is open hostility, but I have tools for dealing with that. I've not had any significant problems in New Haven. I'll tell you about other places later" there was a gesture with her eyes towards the taxi driver. Monet clearly didn't think she was up to 'initiating a telepathic link' reliably on her own

"Now 'Steven'. Hmm. Far more to him than meets the eye. He was charming and surprisingly knowledgable. And perhaps more observant than anyone else I've ever met. The other guys" another glimpse at the taxi driver "just as interesting but far far more scary"


As the taxi stopped at the hotel "What do you say we get our rooms sorted out, they should be next to each other, and then meet back in the Lobby for a walk to the park?"

Jean laughed at Monet’s take on the Constitution.

“It certainly does feel that way.  You could say that it was different times back then, but with possible amendment options… I’m somewhat disappointed that we haven’t progressed further.  One day perhaps.”

She nodded along to Monet’s explanation on New Haven reception.  Clearly the PI had been busy.  Jean could certainly see the wisdom in ingratiating herself to the area and its people.

“Your take on Steven matches mine fairly closely.  He is not without his eccentricities, but I think we could be compatible… time will tell.  For the moment I don’t want to jinx things, hehe.”

Jean didn’t add further commentary on the masked men, largely because they had reached the destination.  Paying the driver, she disembarked, collected any bags, and followed after Monet.  She had a good look around at the decor and then parted company when the ladies found their assigned rooms.  Jean dropped most of her things into the wardrobe and had nothing really to unpack.  Later perhaps.  All she did was to freshen up in the bathroom.

Let’s see… lessons, dinner, and a show.  Maybe I can change a few things, but it should suffice quite nicely.

A short time later, Jean was waiting downstairs in the foyer…
This message was last edited by the player at 04:40, Thu 27 July 2023.

"Ah... There are some people you could name that I would say 'you can do better'. But actually I think our Steve is quite a catch. I hope it works out for you"

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Monet was waiting in the foyet when Jean returned. She was wearing her signature trenchcoat and fedora with a particularly stylish and matching Louis Vuitton hand bag. This was a look she really liked. Stylish. Practical. And it made her feel good

"Jean" she acknowledged and offered her arm "The Rose garden has a number of nice features. And one is that there are quite a few 'quite areas' within it. I don't know how you want to start this 'training' whether a quite place is good, or a place hussling and bubbling with life. You select our itinary. It's all good for me."

"And... thanks a grateful smile "This means a lot to me. It's nice to be able to do things like this when it's not about 'survival' and instead about 'self development and self fulfilment'. I like it."

“Quiet and private will do… at least for now.”

Taking Monet’s arm, Jean toured the garden… looking for someplace nice and secluded.  She chose a place that had seats and a lovely water feature.  Jean encouraged Monet to get comfortable, before getting down to business.  She chose a sedate tone of voice.

“If at any stage you feel overwhelmed or want to pause, just say so.  We’ll begin with basic telepathy.  Listen to the water and relax, then when you feel ready… reach out with your mind and touch mine.”

Jean steeled herself for a bit of roughness.  Finesse was important, but something that could be developed later.