The Absent Uncle: A star-struck lunch

A few years ago, when I was working out of an office in Wichita, Kan., I invited my administrative assistant to lunch to celebrate her fifth year working for the company.

I chose a casual restaurant that she had not been to in the past. It was not far from the Wichita airport and was a popular choice for business type lunches. 

We arrived at the restaurant and were seated quickly in a booth in the center of the main dining area. After putting in our order, I needed a quick trip to the restroom to wash my hands and upon my return I scanned the neighboring booths to see if I knew any other patrons.

Much to my surprise, I recognized the very recognizable face of the actor Harrison Ford! I had read in the morning’s local paper that he had been sighted the day before around town and was having his Cessna Citation serviced at the Cessna Center located at the airport. He was at that time a licensed pilot of his own plane. 

From my seat in the booth, I had a clear view of Mr. Ford. 

Here is where the whole lunch went off the rails: My assistant was a late 50ish Kansas native. She had not traveled very much, was a devoted movie-goer, and was prone to strong reactions given certain circumstances. 

I prepped her by asking her not to react, to stay calm, and to slowly look to her right and the booth one back from the booth across the aisle from ours.

I continued to preach calmness as she turned and saw Mr. Ford’s very recognizable face.  =She audibly gasped and then froze into that backwards looking stare. I realized how obvious she was with her head turned and her gaze totally fixed on him. 

My suggestion that we switch places was immediately accepted. Our food arrived, I ate mine; she sat with a fork in one hand and never touched a bite. Our server gave her a knowing look and found a to-go box for me to put her lunch in. 

With (my) lunch finished, it was time to leave, and I suggested she approach him to say hello or ask for an autograph. Oh no – she couldn’t do that! At that point, I took her elbow and walked over to his table and got his attention. He smiled and was gracious as I introduced her and stepped back for her to be able to speak directly. Nothing came out of her mouth. not a sound. He and I both just waited, and finally I thanked him and led her away. (BTW – his distinctive voice was exactly the same as in a movie!)

We got out to the car to return to the office. The first words she spoke were, “Did I say anything stupid?” 

Star struck!