My friend, a shy, softspoken fashion designer got in touch with me and decided to catch up over lunch. It was great meeting with him after seven long years, but nothing much had changed in him, besides his looks, as he still spoke in whispers.
We caught up for lunch at this cozy restaurant a few blocks away from our old college, and sat down to complement each other’s successes and stories of life on the other side of our books.
The waiter, an odd, grumpy middle age man interrupted our conversation to take our orders and I ordered the usual honey chicken and fried rice that I did almost everytime I went to a restaurant.
Once done with me, he turned to my buddy and asked him what he’d like only to be responded back in an inaudible mutter.
“I’m sorry” he asked. My friend tried again, a little louder than usual, but the middle aged man failed to catch his words
“Speak louder!” he scoffed “Why are you talking like a girl?”
My friend’s jaw dropped. He looked visibly hurt for a moment. I would have rushed in to defend my friend until he did something absolutely unimaginable. He stood up and locked eyes with the waiter and exclaimed “Did. You. Just… assume my gender!”
A hush fell over the entire restaurant! I was taken aback too. Seven years with dude and I had no idea he’s… . Well… .
The waiter was immediately uncomfortable. “I’m sorry si… ma’am… Sir… I didn’t mean… . “
“I need to see a manager” said my friend, clicking his fingers, his hand still rested on his waist.
The manager already aware of the situation, stepped in immediately to take charge of the situation..
“I’m sorry sir. Our staff member will be reprimanded. We apologize. The meal is on the house”
“You better be! ” said my friend. He sat back down on the chair and crossed his legs and waved the manager away.
When we were alone again, I turned to him and I said “Buddy… I didn’t know… you’re… . Well… um… ”
“Eh! Chill bruh! I’m straight”
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