Grifters

The phone rings. “The Bistro,” I answer, “How may I help you?” “Hello. I’d like to order something to go,” a woman says. She’s speaking with one of those impossible to place European accents. “What would you like to order Madam?” “Is your online menu up to date?” the...

The Razor’s Edge

It’s Sunday and I’m late for work. Pulling on my tie I race into the Bistro. “You’re late,” Fluvio says, not looking up from the reservation terminal. “Sorry,” I reply. “I’m taking my wife out to dinner so I’m leaving.” “How many we got on for tonight?” Fluvio tells...

The Doctor is In

“Man I’m having a rough week,” Celine says. “What’s happening?” I reply. “You know how I get when it rains,” she says sadly. Celine, one of our part time hostesses, has an incredible phobia about driving when it rains. Over the past year the problem has become worse....

Preggers

“Jesus Arlene,” I say, “You’re getting bigger by the second.” Arlene is eight and a half month pregnant. Still waiting tables, she looks like she’s about to pop. “I swear I’m bigger than I was yesterday,” she moans. “Any day now,” I say. “My due date’s November...

Doobage and All the Right Moves

“So whaddya got for us tonight Poppy?” I ask Ernesto, our sous chef. Ernesto unenthusiastically produces a list of the night’s specials from his back pocket. Telling me the specials is just a formality. After five years I can predict the entire lineup. “And, finally,...