One Quiet Afternoon
He'd spent months serving his country and had done it well. Scarred, marred, and proud, he only wanted to have one quiet afternoon of peace accompanied by good food and company.
But the manager had other ideas the moment she saw him walk through the restaurant's front doors.
No one could have predicted how disastrous this would end.
It Was A Promise
But Griff hadn't thought this would happen when he decided to enter the restaurant for his dinner.
He'd been hearing good things about it and wanted to see what the hype was all about.
After six months on the front lines, surrounded by the booming sounds of explosions and gunfire, he'd promised to visit this place as soon as he stepped on home soil. If only he knew what awaited him.
Returning Home
Private First Class Griffiths Geller had been on the front lines for half a year before he finally returned home. At only twenty-three years old, he'd achieved a lot in his life.
After graduating high school, Griff signed up and joined the Marine Corps.
He wanted to make his family proud while also pursuing his lifelong dream of being in the Force.
Deployment
Like many motivated young people today, Griff poured his heart and soul into becoming a Marine. He went through all the necessary steps, culminating in his deployment several months later.
Griff proved his worth, armed to the teeth and fighting alongside his fellow country people, knowing he was doing his country proud.
But soon enough, his deployment came to an end, thrusting him into a new life.
A Restaurant In Tampa
While on deployment, Griff had heard a few of his friends and Marine buddies talk about a local high-end restaurant just outside the base in Tampa, where he was usually based.
A Chicago native, Griff didn't know much about Florida but wanted to change that as soon as he hung up his weapons.
But the treatment he'd get there would be unlike anything he'd ever encountered.
Happy To Be Home
Dressed in his combat fatigues and with his Marine duffle bag slung over one shoulder, Griff walked out of the Marine base. The sun was still high in the sky, although the day was tilting toward a late afternoon.
The air was hot and dry, although heavy with the love that can only be found in your home country.
Griff inhaled it with a sad smile, happy to be home. But nothing good would come of his day.
Something Delectable
Griff stuffed his duffle bag into the trunk of his truck and turned on the engine.
His mouth was already watering as he imagined all the delicacies he'd wolf down that day.
For the past seven months, he'd been chowing down army food, which, although tasty and healthy, had become monotonous. Today, this Marine wanted something delectable.
At The Restaurant
The drive to the restaurant was a short one. The roads were fairly empty, with one or two cars overtaking Griff.
He pulled into the restaurant's parking lot and hopped out.
With one look around, his face split into a smile. While on duty, one of his friends had shown him a picture of this place. Griff’s lips curled farther, seeing that everything matched what he'd seen.
Walking In
The Marine stepped forward, leaving his duffle bag in the trunk of his vehicle.
He hurried to the restaurant's large double glass doors, and a well-dressed concierge greeted him.
Griff greeted him respectfully, even throwing in a friendly smile to keep things casual. But the man eyed him from head to toe, grimacing before speaking.
Out Of Place
"Can I help you, sir?" he asked in a posh, almost European accent. He was twirling his mustache as he spoke, clearly unsure whether Griff was supposed to be there.
"Yes," Griff said. "I wanted to try out the restaurant. I have a reservation."
"Oh," exclaimed the concierge. "And will you be going in dressed like that?"
He’s Not Here To Impress Anyone
"Yes," answered Griff. He'd already noted that he was the only one not dressed in a crisp black and white suit in this immaculate space.
Even his truck in the parking lot had looked out of place, surrounded by luxury sedans as far as the eye could see. But Griff wasn't here to impress anyone.
He only wanted to eat and fulfill an oath to an army buddy.
Right This Way
The concierge turned to his computer, pressing a few buttons before ushering Griff to the restaurant. "Right this way, sir," he said.
Unlike the hot, dry air outside, the restaurant's atmosphere was cool and refreshing.
Mellow piano music emanated from an unknown place, and countless servers weaved around carrying large plates of food. Griff thought he was right where he was supposed to be, unaware he was being watched.
A List Of Delicacies
The concierge handed him to a waitress, who eyed him from head to toe before taking him to his reserved booth. She gave him a menu, smiled, and walked away.
