Page 41 of Semblance

“I believe it’s beef Carpaccio,” Shadow said, placing a thin slice of raw meat on his tongue and chewing it.

“Are we suffering from a famine or something?” I asked. “Did they also forget to cook the meat first before serving it?”

“Raw beef is considered a delicacy.”

“It’s also considered a way to grow worms in your intestines,” I stated. “How does it taste?”

“Try it yourself.”

“No thanks,” I announced, pushing the appetizer away from me. I try to keep my stomach insect free.”

Shadow shrugged and reached for my plate, scooping the meat onto his own. “All the more for me.”

“I wonder if they can bring some bread over here,” I muttered, suddenly noticing that my stomach was growling at me.

Shadow finished the last of the appetizer and set his fork down.

“The main course should be coming over pretty soon,” Shadow said. “I assume that primitive roar I’m hearing is your stomach?”

I nodded. “I hope they bring out the food soon before my stomach decides to revolt and devour the rest of my body.”

Just as I finished my sentence, our waiter came by our table and set down two massive plates in front of us.

More disappointment.

“You have to be kidding me,” I sighed. At the centre of the plate was a tiny speck of food, hidden within a forest of leaves and grass, which served more as décor rather than anything edible. The waiter informed me that the meal was wild goose.

“Great, you brought the goose’s egg. What about the rest of it?” I asked.

The waiter shot me an insulted look. I immediately wanted to eat my words as my eyes adverted from his gaze while he replied to my comment.

“We aren’t exactly the McDonalds down the street, if that’s what you seek. However this city’s elite are very satisfied.” Those simple words were like a slap to my face and suddenly, I felt very aware that I didn’t belong here. I was, and would always be, a poor college girl, no matter what fancy clothes I wore or whom I associated myself with.

There was something about being put down by a person in customer service—who’s only task was to make an individual feel welcome—that felt degrading.

Shadow leaned back in his chair, stared at the waiter with his fiery eyes and spoke.

“Here’s what’s going to happen,” he said calmly. “You’re going to apologize to my lovely date for your idiotic remark. The exact words you’re going to say are ‘Ms. Valencia, I’m sorry for being the world’s biggest asshole. I beg for your forgiveness.’ Now, after you apologize to her, you’re going to head into the kitchen and remain there until we finish our meals so we don’t have to see you again.”

“Sir, you must be joking,” the waiter said.

“No, I’m not,” Shadow replied. “If you don’t do as requested, I guarantee you that you’ll never find a job in this city again. Hell, let’s make it this country. However, I don’t take pride in being cruel and vengeful so I’m giving you the opportunity to set things right. Apologize to my date and then get out of my sight and all will be forgotten. Does that sound good?”

The waiter opened his mouth, but failed to produce any meaningful words from it.

“It looks like you’re tongue-tied. Let me help you out a bit,” Shadow said. “Let’s start off with ‘I’m sorry Ms. Valencia…’ I’m sure the rest will start to flow.”

The waiter turned to me, wide-eyed and ashamed.

“It’s okay,” I said.

“I’m sorry Ms. Valencia,” the waiter began, “I am the world’s biggest—’ but before he could finish, I cut him off.

“It’s fine.” I knew the feeling of shame, and that was punishment enough for the rude waiter. There was no further need to publicly degrade him. “Just go.”

The waiter turned to Shadow, who nodded with approval.

“The lady has forgiven you,” he said.

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