36 The Problem With The Coffee Cake (1/2)
As Alan walked out into the cafe, he saw Tom's eyes locked on him.More specifically, they were locked on the plate of cake he was carrying.He walked over to Tom and handed him the plate.
”Enjoy,” He said before walking away.He firmly believed that his customers should be left on their own to enjoy the food and drink his cafe offered.His presence would only take away their focus.
Hence, he didn't even observe Tom from the counter.Instead he went back into the kitchen and busied himself by placing the cake in a covered glass dish meant to preserve the cake's moisture.Then he cleaned up the kitchen a little.Only after he finished that did he walk back out.
He noticed that Tom now had an empty plate and was lying back in his chair with his eyes closed, sipping on his coffee and issuing contented sighs.
Watching Tom for a moment, Alan felt a sense of satisfaction at this reaction to his coffee cake.As he stood behind the counter Claire stood up and walked over to him.”I'd like a slice of the coffee cake too please.”Alan nodded, went back to the kitchen to cut her a slice, and then brought it out to her.He charged her credit card the extra $5.00 and handed it back to her with a nod.She gave a rare smile and went back to her seat with the cake.
Alan likewise spared her the discomfort of having someone stare intensely at you while you eat.Instead, he went to Tom and offered to clear the plate away.When things were busy Alan didn't always take the time to do this, asking customers to return it to the counter.However, if he had the time, he would always prefer to go the extra step to make sure that his customers had the most luxurious experience possible.Sometimes, that just meant doing something simple like taking their plates or cups away after they were finished so they didn't have to bring it to the counter.
It was the sum of a number of small things that added to the overall luxurious environment of the cafe.
As Alan walked back with the plate, Tom followed with his coffee and took a seat at the counter.
After Alan brought the plate into the kitchen and set it in the dishwasher, he returned to the counter where Tom sat.
”Not staying in your armchair?” Alan asked curiously.
Tom shook his head.”That cake was too filling.Between the warmth of the coffee, the comfort of the armchair, and the beginnings of a food coma from being stuffed I was in danger of falling asleep.”
Alan chuckled slightly, but also felt slightly curious.This was the first time someone had tried the cake, and it seemed that it really did have the effect of fully satisfying one's appetite.Staring at Tom like a guinea pig, he asked, ”Did you eat before you came here?”
Tom shook his head.”Not at all.That's why it's strange.Your coffee cake is very filling.”He eyebrows furrowed briefly as he thought about the phenomenon, but then they smoothed out as he relaxed.”I guess that's why they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day.If this carries forward I'll probably only have something small for lunch.Guess I'll be on the cake diet going forward.”
Tom laughed as he suddenly had a thought.He looked at Alan and smirked, saying, ”I guess this means your sales won't be that high.One slice per day and they'll be all set.”He poked fun at Alan's weak point: his greediness.
Alan remained aloof.He looked at Tom's slight paunch on his stomach that showed through his shirt, then looked back at his face, and said, ”Worry about losing some weight before you worry about how well my coffee cake will do.”
Tom pretended to be hurt, clutching at his heart in an exaggerated manner.”You wound me good sir.That's it I can't stand it anymore.I'll take my leave.”Alan shook his head, not fooled.Finished joking around, Tom drained the rest of his coffee then stood up to leave, saying goodbye as he did so.