We have newlyweds come into our restaurant on a regular basis. Even though we've seen so many of them, each couple is sweet in their own way. Our jaded attitudes are momentarily swayed by the excitement in the eyes of a pair of people who were married yesterday. The first dinner after the wedding day is usually a relaxed affair, and it's nice to see the two unwind and chat about the whirlwind they just went through with friends and families.
I had the pleasure of serving just such a couple this weekend. The new bride was literally glowing as she thanked me no less than two dozen times for my service. The groom was decked out in a bright orange blazer with a giant "T" pin on the lapel. Tennessee fans, man. They are hardcore.
As their meal came to an end, I presented them with the check and wished them luck and many happy years. They lingered for a bit, and finally went on their merry, married way. The next time I walked by their table, nothing was left except the check presenter, open to their signed bill. Some guests do this -- they don't bother closing it back up after they've signed the check, which leaves my tip hanging out there for all to see. I hate that. It's my income and MY business. Public Service Announcement: Shut the check presenter after you've signed your bill. Thank you.
Shutting the bill would have helped this new groom, because as I approached the table and picked it up, I saw a bright orange band of gold sitting beneath it. At first I didn't know what it was. Surely, it couldn't be his wedding ring? It was BRIGHT. ORANGE. Does gold even come in that color? Then I remembered his blazer. His lapel pin. His accent. Oh man, this woman married a guy who couldn't even declare his love for eternity without dying it orange first.
I glanced around the restaurant and saw the gentleman and his wife standing at the bar, watching television. Fortunately, he had been distracted by football on the way out, like most of the red-blooded males that finish a meal with us. I discreetly went up to him and tapped him on his shoulder, then motioned to the ring in my palm. He attempted to pocket it without his wife knowing, but she leaned over and saw right through us. She exclaimed "Are you serious?!" as I shrugged and told him, "I tried."
Up until this weekend, the only jewelry that man wore was a Tennessee lapel pin. He's going to have to get used to making room on his finger for the other love of his life.