I’m waiting tables at a steakhouse. It’s a quiet night, and one of my regulars comes in. Same time, same booth, same meal every Saturday night. Just a small steak and some beer to take the edge off, and then another to sip on while idly watching whatever happens to be on the TV across the room.
I’m making some small talk while asking if he would like his usual when the front door slams open and a group of 4 or 5 guys clamor in, one aiming a camera at the biggest, bandana-clad buffoon of the lot. They brush past the hostess and the ringleader loudly declares to no one in particular that he is here to take on the Belly Buster Challenge, rambling on about some sort of YouTube time record for completing it in under an hour.
Casually watching now, my regular and I watch the “influencer” - or whatever he was - tear into the pile of steak with gusto, slow down about ½ way through, and simply give up soon afterwards complaining of how salty the steak was today. His loud crowd now silenced, they all sheepishly leave the restaurant.
As I gather up the plate of remaining steak to toss it, I feel bad having to make the quiet man wait so long for his food–which had still not even made its way to the grill given this abrupt massive set-back–and offer him either a discount on his meal (which would be ready “shortly”), or he could have the rest of this platter on the house given that it was still hot and ready and steak can’t be uncooked.
He mulls it over for a bit and happily accepts. He slowly cuts into the steak and savors it, chewing slowly and happily sampling the various different sauces. The Cowboys game is just starting, and the peaceful mood returns to the restaurant. No need to rush the evening.
As I attend my other tables, I realize that I am acutely aware of how the massive platter of steak is beginning to vanish more and more rapidly. Perhaps it is the increased speed of the soft clinking of his fork and knife, or maybe it is the slow but certain bulge of his belly pressing further and further out against the table each time I walk by. Topping up his pint glass for the 4th time–or was it the 5th–I begin bringing out little dessert samplers for him to taste test as well. These are not requested, but they are well received. And I am oh so very curious about where his limit might actually be.
After finishing the very last bite of steak, he sighs and leans back, stuffed to the brim and absolutely content. It is closing time now, and I am finishing sweeping up. All the other patrons have left and my staff are all heading out the door, anxious to get to a movie on time.
As he begins to slowly get to his feet, I hear the sound of a thread or two snapping before slow lumbering footsteps head my way. Pivoting gracefully, I spin to face him, trying to hide a smile as he sheepishly asks if I have a phone he can borrow to call a cab, as he had much more to drink than he had planned on that night.
Checking my watch, I realize there is very little chance that he will find a ride at this hour, and instead I offer to drive him home, as he lives only a little ways away. But I make the offer on one condition. I have been on my feet all day and haven’t had a chance to eat yet, so I want to sit down for a minute or three and get a quick bite…and maybe some dessert.
Trying to contain my enthusiasm as he squeezes back into the booth, I bring out a smorgasbord of leftovers that would otherwise go to waste. As the conversation flows, I keep his glass topped up and continually suggest that he tries a little bit of the cole slaw, then some of the baked potato, then a rib or two or four, then back for some baked beans, all the while noting how his belly is now pushing onto the table as well as under it, how the old booth creaks when he shifts his weight. When I happily spring to my feet when all the food is gone, briskly bringing the empty dishes to the kitchen, I am overjoyed to hear the labored struggling behind me, knowing full well that in all my years as a waitress, this is the first time someone has truly eaten so much that they physically can’t get out of the booth! Gliding back to the table, I am awestruck by the sight that greets me. Stuck and panting from the exertion, comically distended belly pressed up against the table and forcing his back against the wall, he struggles a little longer to wriggle free before melting back into the booth, gazing imploringly at me for aid.
Perching on the table now, I place one small ice cream sundae before him, pressing it forward gently. “After this, then we can go home. But I’m sure you’ve got room for desserts.”
***
A submission from justkeeprunning at Feabie.
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