Sabrina 1954:
The girl in the window:
I, Sabrina Fairchild leave tomorrow for Paris; Le Cordon Bleu cooking school on a scholarship, saved wages, my father, Thomas Fairchild, the Larrabee family's chauffeur, and friends gifts. I will leave here and succeed or die trying. If only David Larrabee would see me as more than a faceless maid. Linus Larrabee his older brother does not even see me. The gawking gangly shy teenager. I will not fail, everyone has so much faith and commitment to my success.
Eight months later: Seville Spain.
I walk along the promenade; the tent bedecks the way. As the fairground El Real de la Feria de Sevilla, is in full parade. I wander among the colorful caseta (fairground tent). My classmate Baron St. Fontanel paid my way. A favor for The Professor, our culinary instructor at Le Cordon Bleu. We are learning the local specialties. A week after Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week) cooking for a Patron of the Culinary world, a ten course French styled wild game menu. We return to Paris next week; I wander the promenade. Away from the Patron tent; the Elderly Baron is shamelessly flirting the matronly sister of a major Wine exporter. The two have heated the tent so much; almost all have fled.
Walking I wander into the shade; Thinking about returning to the Patron's House. When I see him, the America; looking dapper and sane. Out of place in the business suit. I sweetly move to rescues the poor man from mad horde of teenagers; the La Nina's buzzing about him. I tap his shoulder; he turns and smiles at me. What is he going here?
"Please tell me you speak English?" His eyes see me, but doesn't recognize me.
"Yes, I am La cocina mágica de Estados Unidos.[French l'Amérique culinaire magique: the magical culinary America] New York. Mr?" I flirt with him, something just eight months ago I would never try or think. I'm in local traje de gitana (gypsy dress traje de flamenca flamenca dress/outfit). With my stolen cordobés, [a flat-brimmed hat] adored with colored ribbons of the private caseta adored and an eye-catching flower that should be in my hair. But the sun is just too hot. Looking the nearly model of hot Seville young adult.
"Linus Larrabee, I'm looking for Ingeniero de sistemas de control industrial de la Legión Azul[blue legion industrial control systems engineer] tent? New York? I'm from Long Island."
"I think, it's closer to Calle del Infierno (the amusement park). Would you like me to escort you there?" I smile at him. He blinds me with a smile. offering his elbow. We walk down the promenade a feel floating.
"What do I call you?" he purrs above the noise.
Thinking mischievously "Señorita Cocinera [miss cook] or Bella" I smirk in joking. "Bella you live in the city?"
"No, I was invited to cook for a Patron of the food world. I'm out of France. What is a long Island boy doing here?"
"Business, What is that?" he point to a colorful tent overflowing with tourist. "A Public tent serving rebujito (fizzy sherry lemon cocktail), and tapas (small plate appetizers)" He steers me in and we exit the other side with a paper plate of food and plastic glasses of rebujito. We wander snacking, talking, and sipping. Till we arrive at the business tent. I think to leave him. Instead, the host invites us in and we sit, enjoying the shade and music.
The dusk falls as the flowing manzanilla lubricates the guest and employees. Laughing and having the most wonderful time. Linus is the most wonderful man; I'm not so sure which brother I love. Near two am. I escort very happy drunk, Linus to the taxis stand.
I wonder if he will invite me to his room? Will I accept? I'm not sure, either way. But I could dream. The choice is taken when my friend the Baron is waiting at the taxi stand. I kiss Linus and feel all the emotions. That begs me to get in the car with him and never look back. But the world is not like that for the daughter of the Larrabee family's chauffeur. The girl just eight months ago was invisible and nameless.