Author's note: Writing is often an emotional experience, especially as one thinks deeply about the characters he is bringing to life. There are times when the characters we create lead us to endings we had not originally considered.
So it was with me, as I learned from Tom and Heather.
To all who have found and lost true love!
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I was approaching the end of my two-year reporting period for Continuing Legal Education, and I was a few hours short. I had already maxed out the hours I could earn online; the rest had to be live.
At least I had two months in which to find a solution. For some reason I never quite understood, the deadline was always June 30th.
Unfortunately, there was nothing of any interest coming up locally. I decided to expand my search by looking at a multi-state provider that kept sending me emails about CLE events they assured me I shouldn't miss. I ignored them. Until now.
I had to search through my Trash folder, but there was an email, with a link to the company's webpage.
One of the first things I saw was a two-day seminar in Seattle, which was only an hour by plane, although I could drive in a little over two, which ended up being faster for not having to stand in the TSA line and sit at my gate for an hour!
I was mildly interested, and then something caught my eye. It was a breakout session on the enforceability of mediation clauses in contracts of adhesion. The topic was interesting to me, since I represented corporate clients, but what really caught my eye was the presenter: Heather Reisling!
I wondered whether it was possible she was the same one I dated in high school. How many Heather Reislings can there be?
I searched for a bio page for the speakers. There was hers ... "a native of Yakima, Washington." The same Heather.
My mind went back to wonderful times we had as seniors. There was a time when I was convinced our love would carry us to marriage someday. Other than a lot of kissing, we never had sex-Heather wanted to wait until marriage. Although we sure came close on graduation night!
That thought startled me! Heather Reisling is the same name as she had in high school--her maiden name. Had she never married? That would be an incredible irony, because I hadn't married, either. Here we were, both 35 years old--our birthdays were less than a month apart, although I couldn't remember which of us was older--and both still single.
I shook off my thoughts and focused on registering. I had to see her again.
It was only two weeks to the seminar, which was held from 9 am to 5 pm on Thursday, and then from 9 am to 1 pm on Friday. These companies offer early-bird discounts to inject an incentive to decide. I was way past that, but I wasn't worried about space; they never turn anyone away!
I read far enough to know I did not need to pre-register for specific breakout sessions. I needed to make sure I got there in time to get a seat, preferably in the back.
The bigger issue was having my secretary reschedule four appointments on Thursday and one on Friday. Most of those we were able to move up and see earlier.
I left Wednesday night about 7 pm to drive to Seattle, thus missing the traffic crunch. I had made a reservation for two nights at the hotel where the seminar was to be held.
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The morning of the seminar I got up early and had breakfast. These seminars usually had some sort of continental breakfast--a glass of water and picture of a donut. I wanted something more substantial.
I was in the main meeting room, where the opening keynote speaker would be. Heather's session would be in the first set of breakouts, and I had already located the room, so I could sit near to the correct exit from the main seminar meeting.
I was too nervous to listen to the keynote speaker. I didn't care. One earns CLE credit by having a butt in a seat, not by listening!
As the first hour drew to a close, the moderator thanked the speaker--I enthusiastically clapped with others--and he dismissed everyone for the first breakout classes.
I knew what I wanted: a seat in the back but right behind someone so I could stay hidden. I wanted to check her out, listen to her voice, and then surprise her by sitting up straight until she saw me.
I had to hang out in the hall for a few seconds, until I saw a man I could sit behind. That's where I was when she walked in and to the front. She hardly looked different from high school. No more than five pounds heavier, was my guess. Great legs still. Hair cut shorter now, a professional look.
Heather introduced herself and gave the name of her law firm, a large one in Denver. Then she launched into her topic.
I was mesmerized by her presentation skills! I knew the topic well already, and her content covered the issues I would have covered, but she had a wonderful, engaging way of presenting.
I decided it was time! I moved to my left a little, out from behind the man in front of me, and sat up.
About twenty seconds later, in the middle of a sentence, she looked at me. She stopped mid-sentence and her mouth hung open. She covered it and blushed.
"I'm so sorry to stop like that! When I was a senior in high school in Yakima, I fell in love with a boy. I really thought we might marry, but that summer we left for schools in different states, and we drifted apart. He's here in this session!
"Please forgive me for just a moment!"
With that she marched back to me. I stood, and we hugged.
"Oh, Tom," she whispered. "I'm so happy to see you!"
The attorneys in the room were all clapping, proving that even attorneys have soft hearts and love a nice romance. Either that or anything was better than sitting in a CLE seminar!
Heather marched back to the front.
"I need to pull myself together, but Tom, don't leave!"
With that, she took a deep breath, and picked up with the same sentence she had started. The rest of her presentation was great and many wanted to visit with her and thank her. I waited at the side of the room.
Finally, the last person left. Heather and I looked at each other and smiled. She came and hugged me again.
"I can't believe you're here!"
"I needed four more hours of live CLE! I was looking through the info about this one online and saw your name. I had to come. Are you speaking at anything else? How long are you here?"
"I have no other obligations. I was supposed to fly back this afternoon, but if you're available, I'd rather move my flight and spend time catching up."
"All I need it two more hours here, then I'm yours."
There were suddenly tears in her eyes, and she looked down.
"Heather, what's wrong? Why the tears?"
"I've missed you, but that's part of a longer conversation. Can I sit next to you for the next two hours? When are you going back, and where is 'back'?"
"I live in Vancouver and practice in Portland."
"Ah, you play the low property tax in Vancouver and no sales tax in Oregon game!"
"That's right! I drove up last night and stayed in the hotel here. I still have a reservation for tonight, and was undecided about whether to drive back tonight or wait until sometime tomorrow."
"If I asked you, would you stay?"
"Absolutely. We have a lot to catch up on."
"I'm going to get on the phone and change my flight. When should I fly back?"
"Stay until Sunday evening. Fly out of Portland. I'll save you a seat. Look for me."
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Ten minutes later, Heather slipped in and sat next to me. She kissed me on the cheek and held my hand.
"Do you mind if I hold your hand?"
"Not at all, although I might need it now and then to write you a note."
