Herbert Mendix Almost Got Conned and He Loved It!
Sometimes you have to amuse yourself
The lineup at the Cheesecake Factory was insane. Aventura Mall in South Florida was humming with people and Herbert Mendix was pressed against a pillar watching everybody around him being seated.
He’d arrived twenty minutes earlier and when he announced he needed a table for one, he could almost sense the Hostess laughing. ‘’We’ll get you seated as soon as a table becomes available. It might be a while.’’ Herbert watched a few small tables become available but for some reason he was being ignored. When he finally pushed his way back to the front the Hostess looked at him and smiled ‘’We haven’t forgotten you Herbert, we’re waiting for the right table.’’ Herbert smiled back ‘’I don’t care about the right table, I just want a table.’’ The Hostess was no longer smiling at the five foot eight, sixty two year old, thin, bald man in front of her. ‘’We will seat you when we can.’’ She then turned and walked away with menus in her hand. Herbert wondered where she was supposed to be going.
He worked his way back to the column holding up the restaurant and leaned back against it. He was watching a family of four discussing the merits of ordering two or three main courses when the Hostess summoned him. ‘’Your table is now ready.’’ She led Herbert to a small table across from a booth that was accommodating one woman. ‘’Enjoy your food.’’
The woman across from Herbert was striking. She was petite and very well appointed. She looked at Herbert and smiled ‘’Are you a table for one also?’’ Herbert thought he detected a French accent. ‘’Yup, unfortunately, it’s just me.’’ The woman didn’t take her eyes off of him ‘’I’m by myself also, I’ve been stood up for my lunch date. Would you care to join me?’’
This was something that never happened to Herbert. In his entire life it had never happened. He wondered if he should jump at the invite or just enjoy some good food by himself. The woman showed beautiful white teeth ‘’Please come join me, I really don’t bite — well I do, but food only.’’ The woman let out an adorable giggle. That was enough incentive, Herbert stood up and sat down across from her.
