It was Friday then, the end of the work week. Natalie had a busy day today-signing a few deals, showing new apartments to potential landlords, and a conference with management. Decided she deserved a dinner at a fancy restaurant near the office.
Arabella Restaurant was an elite establishment in town. New Year’s parties and birthdays were often celebrated there, and American new American foreign cars flaunted in the parking lot. A small snack cost as much as a new pair of evening shoes. However, why limit yourself?
The receptionist approached the woman and politely led her to an empty table. There were not so many people there, and pleasant live music played in the background. A beautiful singer in a long dress was playing a beautiful song.
– Good day! Here’s the menu. I recommend you to order the dish of the day – seafood with white wine sauce and tartar with mushrooms! – The waitress said politely.
– Thank you, but could I have a glass of water, please?
No, Natalie was not thirsty. In fact, in this way the girl was just delaying time. Of course, she knew it was quite an expensive restaurant, but not that expensive! It seemed that the mobile number and the numbers were less than the amount for one glass of wine.
Then the woman felt uncomfortable. Already felt the slanting eyes of the administrator, because who orders a glass of water in such an institution? It seemed that she had already analyzed from head to toe such a “potential” guest – the usual white sneakers that had survived last Wednesday in a downpour, a worn jacket of faded red color, which was already frayed on the elbows. And the bonus was the dermantin bag, with dog bite holes in some places.
The waiters were already whispering and looking at Natalie, saying that she was a real beggar. The woman took the menu in her hands and pretended to concentrate on choosing a dish. Does salmon and mussels cost that much? No thanks, I’d rather pay the utilities. The chocolate fondant with caramel, which you can get in the store inexpensively, here costs as much as an expensive dress! No, that’s okay.
– Can I please order avocado and tomato bruschetta? – Natalie asked the waiter.
– Sure, let me check in the kitchen to make sure we have all the necessary ingredients, as you chose a dish from the economy menu for breakfast – the waitress said.
Not only the bartenders and manager, but also the guests started looking at her. It was as if they wanted to lead her to the door.
– Hey, you! – shouted the waitress administrator – Try to hint to the guests at table 4, that this is not a fast food cafe, but an elite restaurant. Come on, quick! We could lose potential customers because of her!
– Um… But she also came here and now she’s a customer. I’m supposed to serve her, not kick her out,” the waitress whispered awkwardly.
– If you do not throw this girl out now, then I’ll make so that you in any restaurant, not even a cleaner or dishwasher!
This conversation was overheard by another guest who was sitting behind the bar. She saw Natalie awkwardly looking at the other customers and trying to quickly get her hair done.
– Young lady, please come to me. Bring that guest at table four a bottle of French wine and a steak of beef. It’s on me. And don’t forget dessert!
– Very well, madam. I’ll take care of it.
Then the waitress brought out on a tray a large plate with a fragrant piece of meat, which was generously drizzled with cream sauce. It seemed to smell so delicious that everyone in the building next door was drooling!
– I’m sorry, but I didn’t order this! – Natalie started to make excuses and pushed the food away from her.
– Don’t worry, it’s on our regular customer! – The waitress answered and pointed to Mrs. Olivia who waved politely from the bar counter.
It seemed to be the tastiest steak Natalie had ever tasted. The pieces seemed to melt in the mouth and gave unbelievable pleasure. She decided to look at the price and almost fainted at the amount she saw! She felt uncomfortable, so she wanted to go up to the rich woman and ask for the number of the bank card, saying she would get her salary – she would give all the money for food!
– I’m sorry, but I can’t afford that luxury. After all, it’s your money, and I’m a stranger to you! Especially since some meals don’t cost that much money. But why did you decide to buy me dinner?
– I understand your position perfectly. After all, I didn’t get all this money for nothing. I grew up in the country, my parents died early, so I was brought up by my old grandmother. She was the one who taught me to be generous and nice to all people. I worked hard at several jobs at the same time, but now I have several large companies. Over the years, I have not forgotten my grandmother’s instructions. So I decided to help you as well… – Olivia said and smiled softly.
After Natalie went home, the woman called to her receptionist.
– You’re fired. I’m tired of you constantly judging everyone just by their clothes. How is that civilized? That girl was a customer and you had no right to kick her out!
– I’m sorry, ma’am, it won’t happen again!
– That’s enough. Starting tomorrow, you’re no longer working in my restaurant. I don’t want to have employees who fail the humanity test!
In your opinion, did the owner of the restaurant do right by Natalie and the insolent receptionist?
