The lunch crowd was winding down, and only a few tables were still lingering. That’s when he walked in and took his usual place in the corner. He was quiet and waited patiently to be noticed.

She had come to expect him every Thursday afternoon. It only takes a few repeat visits before a server identifies a regular customer. He was an easy one. His order was simple, no hassles, always polite. But there was another thing that made him memorable. He tipped generously. For as long as she could remember he had been leaving her a tip almost equal to the entire bill. He never said anything about it, just placed the cash on the table and quietly left the restaurant.

She had her suspicions about what was motivating him. Today she decided to test her theory. She took his order, passed it to the kitchen and then returned with his drink.

“Thank you.” He said, as usual.

“You’re welcome.” She answered, pausing briefly. “You know, you are my favorite customer.”

“I am?” He was caught off guard by her starting an actual conversation.

“Yes.” She said “you tip well.” She smiled, looking directly at him.

His face reddened by the unexpected compliment. He was unprepared to answer.

“Your generosity is appreciated.” She continued, pressing her hand to her chest in a gesture of heartfelt appreciation.

His shyness made it clear that she would need to carry the conversation, and this was just what she was expecting. The dynamic between them was changing. Usually the customer is in charge, and the server works to care for them, and cater to their every need. But in his case, she sensed other motivations at play. She suspected he wasn’t just thanking her for her service, he wanted to treat her better than the other customers. Maybe he wanted to stand out. Maybe he didn’t think of himself as just a regular customer, and he didn’t think of her as just a regular server. She suspected that he thought they had something special. If there was one thing she had learned from all her years waiting tables, it was when to provide special service.

“If I could ask you one question,” she started gently, easing him into the discussion. “You tip me well because you… appreciate my service?”

“Yes.” He answered shyly.

“And because you look forward to more good service in the future?” She asked.

“Yes.” He answered, not wanting to elaborate.

“And maybe, just a little bit, because you like seeing me here, you like seeing me… work here?” She continued, lowering her voice and cadence in a slightly sultry way.

“Yes.” He said, nervous about how well she was describing his feelings.

“You like watching me bring things to you, and you like watching me walk away?”

She knew exactly what she was doing. She had him all figured out.

“I do.” He said hesitantly. Embarrassment and shame were competing for his emotional attention.

“You like… taking care of me, this way.” She continued. It was less of a question, and more of a statement for him to confirm.

He nodded in agreement. He was embarrassed to admit his secret fondness for her. It was like she could read his mind.

She paused for a moment, watching him become more and more uncomfortable with her newly acquired knowledge.

“I’ll confess, I like the way you… take care of me.” She said, in a very honest and sincere tone.

He just stared at her wide eyed, not able to think of an appropriate response.

“But, I think we could make this…” she gestured with her finger back and forth between them, implying the concept of us, “…a bit more special.”

A subtle smile kept across his face. He was captivated by the way she took the lead.

“Would you like that?” She asked with an air of innocent curiosity.

“Yes. I would.” He answered, his heart racing.

“Well then,” she shifted to more matter of fact tone. “How about, from now on, you give me my tip up front, and that way I will better understand how much you like… taking care of me.” She stood there, looking down at him, waiting for him to respond.

Excited and nervous, he reached for his wallet. She held out her open hand and he placed the large paper bill directly on her palm. This was his usual large tip. For a brief moment his hand was very close to hers.

She remained still, staring at him, waiting for him to make it “extra special.” He slowly removed another large bill from his wallet and added it to the first, looking for her approval. She squinted ever so slightly, letting him know he had not yet reached the level of special she was expecting. He placed another bill. Her squint became demeaningly skeptical. She was bordering on disappointment, and he most definitely did not want to disappoint her. He slowly removed all the remaining paper money from his wallet and placed it in her hand, showing that his wallet was empty. Her scowl melted into the sweetest, most adoring look he had ever seen. The warmth in her eyes and comfort in those cheeks at each end of her smile, it was the happiest glow he had ever seen on a woman’s face. She looked at him with the fondness of a new lover.

She watched him watch her fold the stack of bills in half without counting, and slowly slide it down into the depths of her pants front pocket.

“Thank you.” She said earnestly. “Your food should be ready any minute now. I’ll be right back.”

She gave him a wink, turned, and walked to the kitchen. She was certain that his eyes were now glued to her backside.

The thinness of his wallet was now balanced by a swelling in his pants. He did not understand why, but he was more aroused at this moment than he had ever been, without even touching himself.

She delivered his food and refilled his drink as usual, with maybe a bit more lingering eye contact at each visit. He watched her work, studying the way her body moved, admiring the choices she made. He was so filled with pride to be contributing to her success.

Towards the end of his meal she made sure to linger nearby. When he got up to leave she “just happened” passed him near the door.

“Thank you.” He said, soaking in the last sight of her. This memory would need to last him a week.

“You’re welcome.” She replied. “I look forward to seeing you next Thursday.” She raised her eyebrow slightly, letting him know she was counting on him to hold up his end of the deal.

As he left the restaurant, hard as a rock, he started thinking about how much cash he would have in his wallet next week.