My last phone call is finally over, and I rush toward the door; it never ceases to amaze me that the phone call's I expect to be the shortest end up being the longest, and now I'm running late for the Rotary Club meeting. Grabbing my keys, I'm out in the parking lot, heading toward my car, when I hear, "hey, where you going?" I took a deep breath and looked around; the voice was too masculine to be my branch manager calling me back inside. "We have an appointment," comes the voice again. I see an older man with a cane, wearing a blue suit and a red tie. He has an air of importance about him, and I can tell he does not like to have his schedule trifled with; however, the gentleman isn't in front of my office but at the office next door. I assume he isn't talking to me but to someone out of my sight, so I turn around again and continue walking to the car.
"Where you going?" He calls again, a little agitated that I don't respond. Finally, I turn and face him from across the parking lot. I don't know this guy, and I'm sure I didn't double-book an appointment today of all days. "I'm sorry, I'm not sure who you are," I reply, my small steps moving toward him slightly. He holds his ground and firmly says, "We had an appointment today, I'm running late; however, I expected you to still be in your office."
Confused, I walk towards him; I'd better get this resolved before leaving for the Rotary Club meeting, as I don't want him taking his frustration out on my Branch Manager in case there has been a mix-up somehow. I'm the Sargent at Arms for Rotary Club, and it is my job to entertain the group during lunchtime with a few jokes and stories while they eat, making a couple of erroneous fines for being late, cell phones on the table, etc. I generally arrive early at Rotary to prepare and greet my potential victims; however, that is no longer possible today. I ask, "Can I help you?" Trying to appear as non-threatening and friendly as possible, closing the remaining distance between us in the parking lot.
He looks me up and down for a moment before speaking. "You aren't my eye doctor," he says gruffly. "Nope, I work in the office next door," I answer cautiously and point towards my signage on the next building. "Where's Doctor Smith?" he asks, shaking his head. "I suspect he is in his office waiting for you," I say with a smile and point toward the door in front of his car. He pauses and offers his hand. "My name is Robert. I'm sorry for the confusion; I guess I need my eye's checked more than I thought, " he says with a laugh. I hold the door open and watch him enter Doctor Smith's office. Unfortunately, I'll be late for Rotary, but I'll have a great story to tell.
Written January 30, 2023 (AI-assisted experiment).