sweetness.

tonight at work, the cutest couple came in just as we were about to close.  the cooks had a huge fight in the kitchen because some of them began to clean up at 9:55 and we don't close 'til 10. we were, however, still open. she was pregnant, in a dress, and wearing a pendant with a "b" on it.  i couldn't help but think pat it, and roll it, and mark it with a b, and put it in the oven for baby and me. maybe her name was brooke or beth or brittany, or maybe she had the same thought i did and wanted a b for her baby.  i told her how darling her dress and necklace were, and that she got extra points for being pregnant.  she laughed and said, 'and! i mowed the lawn for the first time today!' a reason to celebrate, no doubt.  they had a starving student card (a big card with deals and stuff) and it was their first time in. they just couldn't decide what to get.  she was debating and looked up at her husband, saying it was too much and they shouldn't get such and such a meal. he said affectionately that she could get whatever she wanted. they finally ended up with pasta, salad, a chicken quesadilla, and 2 waters. they were both so sweet to me and sweet to each other.  i loved that they were having a baby. that they were using a starving student card, and were eating dinner at 10 pm. i loved that they got waters, and got 3 meals for just 2 people. i loved that she cared about spending too much, and he cared about her getting what she wanted. i imagine they don't go out to eat much, but decided on a friday night to try something new on a whim.  they took their time eating even though they were the last ones in the restaurant, and we mopped politely around them.  they were certain to tip into the big karma jar, and stacked their plates neatly--easy for me to clear their table. i expect they got to their small sedan and he opened the door for her, and they held hands, or not, on the way home.

there were other customers too. a nice american man who bought marco polo pastas for 3 tourists who were asian. lots of young hipsters coming in for a late cup of tortilla soup and water--all they could afford i suppose.  an upset man who insisted that he ordered raspberry cheesecake, when in reality, he ordered a large brownie a la mode. his family was embarrassed and tried to make up for him by laughing and saying thank you.

i got home around 11 pm tonight and had a hunkering for something sweet (since all my peanut butter cookies are out!).  i finally ended up at mcdonald's 24 hour drive thru.  i ordered a mcflurry and waited patiently outside the second drive-up window. i saw the teenager get my ice cream and set it down, but never handed it to me or attended to me. i think he finally asked his associates what i was waiting for and they said 'the mcflurry.' he was startled and scared.  i said thank you, to which he seemed so shocked.  he was speechless. and maybe he always is.  maybe he wasn't even trying or didn't care or didn't even think he messed up. and i didn't think he messed up either.  but for me, that was the first time in a long time i remember being cheerful.  sharing with all those i encounter how i feel on the inside, by letting it show on the outside.  i do think it's my job, among other things.  but i think i saw a real value in it tonight--there is virtue in being outwardly optimistic.  and it hasn't been something i possess. i want it to be though.