The Magician

I've always been an old soul. I often say that I should have been born in the 1920's in order to grow up on Billie Holiday and sweet talkers drenched in old gentleman style. The down side to being a woman with a vintage heart is that most men my age are Neanderthals with no manners or courting skills. I truly believe however, that once in every lifetime, the stars and the planets align, and you meet someone who is truly special. That person challenges your expectations and impacts your life so profoundly that though their stay may be brief, you are forever magically altered.

I met The Magician several years ago while working at a labor union for the entertainment industry. He often visited the office to use the resource center in between auditions and we struck up a friendship.

The Magician had olive-colored skin, kind eyes, and a dash of salt in luscious jet black hair. He had a cheerful and infectious disposition, making the most straight-laced woman crack a smile. He always wore perfectly tailored suits, accenting them with one-of-a-kind cuff links, crisply folded pocket squares, or - my favorite - a cream colored fedora with a black sash. The Magician was relentlessly charming. He offered compliments even when they were undeserved and he remembered every last detail from prior conversations: "How is your uncle Luis doing? Has he returned from Puerto Rico yet?"

Although I liked The Magician, I was hesitant to make a move for several reasons. Aside from ruining an already solid dynamic, I was dabbling in the company ink so to speak, and there was potential to lose my job. There was also quite a substantial age difference between us. The Magician was 36. I was 20. Still, with each visit becoming more frequent and every conversation lasting a little longer, my feelings for him became too significant to ignore and I finally relented.

I took the scaredy cat cautious approach and posted a Missed Connection entry on Craig's List. It wasn't long before I received the following response:

Wednesday, September 12, 2007 -
Subject: Mysterious Stranger.

Hello, Charming One.

Alright. You've got me fooled. Who could this be?

I'm not much of a Craigslist Enthusiast, but some acquaintances of mine happened to spot your "Missed Connections" entry ... Yes, it made my day.

Feel free to reveal yourself. Safe passage guaranteed. I'm friendly.

Indeed,
The Magician

Two days later I received this one:

Friday, September 14, 2007 -
Subject: Alright You!

Hello, Secrets.

Yet another Friend contacted me just this morning to tell me about your Craigslist Posting ... This is all fun and funny and obviously very flattering -- but now I really haven't a clue. (I'm not calling you bad, but I am suggesting this is slightly naughty of you!)

Do you live in my neighborhood in Logan Square? Are you someone from a coffee shop in Andersonville? Or Wicker Park? Possibly a new restaurant along Printer Row? Downtown at Miller's Pub (a frequent late night haunt)? Do you sell Mens Ties? Howard Orloff Volvo? Are you a Manager for Premiere Cruises? Stewart Talent Agency? I got nuth'n ...

Here are three ideas:

1. We meet at Lula's for Coffee or Lunch. (My treat, Silly.)

2. Come out to Motel Bar on Thursday to see our Groovy Show ... Bring a Friend. Or ten.

3. You present an alternative plan and I say "Hey, why not? I love the Zoo ... "

So there it is. So soon. We've hit a Wall of Truth.

Gratitude,
The Magician

The Magician was right. I was stuck between a rock and a hard place wall of truth. After a few more emails (and further prodding) I finally acquiesced and disclosed my identity. This is one of the messages that followed:

Tuesday, September 18, 2007 -
Subject: Thanks!

Thanks, Technoheart.

You're grand!

Preparing For My Entrance,
The Magician.

And with that, I prepared for an entrance of my own.