I was 16, first job at Harrah's Casino in So Lake Tahoe, NV in 1970.
I was a busgirl, I did drinks,sundaes, right hand person for the waitress (back then, females so waitress).
The week before I had been yelled at by a big star and humiliated to tears for daring to speak to him. I was young and learning the ropes.
One night during a snow storm I was running through the back annex hallway to get to my station and the back door opens (used by employees and stars who want a private door in) and I bang into a big bear and get knocked on my keister.
I look up and there is a handsome man in a big fur coat, it is Wayne Newton. I stuttered " it is ...it is...you !!!"
Then fear hit me, will I get in trouble for touching AND hurting a star????
This big bear picks me up like I am a sack of potatoes and stands me up and asks me if I am okay.
Holy crap!
He has a kind face and a voice that soothed.
He said he was sorry.
It was too much.
I was petrified.
He asked my name and went on his way.
He and his party had dinner in a private room and I was asked to be there to serve him and his party along with the waitress.
The main hostess asked ME to serve Wayne Newton
Somehow this man found out who I was and for his time at Harrah's I was privileged to help serve him.
He tipped very well and to this day I can still hear that smooth voice and see those handsome eyes.
He made a 16 yr old girl's life magical and gave me memories that I store in the special box in my mind.
He will always be a class act in my opinion...a big handsome bear who melted a girl's heart.
