Attitude

This past weekend, my boyfriend and I met another couple at a local shopping mall just to browse the holiday shoppers (no harm in looking), see what's on sale and for lunch. We'd met this couple at the secret Santa party the previous weekend. They're a biracial pair also and live near us, seemed nice and since we have mutual friends in common, we thought we'd build on what we shared. The hour or so that we hung out together browsing the stores was fun.

Then we decided to grab a meal and share some photos we have from the party we attended the week before. We selected a restaurant within the mall as opposed to the food court. The four of us were hungry and also desired some privacy instead of the open dining area of the fast-food selections. Besides, we have a right to choose where we want to spend our money.

As we approached the restaurant entrance, I noticed our new friends were holding hands. I grabbed the hand of my boyfriend and we did the same. No big deal, it just felt right. We entered the eatery, still manually joined by couple. The hostess greeted us, asked how many then led us to our booth. Her final words to us were, "Enjoy your meal."

Our server appeared with a round of water. A young man, maybe 20 years old, a little on the feminine side and wearing a rainbow flag lapel pin. He greeted us and asked for beverage choices. Our friends sat across the table from us and as one ordered tea for the both of them, he put his arm around the other. That's all, one arm draped over the shoulder of his partner. No kiss, no snuggling just a simple hug that most of us see dozens of couples do on a daily basis and think nothing of it.

When he saw this, the eyes of our waiter narrowed and he looked around. His demeanor changed immediately. It had been friendly and welcoming. It was now perfunctory, uninvolved and distant. There was no longer any eye-contact whatsoever. Almost like a cold front had passed through and the thermometer dropped twenty-some degrees instantly. The big chill.

He returned with our drinks and placed them on our table without a word spoken. Next, he announced that he was ready to take our order. No formalities like "Are you ready to order?" or "Do you need a few minutes to make up your mind?" A plain, simple, "I'm ready for your order." Neutral, no personality and still no eye contact. We ordered, he collected our menus, turned and left. No response of facial expression to our respective "Thank you" as we gave our selection.

This same attitude continued for the entire meal. No check in to see if our lunches were satisfactory. No refills for our iced teas. In fact, after our entrees were served, we never had his attention until he delivered our bill. Not even a dessert offer. Nothing. And still no eye contact.

Our server is gay and so are we. I don't think that was the issue. Is it because we're both biracial couples? That's the sole reason we could collectively conclude. But is that a reason for his disdain or is it inbred prejudice? By the way, the young man is Hispanic/Latino.

Respectfully,
Black Lover Naked