Cod
Cod with a helping of kindness.
Rachel, a high school sophomore working her first paying job, smiled and said, “Welcome to Treaster’s. How may I help you?” The woman behind Rachel patted her on the shoulder.
Patrick continued to scan the menu rubbing his gray beard and making a hundred choices before settling on one.
“I think I’ll go with the fish combo, medium fries, and can I get an unsweetened iced tea?”
Rachel searched her screen. The trainer, Tanya, looked over her shoulder but didn’t say a word. Tanya then raised her eyebrows at Patrick and smiled.
“Sorry it’s taking so long,” Rachel said. “First day on the job.”
“Oh, take your time, uh, Rachel. Take your time.”
“Thank you,” Rachel whispered and her shoulders relaxed.
“Um, sir, we don’t have fish but it appears we do have cod. Is that…okay?”
In the split second it took to analyze her words, Patrick thought of a dozen things to say, none of them funny or helpful. He could see she was nervous and being trained.
“Oh, I think cod would be perfect today, Rachel. You’re doing great.”
Tanya smiled at Patrick’s words. She knew what he was doing and mouthed her own ‘Thank you’ in response.
“Thanks,” said Rachel. “So many things to learn.”
“Well, one thing at a time, young lady, one thing at a time. Pretty soon you’ll be managing this place,” Patrick said, inserting his credit card into the machine.
She chuckled and said, “Your order will be out shortly. Thanks for your patience and kind words.”