He Wasn’t Aware Of The Buddy System

I am a server during college at an upper-scale restaurant. I rarely have problems with customers and am overall genuinely friendly. I have a table for four with only three patrons there: an older couple with their adult daughter. I serve them beverages and am told we are waiting for their son.

About forty minutes and two refills go by.

Me: “I bet you guys are starving by now. Would you like me to bring you our lettuce wraps? They are small enough to not ruin your appetite. Or are we still waiting for my buddy?”

Father: “We are going to wait, and he isn’t your buddy. Frankly, you don’t know him; he’s a hardworking man and will be respected.”

Me: “You’re right, sir. Forgive me.”

Father: “He actually has a real job.”

Me: “I understand, sir. It won’t happen again.”

When I come back for refill number three, the son is arriving. The son is an old high-school friend. Before taking a seat, he gives me a hug right in front of his dad.

I look at the father.

Me: “Small world! Your son, my old buddy. We spent so much time together in high school that I thought you recognized me before.”

It’s too bad our restaurant didn’t serve crow.