As Griff looked at the endless lists of delicacies, his mind started wandering back to the front lines.
His eyes turned glossy as he remembered the real reason he was here.
Wishful Thinking
You see, while on duty, he and his closest buddy, Ricky, had been talking about what they'd want to do the minute they got home. Griff told Ricky he wanted to drive home to his family first.
He wanted to show them all the incredible medals he'd attained and all the fantastic photos he'd taken.
He wanted to talk to his dad about the horrors he'd witnessed because, just like him, his dad had been a serviceman. But what was Ricky's wish?
Meet Ricky Ford
Unlike Griff, Ricky Ford had grown up without biological parents. After spending years in several foster homes, he'd found his family with the Marines. He'd finally felt seen, loved, and appreciated.
Unlike Griff, this was his second deployment.
They'd started their relationship as enemies, with Ricky constantly butting heads with Griff. But that changed as soon as the two were beyond enemy lines.
Telling Him About The Restaurant
A strong bond was birthed between the two battle brothers, and for months, they spent time trading stories of where they were from.
A Tampa native, Ricky, shared about the restaurant and how great its food was.
A few Marines who had also lived in Tampa for a few months agreed with him, saying the restaurant was a must-visit for anyone who loved authentic Italian food. But they failed to mention one crucial thing.
Making Plans
Ricky and the other marines egged Griff to visit the restaurant when he finally returned home.
Ricky even offered to take him there, saying he'd show Griff the time of his life.
By now, the two had become best friends, barely separable unless it was by their corporal's order. Visiting the restaurant had been the two's plan for a good three months before disaster struck.
IED Attack
The disaster came in the name of an IED attack. On his last breath, Ricky begged Griff to see their plan through. In tears, Griff nodded, frantically trying to put pressure on Ricky's chest.
Sitting in the restaurant alone, the memory came to the Marine, so vivid that he ate back a whimper.
He could still smell the stench of burnt flesh and melted metal. He wouldn't stop until he saw his promise through.
A Hero
Griff's reason for visiting the restaurant was more than the food. He was here for his best friend, to honor his life and the good he'd done for their country. Ricky was as heroic as he was selfless and brave.
He’d taken that IED hit and saved his entire fire team. He was never afraid to step into the dark, where nothing but chaos reigned.
He was everything Griff hoped to be one day, and Griff would honor him the best way he could.
A Line-Up Of Food
In their talks, Ricky had given Griff a line-up of the foods to order while at the restaurant.
He'd talked about how each food in the three-course meal would complement each other, slowly building off the last's flavor.
"I wish you were here, bud," Griff whispered, and holding back tears, called the waitress to take his order. But everything was not as it seemed.
An Unexpected Encounter
As Griff waited for his meal, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched.
Glancing around the restaurant, his eyes met with the intense gaze of the restaurant's concierge, the same man who had eyed him disapprovingly at the entrance.
Their eyes locked for a moment, and Griff felt a pang of discomfort. He shifted in his seat, wondering if he had somehow offended him or if his mere presence had triggered something.
Can’t Put A Finger On It
The Marine had gotten the feeling that something was off the moment he stepped into the restaurant. The way the concierge had looked at him was a clear indication.
But he couldn't put a finger on what was going on. Alert, he kept his eyes peeled.
He'd learned the hard way what happens when you let your guard down, even if it is for a second.
Staying Alert
"I need to be alert," he whispered, remembering the price he'd paid for being lax. It had all happened in the flash of a second.
He and his fire team had been on a drive down neutralized territory, eager to return to their base.
The sun was just as high as today, and Griff was anxious to get to base to take a breather. He had no idea how terrible things were about to get.
How It Happened
It started with an explosion, a loud and crunchy sound followed by their vehicle flying feet into the air.
Pain and darkness followed, and before Griff knew it, Ricky was pulling him away from the burning wreckage.
"It's gonna be alright," Ricky kept repeating even though his face was slick with crimson. He placed Griff feet away from the wreck and hurried back to help the rest of their fire team. If Griff would have known what was about to happen, he'd have powered through his injuries to help.
