Mirror, Mirror

I’m tired of people walking up to me and asking for my autograph. For some crazy reason, they think I’m Halle Berry. When I tell them I’m not her, they look at me and then walk off miffed. They probably think Halle is one of those celebrities who fancy they’re too big to waste time signing autographs.

So, one afternoon when I turned around and noticed this fine looking brother staring at me, I assumed that he thought he was looking at Halle. I decided to walk over to him. My eyes traveled over his tall, muscular frame. He was gorgeous. I hope he wasn’t married or already in a relationship or that he wouldn’t lose interest once I told him who I was. “Hi, there,” I said.

“Hi. I noticed you staring at me and I know why. I’m sorry to disappoint you but I’m not Halle Berry.”

His eyebrows rose. “Halle Berry? I wasn’t staring at you because I thought you were her. You don’t look anything like her.”

“Oh.” I wasn’t expecting that. “You’re one of the few people who think so. So, why were you staring at me?”

“Why do you think? Have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately?”

I smiled, flattered. “So, do you have a name?”

He smiled and held out his hand. “Devon.”

I shook his hand. “Caitlin.”

“So, tell me, Caitlin, is there a special man in your life?”

“No. What about you? Is there a wife or a girlfriend?”

“No. Seeing that we are both unattached how about joining me for lunch–that is if you don’t already have plans.”

“No, I don’t have any plans. I’m free to have lunch with you.”

“There’s a restaurant around the corner.

We walked to the restaurant. It was a beautiful, sunny day. We sat outside. As we were escorted to our table, we drew curious stares from the other diners. After we sat down, a young woman came up to me. “Excuse me, are you Halle Berry?”

I tried to hide my annoyance behind a pleasant smile. “No, I’m not.”

“But you look so much like her.”

“I get that a lot.”

“I’m sorry to have bothered you.” And she went away.

“I see what you mean,” Devon said. “It must get on your nerves.”

“It does. Granted, she is a very beautiful woman but I don’t want to live the rest of my life telling people that I’m not her.”

“I really don’t see the resemblance and for what it’s worth, I think you’re more beautiful.”

I blushed. “Thanks, Devon. So, what do you do when you’re not having lunch with a celebrity lookalike?”

“I’m a family lawyer.”

“Really? What’s it like?” With his looks he could have been a model or an actor.

“It isn’t for everyone. I’ve told that to students interested in practicing it. My advice to them was that they needed to examine their biases and any psychological problems they might have. I’ve also encouraged them to should do some research and reflect before choosing this field just to make sure it is it is a good match for them.”

“What made you decide to get into that type of law?”

“I like challenges and I find family law to be a challenging and stimulating field. I like being personally involved with clients and providing legal guidance to those who are in distress can be very rewarding. It’s one of the most emotionally volatile areas of law issues such as divorce, separation, child custody, guardianship and access. Sometimes, things get ugly and cases end up in court but most of the time, I assist couples in the process of divorcing to settle the matter fairly without necessarily going to court. The hours are long and the job can be very stressful but I can’t imagine doing anything else. What about you?”

“I’m the managing editor of a business magazine. Like you, I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

It was such a pleasure talking to him. I felt completely relaxed. I was truly sorry when lunch was over and we had to go our separate ways. I followed him out of the restaurant and we stood facing each other on the sidewalk. I was expecting him to shake my hand and say that it was a pleasure meeting me and that he had enjoyed lunch before walking away. Instead, he said, “Caitlin, I’d like to see you again.”

My heart somersaulted. “I’d like to see you again too.”

We exchanged business cards and arranged to meet outside of my office on Wednesday evening. I could tell that we were both looking forward to seeing each other again and I had a feeling that this was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. Eat your heart out, Halle!

Sources: Law Crossing; Rayden Solicitors; Austinlrs;