The Waiter

by Bradleigh Collins

  “Okay.”

  “He’s a doll,” Dana said. “He must be a lot of fun to work with.”

  “He is Julie the Cruise Director.”

  We walked over to the photo studio where I was reunited with Posh, Scary, Baby, and Sporty. The photographer snapped several pictures.

  “Where’s Jackie?” I asked George as we struck another pose.

  “Oh, she’ll be here around nine. Her costume is always a surprise, so there’s a grand entrance. Trust me, you’ll know when it happens.”

  “How long have you guys been doing this Halloween party?” Dana asked.

  “Since I started working here, so three years now,” George said.

  I was incredibly impressed with all the work that had gone into the party. The entire loft had been decorated by professional set designers. Orange and black balloons covered the ceiling. Giant black spiders were everywhere. There was a buffet set up in the middle where the sales team usually sits, but all of their furniture had been moved out to make room for the spread. In the kitchen area was every type of Halloween candy you could imagine lined up in glass cylinders. The conference room had been transformed into a mini-theatre with tiered seating and Halloween showing on the drop-down screen. The lounge area where we usually eat lunch was now a disco, complete with electronic dance floor tiles that changed colors and a huge disco ball hanging from the ceiling. The DJ was spinning some of my favorite classic disco songs and I was ready to dance.

  As we approached the dance floor, I spotted Lucy and Kyle getting off the elevator. They were dressed as Trinity and Neo from The Matrix. I screamed and ran over to them.

  “You guys look amazing! Okay, the bar is right over there. Grab a drink and join us on the dance floor. I want you to meet my friend Dana!”

  George, Dana and Simon were dancing to Donna Summer’s “I’m Coming Out.” I joined them.

  “This should be your new theme song,” Dana yelled over the music.

  “Why? Am I coming out as gay?”

  “No. Just as a new you. Sans Dalton.”

  I smiled. I did kind of feel like I had a new start, but that was much more the result of having a new apartment than finally being done with Dalton. In any case, at this very moment, I was just happy. And a little drunk.

  “Yeah baby!” I heard someone yell loudly behind me. I turned around to find Josh dressed like Austin Powers and Katie as Vanessa Kensington, complete with a silver minidress and matching knee boots. She was even wearing a brown bouffant wig.

  “Oh my god!” I screamed at the top of my lungs, jumping up and down and hugging them both. “Perfect! You guys are absolutely perfect!”

  I immediately introduced Katie to Dana and Simon. Then Lucy and Kyle joined us, and I introduced them as well. Josh and Katie headed to the bar. Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” began to play.

  “The Queen has arrived!” George informed the crowd.

  We turned around to see Jackie emerging from the elevator dressed as Cleopatra. More specifically, Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra. Everyone began to clap. I thought George was going to faint.

  “In my next life, I want to come back as her,” he said.

  “Who? Cleopatra? Elizabeth Taylor, or Jackie?”

  “All of them.”

  “That’s your boss?” Dana asked.

  I nodded. Jackie made her way through the loft greeting everyone and posing for photos. I introduced her to all of my friends. She commented on how much she loved their costumes, graciously thanked them for coming to the party, and even asked if she could get anyone a drink.

  Now the DJ was playing “You Should Be Dancing” and Josh was in full-on John Travolta mode.

  “That’s who he should be for Halloween next year,” I said to Katie. “Tony Manero.”

  “What was Dalton gonna be tonight?” Dana asked.

  “He refused to wear a costume.”

  “So he was just coming as an asshole,” Lucy said.

  “Exactly.”

  “You know who you should have invited,” Katie said, giving me a look. I knew she was talking about The Waiter.

  “Too soon.”

  “Not too soon!” Katie, Lucy and Dana all said in unison.

  “Next week guys. I promise I’m going to get in touch with him next week.”

  “I hope it’s not too late,” Katie replied.

  Her comment startled me. What if it was too late? What if he was already seeing somebody else? I certainly couldn’t blame him. I decided I would call him on Monday after Dana and Simon left and hope for the best.

