Lunch with Nido

The constant ding ding dings from the air hockey tables overpower the music. A single conversation cannot be heard over the white noise of nonstop chatter. Every flat screen television is showing a different sporting event and the general public seems to be uninterested. The smell of greasy food and hardwood flooring is all around and the dim lighting sets a relaxed atmosphere.

Strolling around the bar, he seems to know everyone. The shine from his shoes sparkle in the overhead lighting as he steels a student’s French fry when they pass. Buzzer in hand, he waits in line for his food with his wife just like everybody else. He talks to absolutely everyone he sees; shaking hands with big smiles and making jokes like a stand up comedian on stage. He takes off his blazer to reveal a bright white button down and red tie. He chooses the seat in the back corner to the left of the big screen TV. Standing in line at the soda machine, he fills his white paper cup up with Diet Coke and places his blazer at his table.

Before sitting, he walks over to the counter to two young girls sitting a seat apart from each other to say hello. He makes them laugh before descending back to his booth. He can’t sit still for more than 5 minutes. He’s up again to use the Purell machine and finds two other students and takes a walk. With wide steps and swinging arms he parades around with the girls and fiddles with the hand shuffleboard table. They stand awkwardly in his presence and giggle like two girls flirting with the star quarterback. They appear to be in a hurry to get somewhere else and he makes his way back to his booth.

He makes it a point to talk to every person at the soda machine, even if it is just a “Hello.” For a moment, he and his wife are alone. These moments seem to be sparse, as he appears to make intimate conversation with everyone he sees. They sit in the back booth; heads close, whispering conversations as his wife smiles. Wearing a brown and gold animal printed outfit, she sips her soda and listens to her husband. More students walk by for a carbonated beverage and his eyes light up. He appears to love the attention and the feeling of making every student feel special.

His food is finally ready but he does not get buzzed like everyone else. A man from the back kitchen comes out carrying his fish and chips and his wife’s meal and brings it to him. He walks up and meets the man at the counter and steals a fry from his own basket, too anxious and hungry to wait until he reaches his table, smiling at more students and raving about his salty treat.

When he finally sits down, he devotes his time to his meal and his wife. No one bothers him and he does not approach anyone else. He slowly chews his food as they embrace each other in conversation.

Dr. Qubein and his wife enjoy a meal in The Point, the High Point University sports bar.