Always Be Polite to Wait Staff

He stalks amongst the elegantly dressed tables like a starched jaguar, his eyes like knives and his footsteps muffled by the luxuriously thick carpet. Not a hair out of place, his bowtie just so. Do you know how difficult (impossible) it is to tie a bowtie perfectly?

He murmurs softly to his charges, deferential and yet authoritative at the same time. He is there to serve, quite literally, yet he also knows how each dish is intended to be served and eaten. No mystery to him which fork should be used first, or what wine pairs best with each miniscule course.

It aggravates him when people show up in casual or crumpled clothes. He appreciates a certain level of decorum.

Yet, worse still, the ones who waddle in wearing clothes that cost more than six months' rent. The ones with a stick so far up their bottoms you can almost see the point of it when they clack their jaws asking for the most expensive item on the drinks menu in the haughtiest voice imaginable.

Now, he leans in to one such couple, presenting the bottle they asked for. They respond with a curt nod, and then comes the test

"Will you taste the wine?"

The man holds out his glass. There is something imperious, almost angry in the gesture. He despises the presence of the underling, conveniently ignoring or forgetting that he would be angrier still if there was no one to serve him.

The waiter's eyes glint like knives. He unscrews the top. If the couple hadn't been so clueless, they might have detected a pointed air.

He pours it and waits, on tenterhooks, for what the man will do next. The next test.

The man raises the glass, swirling it, and takes a long sniff. There's something contrived about it, as if this is not for himself but for those around him. A performance.

Oh yes. This is the one.

He treats them, carefully, just as he does any of the other patrons.

Except when he offers them more seasoning, he uses his own, quite special, pepper mill.

It will take days but the end is certain. One less weak-chinned pretentious ass.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + Word count: (excluding author's note): 366 Submitted on: 13th May at 22:55

*Quick Author's Note* First, and most importantly: thank you so much for reading my story! The ha'penny that Vocal will pay me for your eyes will be well spent. I've been thinking of buying another golden yacht for my cat, maybe getting another albino peacock for the grounds.

If you enjoyed this one, the best compliment you can give me is to share it, or read another! A Year of Stories: I'm writing a story every day this year. This one continues my 135 day streak since 1st January! Please do consider lending your support to the other creators who are also on this madcap "a story every day" adventure. They are putting out excellent content every day! Rachel Deeming Gerard DiLeo The story behind the story: oh come on, we all know people like this! Like the diners I mean, not the waiter.

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Thank you

Thank you again, most especially if you are one of the wonderful people who has been staunchly reading these daily scribbles since the start of the year. I cannot thank you enough for your continued support. Please know that I see you and appreciate you 😁 + + + + + + + + + + + +