Injuries
A bleeding Griff had suffered injuries to his left thigh and ribs. Although he could move, he convinced himself to take a breather.
Ricky was already doing a great job helping their remaining two fire team members.
But this lapse in judgment would end up costing Griff more than he'd bargained for. He heard Ricky curse and looked up to see his friend sprinting away with the device.
Hidden By The Buildings
Someone, hidden by the scores of destroyed buildings around them, had thrown the IED, and Ricky was the only one standing between it and his fire team.
He ran with it, hurling it just as it detonated.
Usually a strong soldier, the accident had taken a toll on him. He'd been injured, too, although he was helping everyone.
Go To Him!
Griff watched the device detach from his grip, flying before it ticked, quaked, and roared, issuing flames. The force from the explosion flung Ricky away.
Griff moved to him, dragging his injured foot as he hurried to his friend.
"Ricky?" he cried out, his ears ringing, wounds oozing out precious liquid, and his heart thundering within his chest. "Ricky!"
Charred And Melted
Although he didn't see it before, he did now. Half of his friend's face was charred and melted beyond recognition. He twitched and reached out for Griff's hand.
His eyes were wide. One of them was bloodshot, the other filled with tears.
"The restaurant," he stammered. He could barely get his words across! "Do it for me. Promise." Griff knew he couldn't say "no" to such a request.
It’s My Fault
Although everyone around Griff insisted that what happened wasn't his fault, he couldn't help but feel responsible for what had happened to his best friend.
Perhaps things would have been different if he'd gotten to his feet and went to help.
He might have had a chance to see that device before it was too late. He would have saved his best friend's life.
Burning Memories
Griff took a deep breath as the memories flooded his mind. He worked hard to keep them at bay.
He needed to enjoy this moment, to experience this restaurant the way his friend wanted him to.
He would put his pain away for now and fulfill his promise. But in his vulnerable state, he'd end up doing something that would haunt him for the rest of his life.
He’s Studying Him
"Stay alert," he repeated and scanned the restaurant floor again. The concierge was still studying him, a look of pure disdain painted all over his face.
"Don't focus on him," Griff whispered to himself. All he needed was to enjoy his meal and leave.
Whatever prejudices the concierge had, he'd have to take up with his bosses, not Griff.
He Has Company Now
Griff looked away from the man, noticing that another individual had joined him where he stood.
The man wore a sharper version of the concierge's suit and had an air of superiority about him.
The concierge talked to him before jutting his chin at Griff, and the man's eyes broadened the moment he locked eyes with the Marine. Was there something wrong?
Don’t Blink
Griff had never been one to shy away. He stared straight at the men, not blinking, let alone breaking eye contact.
He was sure the two were talking about him and was about to get up and confront them.
Why were they looking at him like he didn't belong here? Didn't he make a reservation like the rest of the other customers? Didn't he show up on time, and wasn't he just as calm and well-behaved as everyone else?
Groomed
Griff was well groomed, with his uniform fresh off the drier and well pressed. He slowly looked away, trying to focus on the beautiful decor and the soft piano music playing in the background.
When the waitress finally brought his food, Griff's mouth watered at the sight of the beautifully plated dishes.
He could almost imagine Ricky sitting across from him, sharing stories and laughter. But the bill would leave him heartbroken.
A Toast
Even though Griff was enjoying his food, he couldn’t help but think of Ricky and how much he would have enjoyed having him sitting across the table from him.
He sniffled as he thought of his fallen friend and discreetly made a toast in his honor.
“To you, Ricky boy. May we meet again on the other side.”
Uneasy
As Griff continued his meal, he still felt some uneasiness.
It felt like the whole restaurant was staring at him. As if eyes were boring into his back.
He felt very uncomfortable because he knew that he seemed a little out of place in the fancy restaurant. But still, he wasn’t going to let some people ruin his day.
Anxious
He was there for a special reason, and Ricky would want him to ignore what was bothering him and have a great day.
Ricky was a cheerful guy, and Griff hoped his cheerfulness would someday rub off on him.
He was an anxious mess, and it all stemmed from his time on the front lines of war. But today, he just wanted to forget about it as the waitress brought around more food.
