Like so many girls, I had big dreams. As is often the case, there was a man involved. He didn't know I existed. I thought about him often. He was the center of my fantasies.
He was everything I thought a man should be. Bold, refreshing, thoughtful, intelligent. I wasn't sure how to catch his attention. I did everything I could. I excelled. I pushed myself. I tried to work my way into his circles so that he might notice me.
Finally, I knew it was time to make my move. I wrote him a letter and told him about myself and the many things that I'd been doing to catch his eye. I even included a list of some people that knew me that he might be interested in talking to.
Dear readers, I must be clear, the object of my affection was an important man. I didn't think he would be interested in a simple girl like me.
But one day, the phone rang. It was his assistant. He wanted to see me. I eagerly accepted the date. I marked my calendar and started counting the minutes until we would finally meet.
I barely slept the night before our date. I'd never had such butterflies over a man.
Finally, my alarm went off early and I began primping. I knew that I had to look perfect. He didn't strike me as one who would only care about my looks, but I refused to take chances. I carefully styled my hair. I applied tasteful make up.
Shortly before it was time to leave, I eased on my Calvin Klein pantyhose. I shimmied into my best navy blue suit. I slipped into my demure heels, as nothing too daring would be acceptable. As a finishing touch, I added a single strand of pearls. I grabbed my leather portfolio and was out the door.
His secretary was kind to me and tried to put me at ease. By the time he was ready to see me, the butterflies in my stomach had taken over. I was a nervous wreck. I told myself that I was being silly - to be so nervous over a man! But I couldn't help it. I knew that this was probably my only chance.
Our brief time together was magical. We talked and laughed and he made me feel interesting and successful. He had an important meeting, so we couldn't spend the entire day together. I understood. A man of his prestige had more important things to do than socialize with a girl who had a crush. We parted with a handshake and I was electrified. I felt a shiver down my spine as we said goodbye. He said he would be in touch soon.
It took me days to stop thinking about him nonstop. I couldn't wait to hear from him, but I knew how busy his schedule was. I tried to get on with my life, but such a man has a way of permanently distracting you.
One afternoon, my phone rang. I answered and it was his secretary. He wanted to see me again. I ecstatically accepted his invitation.
For our second meeting, I chose a tasteful black suit with a classic light blue shirt. I completed the look with the same strand of pearls.
When his secretary led me to his office, I could not feel my legs. I'd never been so nervous. When I entered the room, he extended his hand and I shook it. He must have felt my hand shaking and said, "Danielle, there's no need to be nervous."
"Thank you for seeing me again. I'm so happy that you called again."
"Danielle, I was very impressed with the things you've done to get my attention. I've contacted our mutual friends and they've had nothing but good things to say about you. I think we may be a perfect match."
My heart skipped a beat.
"Danielle, if you are still interested, I would like you to be my clerk."
I'd never imagined that he would ever notice a girl like me, but it was happening. My dreams were all coming true.
"Justice Blackmun, I would like nothing more than to work with you. Thank you."