James and Rachel, a pair of their early thirties, had been the explanation one would imagine in real love once more.
Throughout my twelve years as a server at Romano’s, I’ve witnessed all of it — from marriage proposals and anniversary celebrations to main enterprise offers being sealed. However by some means, it was James and Rachel who’ve develop into my favourite prospects.
My co-workers would typically say, “Oh, we want we had that type of love in our life.”
They had been regulars and visited the place each single Friday — desk twelve by the window — no exceptions. James, at all times the charming one, would order his standard ribeye steak, medium-rare, whereas Rachel, a petite and soft-spoken younger lady, with sort eyes and a delicate method, would have the grilled salmon with seasonal greens.
They at all times shared a bottle of wine and a chocolate soufflé earlier than calling it an evening.
When it got here to the examine, they at all times shared it.
Nonetheless, after a while, it felt like issues began to alter.
James modified his ribeye steak with a few of the costliest dishes the place provided.
What’s extra, he would hand the invoice to Rachel, who didn’t appear to be comfy overlaying all the things.
Over time, they began visiting the place with buddies, and even then, Rachel was the one footing the invoice.
One Friday night, at precisely 7 p.m. James arrived on the restaurant with a bunch of buddies. They had been all in a great temper, celebrating a serious enterprise success. What was unusual was that for the primary time in years, Rachel wasn’t there.
However it didn’t take lengthy earlier than she arrived. She was respiratory closely, as if she was speeding to get at Romano’s on time.
Whereas James and his buddies ordered lavish meals, Rachel solely acquired a salad.
It appeared like everybody was having fun with themselves — aside from Rachel. Someway, I had the sensation she didn’t really feel like she belonged there.
Lastly, when the examine got here, James tried to slip it to his spouse — once more.
“Rachel loves treating me,” he stated jokingly, whereas she struggled to smile.
The overall got here to eight hundred and seventy-three {dollars}—greater than many individuals spend on lease.
“James,” Rachel stated quietly. “That is… that is some huge cash.”
“Come on, babe,” James replied, “Don’t be troublesome. You recognize you may afford it.”
Rachel nodded and excused herself to the toilet which was down a slim hallway. I couldn’t assist however comply with her.
She was clearly very disturbed when she referred to as her mom on the cellphone. “Mother, it occurred once more,” I may overhear her saying. “This time it’s practically $900, that’s far more than I can afford for a restaurant examine.”
At that second, I made a decision to intervene. I knew Rachel lengthy, and I believed she deserved I stepped up for her.
As soon as she hung up the cellphone, I waited for her to get out of the toilet and stated, “You recognize what? You don’t have to do that. While you return to the desk faux there may be an emergency at work or one thing and let me deal with the remaining.”
Rachel, who was as quiet as at all times, simply nodded.
Moments later, her cellphone rang and she or he acted as if they wanted her on the workplace as quickly as attainable. And earlier than James may ask extra questions, she excused herself once more and left the place.
It didn’t take lengthy earlier than I approached James’ desk and advised them there was a combination up with their reservation and that the desk was double-booked.
James smiled and stated it was tremendous so long as we provided one other desk. And that was the reply I used to be ready for.
The second they stood up in an effort to go to the opposite desk, I stated, “You would wish to settle the account earlier than we may make any adjustments to your seating association.”
James’ face went pale because the implications sank in. “What do you imply, settle the account?”
“The invoice for this night’s celebration,” I defined gently.
As James pulled out his card, it was apparent he wasn’t pleased with paying that a lot cash, and his enterprise associates appeared to note that.
“Is there an issue, James?” considered one of them requested. However James tried to behave as if all the things was tremendous.
The next day, Rachel got here to the restaurant and thanked me for what I did. It turned out that James was fuming and yelled at her for not paying the invoice earlier than leaving, and she or he lastly discovered the braveness to inform him that it bothered her to deal with her as his private ATM.
I’m not actually positive how issues between them turned out. I solely know that after years, this Friday, the couple I believed was the synonym of affection didn’t present up at Romano’s as standard.
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