Take Out

I recognize the tall gentleman who is waiting for his order. He has a complete mask covering his face. But I can still tell he is the guy that works out at the JCC where I do. His locker isn't far from mine. He's also a republican.

Does he see me and is ignoring me?

Do I acknowledge him or should I not bother after all he is a republican?

I finally say, "Hey! I've seen you at the J!"

He replies in a friendly way and uses masculine affectionate terms like, "man, and brother." We exchange conversation about how the JCC is practically empty and he goes there in the mornings when it first opens at 7:00 AM. I tell him I got my own equipment and I work out at home. He tells me the lockers are open and something about how they are blocked. I want to tell him about having my own spin bike and set of adjustable weights, but his order was ready and he left.

I didn't know if he had changed his political views in the past several months like some other people have who voted for this administration. I enjoy talking with this guy. He is an interesting fellow. He is opinionated. He talks to everyone.

My order was next. When I paid for it with a credit card, I used the hand sanitizer on the counter. I left the restaurant and then the guy who was last on the line, ran out and asked me if I forgot my food which I did. It was left on the counter. In an embarrassing way, I went back in and took the bag that my order was packed in. I sheepishly left again.

I have wondered about what makes this person who I recognized support a political party that I feel is against everything I believe in. How they are opposed to LGBTQ rights, how they support racist policies, how they develop policy that is harmful to the environment, and they welcome white supremacy. I guess that maybe he is committed to the economic and tax strategies that he might be benefiting from.

I imagine being in a discussion with him about that. It would be eye opening. Maybe one day when the pandemic is over, I can sit down with him at the restaurant, with no masks covering our faces, and talk about our political views over a plate of egg rolls and chicken almond ding.

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