We were dining out at a local restaurant recently and were pretty liberal in
the amount of food and drinks we ordered (there were twelve of us). We
weren't loud and obnoxious, as large groups _can_ get but were enjoying
ourselves.

When the time came to pay the bill, SWMBO reviewed the check and noticed a
couple discrepencies (three drinks and an appetizer added); not a huge
amount given the overall bill but not items we were provided. She brought it
up to the hostess and she, in turn, brought it to the waiter. He immediately
returned and tossed the "revised" bill into the middle of the table with, "I
can't believe this..."

It stopped all conversations.

I reached for it and reviewed it this time and walked back up to the
hostess' station.

"Get John. Now."

"Is there something I can help you with?"

"Yes. You can get John."

The waiter came over at that point and asked, "Is there something wrong this
time?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact there is. Nothing John can't fix, though." I said
in my most charming tone.

"Then let me look at it again," he demanded as he stuck his hand out for the
bill.

There are times when Death rides my shoulder and this was one such moment. I
simply stared at him. He became uncomfortable and started to shift back and
forth and his arm dropped to his side.

John emerged from the back of house and saw me staring at the waiter. "Mr.
Ranger. How may I be of service."

"There was a minor mistake made and when SWMBO brought it to our server's,"
I gestered to the waiter still standing there, "he corrected it but then
tossed it at our table with a comment. He's still giving attitude and I'd
like to adjust his tip accordingly."

John was no longer looking at me but glaring a hole into his waiter's
forehead. "Certainly. May I see the receipt?"

I handed it over and John handed it to our waiter. "You'll pay for this
ticket. Now. You'll immediately apologize to this customer and his wife and
then come see me. Will there be anything else, Mr. Ranger."

"No," I said extending my hand, "thank you."

I walked back to the table and our waiter apologized to everyone then went
into the back to "see John."

I'll still visit the restaurant but I was floored by the attitude copped by
the waiter. What's up with that?!

The Ranger