Print Shop Stories
Meeting Mitch

I first heard about Mitch about thirty seconds into my first day at the print shop. I was asked, “Have you met Mitch?” I replied something to the effect of, “I don’t think so.” I was quickly told, “If had, you would know.” My God, was that the truth.

Mitch was around six feet tall, big beer gut, mostly bald with a little white hair around the bottom edges of his head. His nose had been broken and was pointing slightly left. He had a little, perfectly trimmed moustache and a permanent smirk on his face. He walked tall, proud and with almost a swagger. I would have guessed at first glance that Mitch was about fifty years old, but the devious twinkle in his eye whispered that he was really thirteen.

I didn’t have to find Mitch. Mitch found me. He swaggered into my room and asked, “Aren’t you gonna take a lunch break like the rest of us?” I said that of course, when I was ready to, I would. He raised his eyebrows, turned on his heels and walked out. I heard him snort under his breath.

When I finally got to the lunch room is was packed. There was no where to sit except … you guessed it … with Mitch. That was one of the strangest hours of my life. This man started picking apart every person who walked into the room as soon as they left. Some people hung on nervously chewing and rechewing their food hoping that he would leave before they did. No one seemed immune to his remarks.

I had nibbled down my sandwich to nearly nothing and finally threw the last bite in my mouth. I decided to take my chances with the big guy. I stood up, threw away my Mt. Dew can, tossed the baggie from my sandwich and turned to face Mitch. I looked him the eyes and said, “Well, I think you’ve talked about everyone but me in this company so I’m going to leave and let you have your shot. Enjoy.” I couldn’t believe I had actually had the guts to say it, but there it was. The words seemed to float in the air waiting for my exit before they would land anywhere near him. I walked out the room and stomped down the hall loudly.

I tiptoed back. I put my ear near the edge of the door and listened. I heard an eruption of laughter. I gritted my teeth and waited to hear what he would say. After the laughter died down I got my response.

“I like her. She’s spunky.”

to be continued … perhaps later today.

Previous posts:
Nekkid Noodles, Miss Halloween pt 1, Miss Halloween pt 2