  My platform boots were starting to hurt my feet. I had a pair of sneakers in my desk drawer, so I decided to go change. I passed Jackie sitting at the bar.

  “Sammy,” she said, motioning me over. “Come, sit.”

  I took a seat next to her.

  “How have you been? Everything okay?”

  “Yeah. Thank you so much for yesterday. Thank you for this party, for everything. I really love it here.”

  “We love having you here. You’re doing great work.”

  “That’s because you inspire me. You inspire all of us.”

  “That’s sweet,” she said. “I truly hope I do. I just want work to be productive and fun. Otherwise, what’s the point of getting out of bed every morning, right?”

  I smiled. “Have you always been this confident?”

  “God no. It’s taken me a really long time and a shit ton of mistakes. Don’t let it take you that long.”

  “I’m definitely done making the bad relationship mistake,” I stated emphatically.

  “Oh, you’ll make more, trust me,” she said. “Don’t close yourself off. This city has so many experiences to offer you. Just be open. Don’t let fear stop you from living your life out loud.”

  I nodded.

  “And with that,” she said, “I’m going to go shake my groove thing.” She got up and sauntered over to the dance floor.

  I went to my desk and sat down to take my boots off. When I opened the drawer to get my sneakers, there sat the fancy bottle of sparkling grape juice. I smiled. Then I made a mental note to make sure that Dana and Simon tried the grape juice at the GreenFlea tomorrow. I made another mental note to call The Waiter on Monday.

  God, I hope it’s not too late.

  CHAPTER 23

  ◆◆◆

  The next morning, I took Dana and Simon to Cafe Lalo for a late brunch. Late because we didn’t leave the Halloween party until two and we all wanted to sleep in. Dana had been dying to go to Cafe Lalo ever since she saw it in You’ve Got Mail.

  “Wow, this place is tiny,” she said as we sat down. “It looked a lot bigger on-screen.”

  “I need coffee,” I whined.

  “That was the best Halloween party I’ve ever been to. Your coworkers are so much fun.”

  “It was fun. But my entire body is paying for it right now.”

  “Mine too,” Simon agreed. “I’m gonna need a nap before we go to the parade.”

  The waitress came over to take our order. After she left, Dana looked at me. “So, how are you, really?”

  “I am really hungover.”

  “No, I meant with the whole Dalton situation.”

  “There is no Dalton situation anymore.”

  “Sam, I know you’re hurting. Do you want to talk about it?”

  Was I hurting? It had only been two days since I’d left him, and I’d been so busy that I hadn’t really had time to think about it. My arm still hurt. Today I hid the bruise underneath a long-sleeved cashmere sweater.

  “Well, I’m pissed that he cheated on me. My ego is bruised. I mean, Rhonda? Seriously?”

  “You are way more attractive than she is Sammy. It’s not even close.”

  “You have to say that. You’re my best friend.”

  “Nah, she’s right,” Simon said. “Rhonda’s not even pretty. She’s just average.”

  “And you have to say that because you’re my best friend’s boyfriend. But I
love you both for trying to cheer me up.”

  “See!” Dana said. “I knew you were upset.”

  “The strange thing is that I’m not even that mad at him. I’m mad at myself for being so stupid.”

  “You weren’t stupid, Sam. You were in love.”

  “No, I was insane. The poster child for insanity. Repeating the same mistake over and over again and expecting a different result.”

  “So you spent the last ten years in the looney bin,” Simon said. “Now you’re out. I mean, I don’t know how sane you are now, but at least you’re out.”

  Dana and I both laughed. “Well, in any case, Dalton has a new punching bag now,” she said.

  “I wouldn’t wish that on anybody, Dana. Not even Rhonda.”

  “And yet, you had no trouble putting yourself through it for how many years?”

  Our coffee arrived and the three of us proceeded to plan out the rest of our day. We’d finish breakfast and head down to the GreenFlea. Afterwards, much-needed naptime followed by Mexican food at Cowgirl Hall of Fame. Then the parade.

