A Surprise At The Desk

I went to the doctor a few years back. Insurance red tape being what it is, I dutifully give my actual first name when making an appointment, rather than my middle name. (As a junior, I go by my middle name and let pops enjoy the first name.)

And so the receptionist called out, "Duane?"

I ambled up to the desk and said "hi." And the receptionist looked at me with a look of absolute amazement on her face.

"But... ah... "

"Yes?" I asked.

"Well... you're not black!"

I apologized. What else could I do?