Robert brought her a small scoop of chocolate gelato in a glass goblet, sprinkled with crushed nuts and topped with a cherry. It looked like the little sister of the Chocolate Surprise. The waiter also arranged a spoon and another napkin beside the dessert.
Thus far, the evening had been lovely. By her parents' expressions, Annie was sure that they had enjoyed themselves. Everything was okay.
Her parents finished their dessert. Robert came and helped Mother out of her chair and her parents left the restaurant arm in arm.
Annie had just eaten her last scoop of gelato, savoring the smooth bitter-cold taste of chocolate when Robert came up to her. "Your parents mentioned that dinner was most excellent," he informed her.
"It's all thanks to you." Annie gave a bright smile. "I couldn't have done it without your help."
"The pleasure is mine." Robert placed a small rectangular tray of notes on the table. "The balance of your budget and your receipt, Ms Billings," he announced.
Annie counted the money and deposited it all into her purse. She put the purse, her notepad, her pencil and the receipt into her handbag.
"Be sure to hide the receipt from your father," Robert reminded her with a twinkle in his eye.
"I will." Annie smiled again. "Thank you again for everything."
"I am happy to serve," Robert said as he helped her out of her seat. He then escorted her to the entrance.
"I trust everything went well?" Paul the head waiter asked optimistically from behind his stand at the entrance.
"Everything was perfect," Annie replied.
"Shall I call you a cab?" Paul offered.
"Yes, please."
The head waiter signaled the valet outside to stop a passing cab. When her transport home was ready, Annie expressed her thanks to the head waiter and went out to the cab. The valet handled the door for her.
***
The trip home was uneventful.
Though Annie's eyes were on the passing night scene outside the cab, her mind was still on the dinner. She was still excited about how well it had gone and how her parents had enjoyed it. She remembered their excited conversation and their happy expressions. By the time she arrived home, she had this deep desire to tell someone about it.
Big Sis was in the living room, reading one of her favorite magazines.
Perfect.
"So, how was it?" Big Sis asked.
"It was great!" Annie announced excitedly with a big happy smile, "Everything went smoothly. Mother and Father enjoyed their dinner... Mother ordered a great big chocolate dessert."
Big Sis smiled too. "Yes, Mum does like chocolate."
"They liked the food. They enjoyed the song. They talked a lot." Annie frowned. "I wish I could hear what they were talking about."
"Maybe you should let their private moments be private," Marie suggested.
"I guess you're right."
"Are you hungry?" Big Sis asked, "You didn't eat much before going."
"I had some sandwiches. The waiter, Robert, said it was 'with the house's compliments'." Annie thought for a moment. "Come to think of it, Robert gave me a number of treats. I kind of liked them too. Why'd he do that?"
"That's his job," Big Sis explained, "He entertains all customers, yourself included. He makes sure everyone is satisfied with the service. It's what I'll be doing after I graduate."
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