I hadn't seen him in person for nearly three years, since shortly after he became Governor and I moved away to college. Mitch, to those close to him, had moved his family next door when I was sixteen.
They were really nice people, and neighbors. He had one son, Robert, which was in my class in High School, though I didn't know him well because he had transferred from another school. He was the spitting image of his father, tall, dark hair, with brilliant pale blue eyes, and a winning smile. I've always found people with dark hair and bright blue eyes, striking. Tall, dark and handsome doesn't even begin to describe this father/son pair. Needless to say he and his father were popular people.
Mitch's wife Linda was the "trophy" wife. Beautiful, cultured, and surprisingly enough, a genuine and caring person, her family gave her more opportunities than most, yet she remained grounded.
You might wonder why I've spent so much time telling you about the neighbors. Truth is, after they moved in, they became my second family. Not that there was anything wrong with mine, but theirs was the ideal family; devoted parents, loving son, prominence in the community. But the thing that made it work was that both Mitch and Linda had had their son when they were in their twenties. My parents, my father, waited until their late thirties and were fifteen years older. So it really created a gap between me and my father.
But of course, life doesn't always make things easy or fair, for anyone.
So it was a surprise when I saw him with several other people walk into the restaurant where I was working. I had moved out of state to go to college and just started my MBA with focusing in Hospitality Industry and was working a the local four star hotel as a waiter/host in their award winning restaurant, as well as at the Front Desk. The restaurant was fairly slow that night so there were only a few of us working. As luck would happen, I was next up for a table.
I could tell that the people were just mesmerized by him. I went round the table setting waters and then returned to my place behind the Governor to wait.
"I suppose we should look at the menu," Mitch said to table.
I stepped closer and said, "Governor, may I get you and your party something to drink."
I think it was the fact that someone addressed him as Governor that caused him to pause and look up.
When he saw my face, I could tell he was stunned, but excited.
"Well, my God." he said standing up spreading his arms wide. "Steven, I can't believe it's you."
He pulled me into a strong hug. He and his family were always very affectionate. Hugs were not uncommon, even between father and son, and I had been hugged by him many times in the past.
But this time it was different. It was longer than any in the past. And when he pulled back, I could see his eyes were a little shinier. He turned to the table.
"This here is Steve Walker; the son of a friend of mine, and my neighbor back home." He went around the table introducing me to the people there.
"Steve," he said, turning back to me. "What are you doing here?"
I looked at him and then around the table and briefly explained my schooling and career path.
Later, as I was walking out of the kitchen to go home, one of the night chef's came around and said there was a room service that needed to be delivered, and asked if I could deliver it as a special request. I looked at him funny as the bellhops were notorious for their territory and this was definitely out of the ordinary.
"Special request, by whom?" I asked, although I had a good idea of who it was.
"The guest in the Presidential Suite specifically requested that you deliver this."
I looked down and saw a tray of fresh fruit and bottled water. And while it was a special request, I also knew that if I went upstairs, Mitch would want to talk, and I knew that I could get in serious trouble for being in a guest room, with a guest. So I went to the MOD and explained the situation, I clocked out and headed to the service elevator used by staff. Even though I wasn't working, I was still staff delivering room service and couldn't use the guest elevators.
I was still in my uniform but grabbed my gym bag of street clothes and workout gear, and put it on the bottom shelf of the service cart. Covered by a draped table cloth, it was hidden.
I rang the bell to the suite and waited. I could hear voices inside the room talking, but nearing the door. I pulled the cart back as the door opened and several of the Mitch's dinner companions stepped into the hall. Saying good night they left. Mitch held the door open as I pushed the cart in unloaded the items onto the top of the bar. I then grabbed my gym bag and set it out of the way.
"God, Steve," he said in his deep voice, his eyes showing that twinkle again. "It really is great to see you again." and he again came around to hug me.
We hugged for several seconds and then he broke away and walked to the bar taking off his tie and undoing the top few buttons of his dress shirt.
"Can I fix you a drink?" He asked as he set a glass on the top and filled it with ice.
"Brandy-Water," I said as I walked across the floor toward him.
