Page 79 - Philly Girl

Philly Girl 63

And yet another twist: Many years later, “older” Jesse
started inviting my now-grown Jesse to his famous Passover
seders. Older Jesse’s Greenwich Village kitchen is so cool that
it was once featured in the New York Times Food section. My
charming handsome 24-year old Jesse happened to be seated
that night next to an interesting, older woman, Susan, who
insisted that Jesse meet her “brilliant, gorgeous, 24-year old”
communications officer at the Brennan Center for Justice
in New York, which she ran. Maggie had graduated from
Brown University and the London School of Economics and
(said Susan) “I know in my heart of hearts that you two will
be a match.” My Jesse said, “Fine.” Convincing Maggie was
another story. “No way was I going on a blind date arranged
by my yenta boss,” she said. Finally, she relented. One blind
date only, she said.
They met; he was late. Jesse wore a Fresh Prince of Bel-
Air tee shirt. Maggie was charmed and amused. Drinks
became dinner—and that was 10 years ago. They are happily
married and have a darling two-year old, my granddaughter,
Mila. And I have my former “19-year-old boyfriend,” Jesse,
to thank—again.