Say When

Finally...

“Oh good,” Nevin said after the waitress put his plate of pasta in front of him and picked up the cheese grater. “I like grated cheese.”

Kate the waitress started grinding over Nevin’s pasta and said, “Say ‘when’…sir.”

“Did I happen to mention I like grated cheese?” Nevin asked.

She chuckled and continued to grate. A full inch of cheese was already resting on top of the pasta, even as she circled the grater to ensure the pasta was fully covered. Most people would’ve stopped her ten seconds ago, but not Nevin.

“Nevin!” his wife Mindy said. “That’s enough.”

“Leave me alone. I like cheese. And besides, this young lady told me to say when. Just obeying orders. Wouldn’t want her to feel as if I were ignoring her, would you?”

“When!” Mindy said.

Kate pulled the grater up and smiled at the look Nevin was giving his wife.

“Enjoy your pasta-flavored cheese,” Kate said.

“Oh, I am enjoying this,” Mindy said.

“Last time I’m coming here,” Nevin said just after Kate disappeared.

“Oh, we’ll be back, Nevin, stop it already. You’re embarrassing yourself.” Mindy said. “The food’s good and the cute waitress gives you everything you like. Plus, she’s your daughter. What’s not to like about this place?”

“True. I just can’t get over that she actually has to listen to me now that she’s on her own and out of the house.”