  “I wish you guys didn’t have to leave tomorrow.”

  “I know. Our December trip will be a lot longer.”

  “I wish you were coming up for Thanksgiving.”

  “You know my mom would kill me. She’d kill you too. She’s sad you won’t be there this year.”

  “My mom, too. And Josh’s mom. But they’d rather have us home for Christmas.”

  We finished breakfast and took a few photos in front of the restaurant before leaving. Then we walked down to the GreenFlea. I hadn’t gone anywhere near it since I moved here because I thought it would be too painful. I did feel a tinge of sadness as we approached the entrance. But it didn’t last when I saw all the children running around in their Halloween costumes. They were having a trick-or-treat event at the market today.

  As soon as we walked in, I spotted the farmer’s stand with the fresh grape juice. “Come with me immediately,” I said to Dana and Simon. “You guys have to try this.”

  We walked over to the stand and I ordered three cups.

  “When Jesus turned the water into wine, this is what it tasted like.” I paid the vendor and handed a cup to Dana and then one to Simon.

  “Wow!” Dana said after taking a sip. “I think I need to sit down.”

  “Right?”

  “That’s really good,” Simon agreed.

  We took our cups and started exploring the market. Dana quickly found an antique silver necklace that she loved and promptly purchased. Simon was shopping for baseball cards. I was just standing there, watching them discover every hidden gem the same way I did the first time I was here.

  We turned the corner and there was the vintage record booth with the same older couple I’d seen before. This time, they were dancing to Dean Martin’s version of “On the Street Where You Live.” I couldn’t help but smile. And the closer we got to them, the wider my smile became. “This is one of my favorite booths. Aren’t they lovely?”

  We walked into the booth and began browsing the record collection. Then Simon started dancing with Dana. The older gentleman held out his hand, inviting me to dance with him. His wife smiled and insisted. I couldn’t say no.

  “I really love your shop,” I said as he twirled me around. “How long have you and your wife been together?”

  “Fifty-five years,” he replied proudly.

  “Wow. What’s the secret?”

  “Dancing,” he said, smiling. We continued to dance as he told me the history of the song. It was originally from My Fair Lady. Then it was recorded by Vic Damone in 1956. But his favorite version was Dean Martin’s, and that’s why he always played it.

  “Do you mind if I cut in?” I heard a familiar voice behind me. My stomach dropped like a roller-coaster. I turned around. It was The Waiter.

  He had a look on his face like he wasn’t sure if I was going to hit him or hug him. I could hear Jackie’s voice in my head. Just be open, Sammy. I threw my arms around him.

  “I’m so sorry,” he said, holding me tighter than I’d ever been held before. “I got scared. I’m an idiot.”

  “I can’t believe you’re here.”

  “I’m here every Sunday.”

  I looked up at him and started to cry. He leaned down and kissed me as Dean Martin continued singing.

  “You taste like grape juice,” he said smiling. I started laughing as the tears rolled down my face.

  “Young man,” the elderly gentleman tapped him on the shoulder. “She wasn’t crying when she was dancing with me. I’m just saying.”

  Then we were both laughing. I looked over to see Dana and Simon just standing there staring at us. I took The Waiter by the hand and walked over to introduce him.

  “I know exactly who you are,” Dana said. “And I am so happy to finally meet you.”

  “Sammy’s told me so much about you.”

  “Dana and Simon came in yesterday. We’re going to the Village Halloween Parade tonight.”

  “Do you want to come with us?” Dana asked immediately.

  “I’d love to,” he replied, looking down at me. “If that’s okay with you.”

  “Of course. You’re not working today?”

  “No.”

  “Great,” Dana said. “And now, Simon and I are gonna check out the rest of the market and let you guys catch up. Call me later Sam and let me know what time we’re going out.” She hugged me and dragged Simon away.

  “I guess we have some catching up to do,” The Waiter said.

  “Definitely. But first I have to do something.” I walked over to the older gentleman. “Can I buy that album? Or one with that song on it? And one of your vintage record players, too.”

