Slouching over the reception desk, I rest my chin on my left hand and casually look over at the computer, checking the time. Seven o’clock. We close in one hour, but so much can happen in one hour.
Looking up I see a very large man peering into the front of Sport Clips, wearing a bulky raider’s jacket and a goofy, but friendly, smile. He limps over to Subway, carrying a large refillable big gulp mug from 7-11, but I know he’ll be back. He always comes back. He’s a regular.
Turning around in a childish spin, I yell to everyone, “John’s here.” The stylists all have mixed emotions, but we all know the slow, boring night won’t be so slow and boring anymore.
About five minutes later, I hear the door chime and look up to see John waltzing in, not stopping by the reception desk like the other customers, but marching straight back to the cutting floor. Ignoring my hello, he greets all his favorite stylists then sits down at an empty station.
He looks over at my assistant manager, Erika.
“You don’t like Bill Belichick, do you?”
“No John, I don’t. Nobody does.”
Even though I hear this question about five times a week, I still have the same thought, “Who the heck is Bill Belichick?”
Anyways, when I decide to walk to the back and fold some towels, John finally notices me.
“Hi, Michelle.”
“Hello, John.”
He stretches his arms out, in a childlike manner, and reaches for a hug. Similar to Lenny from Of Mice and Men, John doesn’t realize the strength of his squeeze, so for my own personal safety I go in for a side hug.
After he tells me he likes me, he lets go and starts to ask the regular questions.
“Michelle doesn’t like football, do you?”
“No not really, John.”
“What college are you going to?”
“UNT.”
“That’s in Denton.”
“That’s right, John.”
Throughout the evening John repeats himself about five times and reminds all of us of his friend, “who don’t think women should watch football.” Though his visits intrigue me and all of the customers, I’m ready for him to leave when eight o’clock rolls around. We say our goodbyes and watch him start his long walk home.
My history with John started a while after working at Sport Clips, he came in to get his haircut, one of the few times I’ve actually seen him get a haircut. His favorite stylist, Brandy, cut his hair and then he sat down at another station to her and everyone else for a while. I was totally intrigued by him. He said things, preposterous and hilarious things, without caring what anyone thought. He gave his love out so freely, like a friendly dog. After seeing all of this he gave me a huge hug, almost suffocating me, and left.
Since the first time we met I have felt a variety of emotions for John, but I will always remember the best qualities about him. Qualities I will try to model my life after. Qualities I will remember when I look back on my four years of high school and my three years at Sport Clips. I will never and could never forget John.
