“I’m Tank Santini, the GM. My manager tells me you didn’t enjoy your meal, but you ate it?”
“Right,” the customer said. “I was hungry, so I ate it, but I didn’t like it, so I want it taken off my bill.”
“What was wrong with it?”
“I just told you. I didn’t like it.”
“Did you tell your server?” Teddy asked.
“No.”
Teddy regarded the server. “He told me everything was excellent.”
Teddy shifted to the woman. “Ma’am, how was your dinner?”
“Great,” she replied.
Teddy regarded the man. “You don’t look familiar. First time here?”
“Yup, and I’m sure you don’t want it to be my last.”
“Here’s how I see this playing out. You can pay for the meal you’ve eaten and choose not to come back or you choose to skip out on your bill, but you won’t be welcome back.”
“You don’t have a way to track me.”
“Sure, I do. We’ve got security cams everywhere,” Teddy pushed back.
“Thanks for nothing.” Under his breath, he mumbled, “asshole.”
For reasons Teddy couldn’t begin to fathom, the guy was looking for a fight.
Teddy snapped a photo of the belligerent diner. “You know what we’re gonna do? I’m going to escort you out. Don’t come back.”
“You touch me, I charge you with assault.”
Teddy didn’t have the time or the patience for this douche. Everyone in the dining room had stopped eating to watch the drama unfold, so Teddy decided to use their energy.
He peered around the filled room. “Most of you know me. I’m Tank Santini, the GM. I see a lot of loyal customers.”
“We love you, Tank,” shouted one of the customers.
“This is our favorite restaurant,” called out another.
“This man isn’t happy,” Tank said. “I think he should leave. Why don’t you decide?”
“Get him the hell out,” yelled a man from the back of the room.
“Agreed,” said another.
The man glanced around the room, pushed out of the chair. “I’m out.” He snapped his finger at his date. “Let’s go.” He strode toward the door, but the woman remained seated.
“My dinner was delicious.” She pulled out her credit card. “I’d like an espresso and a tiramisu and I’m happy to pay.”
The restaurant erupted in applause.
“We’ll pay for your dinner,” said a customer.
More applause as Teddy scanned the guests. Sydney had emerged from the office and stood like a beacon of light across the room. Her smile radiated from within and he couldn’t help but smile back.
