A new face

The time has come to introduce a new personality to our cast of
characters at the restaurant. This person isn't actually an employee,
but an increasingly regular customer. She used to come in with
friends and/or family in the past, before I really knew her. Now
she has been frequenting the restaurant with my pal Michelle.
They will sit for hours, rehashing their day at work, voicing their
frustrations or accomplishments, and in general just chilling.
They work together at a local retail location, selling cell phone
service and accessories. I will call this gal Fran here. She is in her
mid 20's, dark-haired (a huge plus in my book!), and thin. She has
had a colorful past, but has matured to the point where she is an
assistant manager where she works. One thing I have noticed
about Fran is that she is quite intelligent and has a good, if a bit
twisted, sense of humor. An example of the latter revealed itself
the other night this past weekend (when they usually visit). She
and Michelle had come in, both in kind of so-so moods, in part due
to work, in part due to personal relationship issues (i.e. boyfriend
problems.....phew, so glad I am married!). Well, they were sitting
there, waited on by their fave waitress Shaniqua, who, by the way,
has become the fave waitress for about 1/2 of our regular customers.
Both Michelle and Fran are amazed how Shaniqua is able to keep
their glasses full no matter how busy she is, and are impressed by
the fact they get extra cucumbers, pickles, and ranch dressing for
their food without even asking! But as usual, I digress. This group
of 4 high school kids came in, asking for a large table as more of
their friends were on the way, and that they may need a 2nd table.
These kids were a tad on the obnoxious side in their behavior; even
more bizarre was their mode of dress - you would think it was beach
weather, not in the 30's, by how they were attired. Anyway, simply
annoying by all counts. Fran, who was trying to get into a better
mood, begged me to not give them a bigger table, that they didn't
deserve it. In all honesty, I had no problem with that. They were all
slim, and I have seen skinny sorority and Asian girls squeeze up to 9
in such a booth! Plus we were fairly busy, so it wasn't like I had alot
of extra tables. So, when the additional friends of this group did
arrive, I presented them with two options, either a couple of chairs,
or for them to squeeze....which they did! Fran's face was priceless,
the look of joyous satisfaction, and I was just pleased that, even if
for just a moment, I was able to make her day! What I like about
Fran is that she is really trying to help Michelle get over that loser
ex-boyfriend of hers, making quite an effort to prove to Michelle
that she has self-worth and does not need her ex, who has treated
her like garbage. Granted, at times it is frustrating, as Michelle will
break down and call or text-message him, then get disappointed all
over again. It is like beating your head against the wall, but Fran has
demonstrated extreme patience. Michelle has not listened to her
other best friend, Helen, or to me, a big sister figure, so here's
hoping that Fran will get through to her at long last, so that Michelle,
who is a good person and deserves better, can get on with her life
instead of residing in a holding pattern.