On the Governors Staff

I hadn't seen him in person since shortly after he became Governor and I moved away to college, nearly three years. Mitch, to those close to him, had moved his family next door when I was sixteen.

Mitch's family was nice people. His one son, Robert, was in my class in High School and the spitting image of his father, tall, dark hair, with brilliant pale blue eyes, and a winning smile. Tall, dark and handsome doesn't even begin to describe this father/son pair. Needless to say he and his father were popular people. Truth is, after they moved in, they became my second family with Mitch doing the fatherly things my father was too old to do.

So it was a surprise when I saw Mitch and several other people, walk into the restaurant where I was working. I had moved out of state to go to college and was completing my MBA and also working at the local four-star hotel as a waiter/host. The restaurant was fairly slow so there were only a few of us working. As luck would happen, I was next up for a table.

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 he was surprised someone in a different state had addressed him as Governor because 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 and hugs were not uncommon, even between father and son. 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.

"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. Each time I returned to the table during their dinner he would glance up and wink or smile at me.

Later, as I was walking out of the kitchen to go