Every Once in a While

It doesn't happen often, but every once in a while you get one of those tables that you just click with.  There is a connection there from the beginning and, though you know you can do no wrong at the table, it doesn't matter because you actually WANT to wait on them.  I can't explain how it happens, or how you know, it's just... there.

Last night, at about 10 minutes until closing, I got one of those tables.  Now, normally it is a bummer to get a table that late.  Typically, a table that walks in that late consists of people who like to prove how much power they have to keep you there late, like they kind of get off on it.  Last night, it wasn't as big a deal, because I had a couple of other tables which were staying late, so it really didn't matter.  These two ladies walked in, and were very gracious when I greeted them.  "Thank you for seating us so late," said the dark-haired lady, "I really appreciate it."

Already starting off with a nice tone, which is refreshing.

They asked me to tell them about the menu, which is another kind of annoying thing, normally.  Every waiter has their well-rehearsed spiel for this question, but it takes a little time to cover enough items to satisfy the customer, so it isn't normally your favorite thing to do.  These ladies were acting so sweet about it, however, that not only did I give my spiel and answer some questions, but we also spent some time with the wine list and picked a nice bottle of wine for them.

As the meal progressed, I let them talk, as they were obviously in deep conversation.  I checked on them every once in a while, and they never acted annoyed with my presence (which people often will do, despite the fact that taking care of the table is your job), stopping to chat with me every time I came by.  There was just an easy quality about the whole experience.

Towards the end, the lighter-haired lady thanked me again, and said she's just flown in from Houston and was starving, and wanted to take her friend out to dinner because she was getting a divorce.  This obviously embarrassed her friend (and it's kind of an awkward position for a waiter to be in, because there is no good way to respond to it).  "Oh, well, I'm really sorry to hear that," I said, but something in the tone of my voice was just right.  You know how when you say something in a certain tone that you know you'll never really be able to duplicate? That's what happened.  It was pitch-perfect and it kept things flowing.

They were the last table in the restaurant, and as they started to leave, the light-haired lady went to the restroom, while her friend told her she'd meet her outside, and went to get the car.  I walked the soon-to-be divorcee to the door to open it for her, and she expressed her appreciation for the entire night.  I put my hand on her back as I led her to the door, which was a really unusual thing for me to do (in generally, the most physical contact I'll ever make with a guest is a light touch on their shoulder if I'm trying to get their attention, or maybe a little slap on the back when a good ole boy tells a joke).  We were at the front door by this time, and she just kinda leaned into me, like she needed a hug, and started to tear up a little bit.  "This was exactly what I needed tonight," she said.  I told her I was happy they'd come in and glad they'd enjoyed everything. She left and went to her car.

A few minutes later, the other lady in the bathroom came out and I opened the door for her as well.  "Thanks again.  You've been so pleasant, and the food was wonderful.  We'll definitely be coming back," she said.  I thanked her again and then I said, "... and tell your friend I said good luck."

"Oh, she's my daughter!" she said, surprised.  I was surprised too, as I would have never figured that she was old enough to have a daughter the soon-to-be divorcee's age.  "But, she's my friend too," she said, and then closed walked out the door.

That was when I realized that the daughter's impending divorce was a very new development, and she was so torn up that her mom flew in from Houston on the spur of the moment to be with her daughter. This night had ended up being a really special one for them.  It's nice knowing that, for whatever little part I was there for, I was able to help them have that.

Comments

[jo-fo]

That's awesome. I love it when stuff like that happens. It makes you feel so human, and that it's actually rewarding to be human sometimes.

[Trixie]

Wow, I got a little teary-eyed from that story! I am so glad to know that sometimes people actually act human and that others actually reciprocate. I am glad to know one of them.

[aly]

crying, crying, crying at work.

darn you, dylan.

[Lori]

Aly--get back to work on your project!!!(and by "your".... I, of course, mean "MY")

Ha! This is the first time that this has happened since we've worked together. Bet it won't be the last..

And Dylan, that was a lovely story. You're such a sweet spirit!

[PBG]

Get a grip. You are a bad waiter