  “You certainly can my dear,” he said with a wink. “That’s why we’re here.”

  I turned to The Waiter. “Come help me pick out a record player.” I introduced myself and The Waiter to the couple. Their names were John and Adriana.

  “This is the first official purchase for my new apartment,” I said to them. “Well, I ordered a futon, but that hasn’t arrived yet so it doesn’t count.”

  “New apartment?” The Waiter asked. “Where?”

  “Tiemann Place and Riverside.”

  “Isn’t that where Josh lives?”

  “It’s exactly where Josh lives. I got his apartment. He’s moving in with Katie next weekend.”

  “Wow. That’s great. So where were you living before?”

  I was going to have to tell him. Everything.

  “That is a very long story.”

  “I’ve got time. Wanna get some coffee?”

  “I’d love to. Right after I pay for this.” I pointed to the cutest light blue record player I’d ever seen. It was similar to one my sisters had in the seventies. One that I wasn’t allowed to touch.

  “Let me buy it for you,” The Waiter said. I shook my head.

  “Thank you, but no. You can buy me a Sinatra record if you want.”

  “Deal.”

  The record player wasn’t cheap. Luckily, I had brought plenty of cash, as I was hoping to purchase one of those big mirrors I’d seen the first time I was here. Instead, I’d be walking away with a vintage 1960s Sears & Roebuck light blue suitcase-style record player, Dean Martin’s This Time I’m Swingin’ album, Frank Sinatra and Count Basie’s The Complete Reprise Studio Recordings, and The Waiter.

  We walked across the street to Isabella’s and ordered cappuccinos. I sat across the table from him and told him everything. How I’d gotten back together with Dalton. How he’d taken a long-term assignment here in New York. And how he’d kicked me out onto the street when I confronted him about cheating on me. I was totally expecting him to say, “I knew it,” or “I told you so.” Instead, he just reached across the table and held my hand.

  “I am so sorry you had to go through that. And I’m really sorry if my freaking out played any role in you taking him back.”

  I smiled at him. “No, t
hat was all on me.”

  He got up and moved his chair over next to me. We were face to face.

  “I just have one very important question for you,” he said.

  “Okay.” I braced myself, knowing he was going to ask how he could trust me not to take Dalton back just one more time.

  He leaned in and kissed me softly on the cheek.

  “Is it okay for me to call you ‘Red’ again?”

  CHAPTER 24

  ◆◆◆

  The look on Katie’s face when she saw me walk in with The Waiter was somewhere between shock and glee. She and Josh were standing at the bar, but Josh had his back to us. As we got closer, Katie nudged him. He turned around.

  “Hey man!” he said to The Waiter, shaking his hand excitedly. “Great to see you!” He seemed happier to see him than he was me. For a second, I thought he was actually going to hug him.

  “Great to see you guys too.”

  Katie hugged me as Josh greeted Dana and Simon. “Not too late,” she said under her breath.

  “Not too soon,” I replied.

  “So,” Josh said, smirking. “How did this happen?” Then he stopped himself. “You know what? I don’t even care how it happened. I’m just glad it did.”

  “Me too,” The Waiter said, wrapping his arms around me. I leaned back into his chest. It felt incredible and familiar. And safe.

  We headed to our table just as Lucy and Kyle walked in. Lucy immediately put her hand up in front of The Waiter and me.

  “Wait! What’s happening here?”

  I didn’t quite know how to answer her. After our cappuccinos at Isabella’s, the only thing The Waiter and I had agreed on was that he could call me ‘Red’ again. Then he headed to the gym while I went home to take a nap. We met Dana and Simon back at the hotel and then we all came here.

  The Waiter responded to Lucy’s question. “Sam’s giving me a second chance and I’m not gonna fuck it up this time.”

  She smiled at both of us approvingly. I smiled too.

  “Good,” she said. “Don’t.” Then she locked her arm in mine as we walked back to the table. “I’ll need details later, of course.”

  “Of course.”