What You See, Isn't Always What You Get
by Walt Lilly
10-10-2002
This happened back in 1974 when I was working for SCM,
where I worked on adding machines, calculators, and photo copy machines.
A service call for a photo copy machine came in for me. I arrived with a Tie and a Sports Coat on, (which was our dress code) with a tool kit in hand. I walked through the reception area, where there were several women working. I introduced myself, then one of the ladies led me to the copy machine, that needed repair. I opened up my tool kit, then I went back to the reception area, and ask to talk to the lady that had placed the service call. I was told that that lady had gone out for an early lunch, but should be back shortly.
So I went back to the copy machine to start working on it. I no sooner had started to work on it when another lady came up to me and said "You aren't what I expected". I in turn said " Sorry, but I really know this machine and I'm sure I'll be able to solve your problem". She then looked at me and said " Just Who Are You"? I told her my name and company and that their Office Manager had placed a service call for a photo copy machine. She didn't say one thing, just turned and walked away. I shook my head and once again started to work on the machine.
Then a main Boss of that company came over to me and said "I need to talk to you in my office". I thought to myself What the hell is going on here and was about to run for the door???? Instead I did go with him to his office, but still keeping an eye on the EXIT. We got into the office and the main boss of that company said he didn't know that the copier was really down and that a service call had been placed on it, BUT he had told his secretary to get a "Strip Tease" Guy to come in and pose as the photo copy machine repairman and then begin to do his ACT, as it was the birthday of one of the women in the office. He said "I am very sorry if the lady hurt your feelings when she said "Your aren't what I expected".
I said "I can understand her concern as I'm certainly no Mr. America, never have been".
We then shook hands.
He ask me if I would go back and continue working on the machine, which is located on one side of the reception area, where all the office personnel, including the "Birthday Girl", can see the machine. Then when the " Strip Tease" Photo Copy Repairman showed up, he would introduce himself as my BOSS, and when he started his "ACT", I could just move out of the picture.
"SURE" was my answer.
It did take place... In walks this well built, good looking young man, dressed in a suit, carrying a so called tool kit. He had been met in the parking lot and had been told of what had just happened with me. He walks over to me and said "Hi Walt, how's it going?" I said "fine" and he puts down his tool kit, opens it up, pushes a button and the music started.
At this moment, Walt's moving back out of the picture, as the stripper's clothes started coming off.
I now, look back and laugh and understand why the woman who called for the stripper was so shocked to see me come in as a
photo copy repairman.
This is a TRUE Story, hope you get a good laugh from it,as I did.
I still laugh when I think what happened that day, especially when I was writing all this down,
so that my wife, Chloe Dell could post it on the website.
P.S. I did fix the photo copy machine.
