People enjoy being admired or liked or the anticipation of some kind of relationship. Women just can't wait to tell their friends about how some guy may have shown some signs of interest in them; they feel lifted and thrilled. Men have gone the distance of even bragging to boost up their egoes among their friends, even when there's no real sign of someone being interested in them.
I'm not bragging. Nor do I care if some girl has shown some interest in me.
But this past week a woman approached me in some strange way and I'm just going to ...ok...admitt edly, do a little bragging about it. Or let's see what you think of the situation.
There was a long line of defendants--people who have been sued--during their first criminal court appearance at this suburban courthouse that I was out to represent one at. Among the many standing in line was a beautiful Asian woman who kept staring at me as I was talking to my client. I couldn't help but notice her smile just a few other persons away. So, I smiled back and nodded to show I noticed her appearance...u m...presence, I mean.
The line slowly approached the check-in counter.
I put my folder down on a bench and sat down to wait for my case to be called.
The lady finished her check-in and sat back down at two benches away from me. As I turned to her...um...to my client, I noticed her staring at me again, smiling as if she wanted to know who I was. Then she showed no fear of her interest: she got up and came straight to greet me.
"Hi," she said. "Are you Hmong?"
"Yes. You are, too?"
"I'm Chinese. But the Hmong are Chinese, right?" she said.
"We have ancestors in China, so in a sense, we are."
"I'm Jenny. I was brought here for just having an expired driver's license."
"Of course."
"Did I get a good deal? Can you tell me? They told me they'd just have me pay a fee and make it a non-moving violation," she said.
"That's at least good for insurance. And if you don't fight more, that's probably all they will give you to finish your case," I said.
Then I realized I wasn't even representing her but I was already ready to work on her case.
"I told your client I knew you," she said. "And that you are a good lawyer...But I don't even know you."
"Right. You are a good marketer though."
"I am. I work for an advertising company. Do you have a card?"
I pulled one out from my vest and handed it to her.
"That's a nice place you are located at," she said.
"Yes. We have good parking."
"How do you advertise yourself?"
I told her that I just put stuff out on the Hmong radio and newspaper--I haven't used the newspapers yet--and that I have dropped off my business cards at various locations throughout the Twin Cities.
"I can promote you. Let's talk some more after today and we can meet up for ...is coffee, ok?"
Now you know why I said earlier in this journal entry that I am not bragging. She's interested but not in me; just in getting my business.
