“I just got here. Did I do something wrong?” Morgan asked. He made himself comfortable in his favorite booth moments before a teenage waitress appeared to ask him to leave. She shifted her eyes to the kitchen then back to him.
“No, Sir. I did. We’re closed but I took too long to turn off the sign,” she gave him a light apologetic bow. “I still have to ask you to leave.”
“Closed for lunch on a Monday?” he shook his head, then shrugged. “I’m already here. It’s not my fault you can’t be bothered to do your job,” He tilted his head toward the entrance. “If I were you I’d change the sign before anyone else comes in, then you can come back and take my order.” Morgan crossed his arms to wait. The waitress sighed but nodded.
“I still need you to leave, but you’re right. I’ll be right back.” She jogged to the electric sign and pulled the string. She also made sure to bolt the door. Then, she jogged back to Morgan’s booth. “Thanks,” she smiled. “We’re closed for a private party, but they won’t be in until a bit later. If you take your order to go, there’re no problems.”
“There’s no problem now,” Morgan said with a stern look. “I’m here to enjoy a meal. Does Mrs. Chang know you’re turning customers away?” The waitress’ eyes widened.
“You know Mrs. Chang?” Morgan nodded.
“She’s an old, old friend. I’m sure she’d appreciate knowing how her staff treats her customers,” Morgan grinned. The waitress stood up straighter with a growing smile.
“Mrs. Chang appreciates staff that follows orders,” she crossed her arms and stared down at the seated businessman. “I won’t take your order unless it’s to-go. If you’re not going to order then leave. Or I’ll call security.” Morgan waved a dismissive hand at her and looked past her to the kitchen door.
“I don’t need you to take my order, I’ll tell the cook myself. Takeru!” He half-shouted at the kitchen door. In the blink of an eye, a burly, tattooed, monster of a cook appeared by the table.
“Yes, Morgan?” The mountain of a man asked the seated man.
“I’ll have the usual,” he said then cast an eye at the dumbfounded waitress. “Make it a double portion. I want to take my time.” Takeru turned to the waitress and raised an eyebrow.
“Britt?” he asked. She shook her head; her twin afro puffs jiggled on top of her head.
“What’re you asking her for? I’m the customer!” Morgan said.
“You can’t be a customer if we don’t serve you,” Britt replied. “Please leave or…,” she pointed sideways at Takeru with her thumb. “…security will see you out.”
“What?” He looked up at the giant man. “Takeru, c’mon, you can’t toss me out. What would Mrs. Chang say about this kind of treatment?” Takeru shrugged.
“Mrs. Chang left the restaurant in Ms. Britt’s care. I will follow her orders. She is asking you to leave for your own safety,” Takeru replied.
“Takeru! Shhh!” Britt hushed him.
“It’s okay if he knows,” Takeru said, then walked back to the kitchen instead of just disappearing.
“What does that mean?” Morgan asked.
“The private party I mentioned earlier…,” Britt sighed. “I didn’t want word to get out; Flutter’s coming.”
“Flutter?!” Morgan shuffled out of the booth in a hurry. “You know what I am?” He asked then walked to the door. Britt followed.
“Mrs. Chang wouldn’t trust me if I didn’t,” she said. Morgan reached the door but waited for her to unlock it. Once she opened the door he stepped out but turned to face her again.
“Here’s a tip. Dragons know who Flutter is and none of us want to risk getting on her bad side.” He gave her a polite nod then turned to walk away.
