Sweet Spot

It’s important to always find the sweet spot, in anything you do. My first job in RI was as a dapper waiter on Federal Hill. I wore a tuxedo, ran hard, had lots of laughs.. and quickly learned the state I was in! The customers were amazing and generous, mostly, but one night a snobby couple ran me for two hours, not satisfied nor short of condescending remarks. I knew to let this slide off, that being polite and courteous was the best move. So, as I poured a final coffee and set the check down, I thanked them as if they were magnificent customers, and on the forty-seven dollar tab, they departed, leaving two sad dollars. I did, however, notice they’d neglected to total the check, leaving the tip area empty. So now the sweet spot, after being nice, was to add a gracious 10 dollar tip, then total it up. Another waiter might have balked and taken the hit.. or added too much on the check, say 15 or 20 bucks, but that wasn’t the sweet spot. Ten looked pretty good all around.. and going forward. The pretty cashier smiled, rang up 57 with swift, nonchalant strokes and handed me a crisp 10. Off I went to the kitchen, to jaw with the chef, who also happened to be a darned good drummer! (: