SETTING: Khi Mao Kitchen
SCENE: Casual Thai FSR
LOCATION: Strip-mall, Suburbs
DAY: Friday
TIME: Evening
FOH STAFF: Server-1, Bartender GUESTS: Nadine, Frank
************Second turn of a dinner rush late Friday night. The restaurant is full and lively, infused with a palpable upbeat energy amongst FOH staff and diners alike. The incessant chatter from diners increases in volume drowning out the BRM, a surefire sign that they're ready and waiting to be served. Server-1 approaches table 18 to greet Nadine who is using her phone as a mirror for final touch-ups before her date arrives.
SERVER-1 (S-1): You look great.
NADINE (N): Oh!...Thanks.
{Nadine startles with a nervous giggle.}
S-1: Sorry didn't mean to sneak up on you
N: I'm early. But he should be here soon.
{Nadine absentmindedly responds still primping on her phone.}
S-1: That's fine. Can I get you anything while you wait?
N: I think I'm good. He texted he's about 5, 10 min out. So I'll just wait.
S-1: No worries. Just didn't want you waiting on us.
N: No, wait. A drink. Alcohol..
{With her phone still gripped in her right hand, Nadine seamlessly diverts her attention dragging her left pointer finger down the list of items on the food menu.}
S-1: One alcohol?
{Server-1's voice trails off in a lilting cadence as she suggestively nudges the drink menu underneath Nadine's sightline. Nadine swaps menus flipping it over twice as her eyes dart up and down doom scrolling the list of cocktails.}
N: I don't know. What do you like?
{Nadine looks up to peer over her phone screen’s sightline finally making eye contact with Server 1.}
S-1: Whiskey. Maybe an old fashioned. Can't go wrong with a classic.
N: Whisky? Oof. But guys like that, right? Girls who drink whiskey.
S-1: Couldn't tell ya.
N: No. Too strong. A Cosmo...no. Too girly. Wine. Yes. A white wine. Something sweet?
S-1 A glass of Riesling then?
N: Make it two. Please. keyboard_arrow_down
Nadine mindlessly returns her attention to her phone. Server-1 sends her order before making the rounds to check in with her tables and then heads to the service bar to collect Nadine’s wines.
Bartender (B): Drinking for two eh? The lonely diners club's about to get even more depressing.
S-1: Wrong on the first count because it's definitely date night at the Apollo. But you nailed it on the vibe. Dating is fucking depressing.
B: Not as depressing as it'll be if he's a no show. Think it's their first?
S-1: Pregaming a date by double fisting wine? My money’s on first date jitters. Second at the most. Can't say I blame her though. Dating…as an adult. Shits fuckn brutal man.
B: Can't be all that bad. Though come to think of it. Don't think I've ever been on an ADULT date.
S-1: That can't be true. How do you meet people?
B: I DON'T meet people. But usually through Friends, coworkers…getting drinks or hanging out after work. I haven't dated dated since maybe highschool? Even then...
Server-1 drops off both glasses of wine at table 18 avoiding Nadine's grabby hands. With one glass raised, Nadine leans right to look past Server 1 at the opening door and skinnies herself attempting to hide behind her phone and Server-1 as she chugs her first glass of wine.
N: Shit. Don't move.
{Half standing with one arm raised she flags Frank over to the table as she hands Server 1 the empty glass.}
Frank (F): Looks like the party started without me.
N: Hardly. It's only my first glass.
{Frank looks quizzically at the empty glass in Server 1's hand as he sits across from Nadine.}
N: Sorry, I don't know why I said that. It's my second.
F: Well, I better catch up. Can I get a Coors light?
S-1: Sorry. No domestic. We only have Thai beers.
F: Ok. Um, whatever's light then.
S-1: Alright. Let me grab that beer. Let you settle in and look over the menu. I'll be back to answer any questions you might have and please do let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies that the kitchen should be aware of. keyboard_arrow_down
N: I have herpes.N: I have herpes.
S-1: OK…So…one Singha.
{Server 1 retreats quickly from the table to wait by the service bar.}
