Homage to a Table

You can look at this brief summary as three monodramas – one table, three perspectives, all interrelated. We’ll start with the host, move on to the server and finish with the guest.

Host

There were three of them, standing at the host station. Without a reservation, they agreed to wait the few minutes for me to reset a table. As they moved out of the way of other guests, I noticed a small present cuffed in the hand of the lady. I took an older couple to their table then returned to the host station. The young, shy child stood close to the woman. I handed the gentleman a menu as he watched food being placed in the open kitchen window.

Another party of four arrived for their reservation, regulars I’ve seen many times. They followed me into the dining room to their table near the window.  Upon returning to the host station, I noticed the gentleman reading the menu, pointing at items while talking to the lady.

“This way, please.”, as we wound our way between tables. I overheard the gentleman say something about the airport traffic. Seating them at a corner table, I placed the coloring book in front of the girl.

“This is the table where time slows down and you can catch up with each other. Thank you” I said as I left menus and headed to the kitchen to make sure a candle would be placed in the dessert for table 5.

Server

“Good evening, folks. My name is Audra. I will be taking care of you this evening.”

And so it begins. Another table of strangers, but they seem genuinely happy to be out together. I look directly at the woman and ask if I can get anything for the young girl.

After I bring the orange juice, I take some drink orders for the lady and gentleman.

“I’ll be right back and explain the specials and any menu changes.”

As I pass the host, he reminds me about the dessert with a candle he arranged for the table.

With drinks delivered and allergy discussions out of the way, I take their orders.

“Would you like her order to come out first?” I ask, respectful of body clocks. The woman and the gentleman smile in thanks.

I watch them from across the room. The young girl seems to look at the woman, as if to get approval for her crayon drawing. Is that her mother? Is he dad or a boyfriend? From the ticket in his short pocket, maybe he’s visiting? Looks like they need some time to relax. I check the dinner book to see who is scheduled at their table.

After visiting other guests, I stop at their table.

“I wanted to tell you that I have blocked this table off for a couple of hours. Hopefully that will give you enough time?”

“Thank you.” The gentleman said.

Guests

“It’s been a while since we’ve been out together.” The woman said. The gentleman tipped his drink in agreement.

They looked around the dining room, noticing a table sharing an appetizer of onion rings. “Maybe we should get some of those. They look awesome!” he said.

“This table is perfect for us – out of the way and quiet.”

“Yeah. It’s almost like the host had ESP.” he said.

They were shocked when a dessert arrived at the table with a candle. “How did you know?”

After leaving a more than generous tip, and no longer feeling starved for conversation, a sense of comfort accompanied them. They bid goodnight to the host, the young girl carrying her colorings. Audra caught up and thanked them.

And everyone looked forward to their next visit. 

There would be no more trips to the airport.