Tasteless Food
The Marine ordered his plates, one after the other. He started with the appetizers, followed by the main course and dessert. Everything was cooked to perfection.
But Griff couldn't immerse himself in the food when his friend wasn't here with him.
He knew he would have to drive to his grave soon, and that alone withered his insides. But for now, he needed to finish his plate.
Seventy Dollars
The Marine finished everything he'd ordered and asked for the bill.
He'd worked the math for everything while ordering and knew he wouldn't spend more than seventy dollars on everything.
But the waitress handed him a bill that had him shooting to his feet. "Excuse me," he called. "I think there's a problem with my bill."
The Shocking Bill
The waitress glanced at the bill and then back at Griff, seemingly unfazed by his concern.
"I assure you, sir, the bill is accurate," she said in a tone that made it clear she wasn't going to back down.
Griff stared at the numbers on the bill, feeling his blood boil. The total amount was staggering. He had expected a reasonable bill, considering he had meticulously planned his order within his budget.
A Concierge’s Intervention
As Griff's frustration mounted, a man approached their table, exuding an air of authority.
It was the concierge. "Is there a problem here?" he inquired with a raised eyebrow.
Griff's military discipline held him in check, but his voice trembled slightly as he responded, "Yes, there's a problem. This bill is way higher than it should be. I calculated everything, and it doesn't add up to this."
No Mistakes Here
With his nose up in the air, the concierge replied, “We do not make mistakes here. Perhaps your calculations are wrong.” Griff gasped at the audacity.
He knew he wasn’t wrong. He ate three courses and made sure to look at the prices before he ordered them.
Seventy dollars was all he could spend in this place.
Not Prepared
“Could you please have a look again? I wasn’t prepared for this exorbitant amount,” Griff pleaded.
But it looked like his pleas fell on deaf ears.
The concierge gave him a sour look and walked off as he politely and enthusiastically greeted a glamorously dressed couple who had just arrived. Griff knew that they were not going to let up.
Disgust
He looked around him in confusion.
By now, it looked like a few of the patrons had been looking his way and were shaking their heads in disgust.
Griff felt like he just wanted to get up and leave the place, but how was he going to do that when he was staring at a huge restaurant bill?
Two Hundred Dollars!
The waitress came rushing back. She looked at it and said, "I believe it's correct, sir." But it wasn't.
For some reason, the restaurant had tacked an extra $130 on Griff's $70, making it a whopping $200 for plates of Caprese salad, spaghetti bolognese, and tiramisu.
Griff looked at the bill several times, his gaze bouncing off the piece of paper and the waitress. Was she serious about this?
Impassive
“Let me see your manager, please,” A livid Griff said. He couldn’t believe what was happening to him.
The same man who came to talk to the concierge before appeared a few minutes later.
But the man was impassive. He looked at Griff's Marine uniform and said, "Your uniform isn't meant for such places, young man. It's an eyesore here. The $130 is for our effort to protect the rest of our honored guests from looking at you."
Don’t Be Rash
Griff's eyes went wide. "Excuse me?" he asked, and the manager repeated what he'd said, this time louder, despite being a foot away from Griff. "Now settle that bill, if you can, and leave my restaurant."
It took everything for Griff not to do something rash on the spot. He was still reeling from having to eat his food alone, without Ricky by his side.
Giving the manager one last look, he told him he wouldn't be paying an extra $130 because of his uniform. And that's when it happened.
They Took His ID
The manager called two security guards, who, after looking at Griff, called in three more guards. One of them, the biggest, took Griff by his shoulders.
Before the Marine could retaliate, the other guards held him in place.
"You will pay that bill," the manager seethed as the men escorted Griff outside. "Take his ID," the manager commanded. Waving it before Griff's eyes, he said, "Pay the bill, and we'll give this back."
He Goes For The Duffle Bag
They left Griff in the parking lot, trembling from his anger. He'd always been a man of a few words. A man of action.
He turned to the trunk of his car and grabbed his duffle bag. He would teach the manager and his goons a lesson.
