Chinese Food Lady and Me

I worry the Chinese food lady doesn't likes me.

We have been going to the same place ever since we moved here and it's pretty great.  They have online ordering, fast service, they're right around the corner, and the food is actually the best we've had around here.  Joe especially likes them because he has finally achieved the pivotal moment of every carry-out food relationship: recognizing his food order.  It's like when the person you are dating finally takes you to meet their family- you're in.  You get the benefit of being "a regular" which means they know you by name, allowed to make changes to your order without ridicule, and other fun surprises.

With me, however, I think I'm still working to get out of the "friend-zone."  But I'm making progress.  Take tonight, for example...

My mom needed a lift to Happy Dragon to rectify her order.  She had ordered the shrimp with vegetables and was disappointed to see a gel-like sauce instead of a savory brown sauce.  She called the restaurant and they offered to redo her order for her. 

I came in a few minutes afterwards and waited to make eye-contact with her.  She saw me and rather than a jovial smile, she simply said, "Can I help you?"  I sidled up next to my mother and before I could explain she said, "Are you with her?"

I nodded smiling and then she just turned back to the kitchen.  I was disappointed, but I wasn't going to give-up.

I considered the fact that I hadn't made a plan for dinner yet and since I was already here, maybe I ought to order some food for Joe and me.

I gathered up some courage and went to the counter.  She saw me and came forward.  And then, as usually happens when I'm trying to get someone to like me, I fumble and bumble.

"Uh, I uh, yeah, I think I will..um...make an order..."

She looked at me blankly, but I couldn't stop.

"I'll get his usual...the thing with the noodles, and the extra sauce...The chicken...the white meat...extra sauce.."

"The General Tsao's?"

"Yes!" I said as excitedly as if we were on the game show Password.  "And uh, I'll have the chicken with broccoli, please.  You know I wasn't even sure what we were going to do for dinner but then we came in here and the food smelled so good and I realized I had such a craving because the food is so good I figured we should treat ourselves because it smelled so good..." It was embarrassing.  I was mining for a smile, a wink, even a friendly nod.  I got nothing.  She wrote down the order and walked away.

I was like a frustrated loser at the bar that was getting no where.  I considered that for a second and then I realized what usually works for those guys that haven't got a prayer: money.  I opened my wallet and saw I had no bills so instead I'd leave her a tip on my card.  When she took the receipt back, I figured I had done it- I was finally in!  Maybe this would open the door to some awesome treats like free Won-ton Soup or bonus dumplings and egg rolls.

Instead, she uttered a thanks and handed me the food when it was ready.  It was over.  I had been shot down.  Disheartened, I slumped over to get our drinks.

"Hey, do you need a bag for the sodas?" she called to me as I grabbed the two cans from the fridge.

"Why, yes.  Yes, I would please.  Thank you," I said and gratefully took the bag she offered.

We left the restaurant, saying our thanks again and made our way to the car, and I couldn't help smiling.  I think I finally scored...