Lobster Stew

One too many

The waitress, Rosalind, brought out the lobster stew and placed it on the table in front of Hayden. She placed a Cobb salad in front of the empty seat across from him.

“Is this what I ordered?” Hayden asked.

“Yes, sir it is. Maine lobster stew. And your wife ordered the salad. Why, what did you think you ordered?”

“No, I’m just having a mental lapse is all. I never have lobster because I’m allergic to it…I think. And I normally order salads with my entrees.”

“I’m sorry. It was probably my fault.”

“No, no. You’re all right,” Hayden said. “If you brought it out, I must have ordered it.”

Rosalind backed away from the table and went back into the kitchen.

Faye returned from the Ladies Room and asked, “Everything okay, Hayden? You look a little upset.”

“No, not upset. Confused,” said Hayden. “She brought me out lobster stew.”

“Yeah, that’s what you ordered, isn’t it?”

“I can’t remember. I don’t think I did.”

“You did. I was right here when you did it. Even made a comment about the waitress’ last name, Tyson, remember that?”

Hayden slowly shook his head ‘no.’ He reached up to his left eye and it was still nearly swollen shut.

“How’d I get this, Faye? I don’t remember.”

“Hayden, do you remember your fight this afternoon? You had seven good rounds and then you were knocked out. Your body stiffened up like a board. You were out cold for nine minutes. Do you remember that at all?”

Hayden tilted his head and said, “Not really. I remember I was supposed to fight and a round maybe two but after that, it’s a blur.”

He paused before lifting the spoon full of stew.

“Honey,” Hayden said. “I know it’ll seem drastic, but I’ve been thinking lately. Maybe I should find another line of work.”

“Thought you’d never say that, Sweetie,” Faye said. “I’ve already asked Daddy and he’s got a management position for you at the warehouse, in the packaging department, that is, if you want it.”

Hayden smiled and said, “Chief Boxer perhaps?”

“Sure, that would suit you fine, Hayden.”

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