It looks like things are set.
Well, I seem to have earned some brownie points in my granddaughter's eyes today. When Tanomi dropped her off for training, she wanted to know more about the place I'm taking that woman to tonight. Since I wanted to make sure the reservation were set, I figured I'd just bring her there so she could see for herself.
The loby and the elevator didn't impress her that much, but when we got into the place, she walked around carefully, studying the tables, the carpeting, the seats, the glasses and silverware. There were people rushing around getting everything ready for tonight, but she couldn't have cared less. She was going to scope out every inch of that place and she did.
Finally, she came over and nodded. "I think this place is almost good enough for Grandmother."
I confirmed the reservations. The host/manager/ whatever the hell he is, I guess the guy who has to wear a tuxedo is the best way to describe him, asked me if I wanted roses on the table.
"What the hell for?"
"It's a service we offer. For fifty dollars more, we put a dozen beautiful, long stemmed, hothouse red roses on the table, in a vase. When you leave, you may take them home with you."
As I started to tell him that idea was dumb, Mikomi interruped. "Perfect. Yes, do that."
"I don't need your help!"
She looked at me and shook her head. "Yes you do, Grandpa."
I think the man in the tuxedo knew who the real boss was, because then he asked her if that woman and I, were interested in a special desert. "It's called chocolate decadence. It takes awhile for the kitchen to prepare it properly, so we like to know in advance if it will be wanted. It's large enough for two to share." He then went on to describe this desert, but I stopped listening, because frankly, I didn't care.
Mikomi nodded. "Yes, they'll want that."
I looked at her. "Anything else you think you should know about while we're at it?"
She though for a moment, then nodded and turned back to Mr. Tux. "What table will you be putting them at?"
He showed her a decent enough table in the center of the room. Mikomi frowned at that. "No, this won't do at all."
"I understand that most people want the booths by the window, but those are very popular," Tuxedo man explained.
Mikomi just stared at him. "My grandfather is no ordinary man, and my grandmother is no ordinary woman. They deserve special seating arangements."
Mr. Tuxedo stared at me, I think he was wondering if I was a celebrity or politician. But of course he couldn't place who I was. So he looks back at Mikomi. "I'm sorry, Miss, but-"
Mikomi interrupts him. "But nothing. I'm sure arrangements can be made. I'm sure if you were to get a bonus of some sort, for making these arrangements, you'd be able to find my grandfather and grandmother a proper table. Like that one." She pointed to this table right by one of the windows, clearly a prime spot far away from both the entrance and the kitchen.
"What type of bonus?" Like most humans doing menial work, Mr Tuxedo, of course, can be bought.
"Would a hundred dollars be fair?"
Mr. Tuxedo pretended to think about it, then finally nods, like we can't see the dollar signs in his eyes. "Yes, I think for that bonus, that table would become vacant. In fact, I think we had a cancellation for that very table."
Mikomi nodded. "Good. Pay him, Grandpa."
And the next thing I know it, I'm pulling out my wallet and handing him the cash. My granddaughter is good. I'd be annoyed if I didn't admire her so for being able to manipulate people like she does.
Once Mikomi was sure everything was going to happen to her satisfaction we returned home. That woman was out getting her hair done for tonight. I wasn't sure who was going to be watching Victoria, but I guess my mother-in-law is coming over. I know Tanomi volunteered, but he's got his new hot tub to enjoy and and an evening with Vezelay. And I do trust Mrs. Briefs with my child. She may be a flake, but she did raise that woman, who turned out fine.
Well, I guess I should go get ready for this. I wouldn't want to be too late, considering all the trouble my granddaughter went to to make sure this would be an enjoyable evening.