Service Without A Smile
They could have just paid their server and left, never to return, but NOOOO! Gerard always caught the wrong end of the customer service stick. How did the kitchen seem to know to make a major screw up when he was in the middle of running payroll or doing the grocery order? If only he’d gone to college, he’d be an up-market gentleman with clients worth millions. Instead his days were spent consoling white collar foodies whose eggs were over cooked, directing tourists to the lady’s room, or shooing divers from the dumpster. Damn his loyalty to the family business!
Thanks to Rochelle and Roger and all of the Friday Fictioneer writers. You can read their stories here.
Honie Briggs 
I think I’ve avoided FF because I miss it so much, but I am stuck and treading water. However, I have been watching for word of a job, and oh, I’m SOOO happy for you! Can’t wait to hear more about it! Mazel Tov Steph, you SO deserve this! xo
A few – very few – people I know have said, “I love my job!” And I smile as my mind whirls thinking REALLY? WHAT? HOW COOL IS THAT? Knowing that I’ve never said that. Thank goodness I’m retired. You caught all that and more in this tale.
Gerard’s unfulfilled potential, probably more than the job itself, is what’s bugging him.
I envy those who have jobs they love… but even they must have days… 😉
Yep, the expectation to be on your game all the time has its costs. Only the rich and famous know how much.
Good story, Stephanie. It is a good reminder why it is called “work,” all of the other four-letter words are taken.
Chin up, press on and enjoy this time off. When you land that job your personal time will be shorter and more precious.
Ω
How right you are, Allan. I have not forgotten the night shifts, being on call, working holidays and weekends. Personal time was while brushing my teeth.
Amen to having a good Dental Plan, Stephanie. Those “seeds” you have been planting should start to come to fruition soon. Good luck with the Job Front.
Ω
Nice story. I liked Gerard’s loyalty to the family. I think everyone hates their job at times.
The things we do for family.
Oh.. I wonder if there is ever a place without what-ifs
Wonder no more, Björn, for what if we had a dollar for every time we asked it? It is the million dollar question.
Poor Gerard he must feel his life wasting away.
Oh the grind. Keeps turning and churning.
It does.
Dear StepHonie,
As some friends of mine used to say, “Life be’s dat way sometimes.” Perhaps it’s not too late for Gerard. Well written. I could feel his frustration.
Shalom,
Rochelle
And I bet he has to refill the ketchup bottles, too. Life sucks!
Yep, that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Gerard lost it when he discovered the servers neglected their side work for an entire three day weekend. There was hell to pay on Monday!
Poor Gerard, I hope he has some good days and happy customers too!
Gerard needs a new attitude and possibly a vacation.
Poor Gerard. Stuck in a dead-end job. To expand on Christine’s comment, “The grass may be greener on the other side of the fence, but you still have to mow it.”
My neighbors have artificial turf in their yard. It is sooo green.
The other man’s grass is always greener.😉 A doctor once told a friend that being a doctor gets pretty boring at times.
Boredom is a signal that we need to look for something productive to do.