The waitress cast a gaze in Dennis Bright’s direction and quizzically lifted a well-penciled eyebrow and wondered aloud what he was having. Bright, after some reflection, said he was having the small shrimp salad with French dressing and a cup of decaf.
Benny frowned and announced that he was reconsidering.
He would begin with the large turkey salad (Italian dressing), accompanied by a milk shake (chocolate). From there he would move on to the large sirloin (rare). He would finish with the apple pie, topped off with a generous portion of ice cream (tutti frutti, if possible; if not, strawberry). He also suggested that the waitress put a bottle of bubbles on ice, explaining that he and his friend were there to celebrate a great moment.
“We’re not allowed to serve alcoholic beverages,” said the waitress, as if repeating a mantra. “Kansas law.”
Benny feigned disbelief. “What? The State of Kansas discourages the celebration of great moments?”
The waitress ignored this question, glumly plucked the menus from their hands, and shuffled off with their orders.