Griff was about to head into the restaurant when he suddenly braked. Was he really about to do what his mind was pushing him to do? "No," he mumbled, covered in sweat. "There's a better way."
Back At Base
He hopped into his truck and raced back to the base. A minute later, he was standing before one of his superiors, the corporal who led his and Ricky's fire team.
Griff explained what happened at the restaurant, explaining that he'd only gone there to fulfill his oath to their fallen brother.
Luckily for him, his corporal had been there when the two were making plans. He'd even given them a few other restaurant recommendations. Without wasting time, he asked Griff to follow him.
Show Us, Son
The corporal led Griff to another superior's office, where he explained everything.
The superior, a grizzled older man with leathery-toned skin, salt and pepper hair, and piercing blue eyes, made a phone call.
Four marines walked through the door, saluting before standing still. "Show us, son," the superior said before he and his marines filed out of the office.
They Waste No Time
Everyone jumped into two military vehicles and drove to the restaurant, with Griff's corporal and their superior in the front seats.
They didn't even wait for the drivers to park before they jumped out of the vehicles and marched into the restaurant. Griff was quick behind them, wondering what they'd do.
The air in the restaurant immediately turned sour the moment the superior entered clad in full Marine gear. He kept his hand just above his holster. His eyes narrowed as he searched for the manager.
ID. Now
Finding the manager, he said, "Give me his ID now, or I will start looking for it myself." When the manager handed it over, the officer walked past him.
Turning to one of his Marines, he said, “Make a path. Make it wide.” The Marine wasted no time in asking everyone in his superior’s path to move away.
With a clear path, the man hurried to a counter at the head of the restaurant and jumped on top of it.
Time To Leave
He cleared his throat, and everyone in the restaurant looked at him. "All Active Duty Military," he started.
"This site is now on the Prohibited List. Pay your tab and get out."
He got down and walked out, and half the restaurant tailed him. Griff hadn't seen them when he was last here, but he could tell many were either reserved or retired – loyal.
A New Mission
Griff stood there, stunned, as the situation unfolded before him. He never expected his visit to the restaurant to escalate like this.
He knew what happened when a place was put on a Prohibited List. He'd heard of several such cases while on deployment.
The restaurant would suffer grand losses when people around heard what happened there.
No Room For Negotiation
Most of the places on the Prohibited List usually stayed there for longer than six months.
It was even worse when Griff realized the superior's actions left no room for negotiation, and the entire scene was like something out of a movie.
As the manager scrambled to address the enraged customers and the atmosphere grew tense, Griff's corporal turned to him. "You did the right thing coming to us," he said, clapping Griff on the shoulder. "We've got your back."
Unexpected Allies
Feeling a mix of relief and gratitude, Griff nodded at his corporal.
He had expected to face a tough situation alone, but now he had the support of his fellow Marines, his brothers-in-arms. They were ready to stand up against any injustice he faced.
The patrons who had followed the superior outside patted Griff on the back, some offering words of encouragement. It was a stark reminder of the brotherhood he had in the military, even when off duty.
Reckoning
The manager was now struggling to salvage his reputation as he hurriedly dealt with the irate customers.
Word had spread among them about how an active-duty Marine had been mistreated, and they were expressing their anger by leaving the establishment one by one.
The restaurant's reputation took a significant hit that day, and Griff watched with a sense of satisfaction as the manager realized the gravity of his actions.
Unexpected Gratitude
Before leaving, Griff caught the eye of the waitress who had served him. She looked apologetic as if realizing the extent of what had transpired.
She mouthed a "sorry" to him, and he gave her a small nod in acknowledgment.
As he stepped outside into the warm Tampa air, Griff's heart was lighter than it had been in a while. He had faced adversity and stood up for what was right, and his military family had rallied around him.
A New Promise
Driving away from the restaurant, Griff knew that his mission was far from over. He had honored Ricky's memory by refusing to back down in the face of injustice.
But now, he felt a renewed determination to make a difference not just for himself but for all those who had served and sacrificed.
He knew that there were more battles to fight, both on and off the battlefield. The fire within him burned brighter than ever, fueled by the memory of his fallen friend and the camaraderie of his fellow Marines.