“Where are you eating lunch today?” asked the ladies at the front desk as Aaron and I left his Epilepsy doctor visit.
“Chili’s!!” Aaron answered excitedly.
“Oh, I love Chili’s,” one said.
“I want to go to Chili’s!” added the other.
Aaron chuckled loudly as we left the waiting room, me warm with their always welcoming chatter with Aaron…and Aaron walking with purpose now because finally we were going to lunch! After all, eating out is the real objective of every doctor appointment, at least for Aaron.
Soon we were pulling under a shade tree in the Chili’s parking lot, where Aaron was quickly opening his door while I quickly told him to wait on me. He did, thankfully, and together we walked in the door.
Curious stares greeted us as Aaron barreled in and had eyes for only one thing…the toothpick dispenser. You see, Aaron “collects” toothpicks, so he makes a beeline in every restaurant to the sharp little prizes he knows are on the front counter. He proceeded to increase his collection while I trailed slightly behind him, trying to greet the host while simultaneously attempting to discreetly tug Aaron away from the toothpicks. Aaron was unaware of the host saying hello or of the all-too familiar looks he was receiving from the puzzled host. He was too busy stuffing toothpicks in his pocket, but he did have presence of mind enough to tell the host we wanted a booth while I reminded him that any seat was fine.
I was just happy to finally be seated. Our server appeared quickly. I could tell right away that he was comfortable with Aaron, and I hoped that attitude would last. We were still early into his Aaron experience and one just never knows.
“Hello,” he happily said. “My name is Luke and I’ll be taking care of you today.”
“Can I have a salad with NO croutons and TWO ranches??!!” Aaron bellowed.
And for at least the millionth time I reminded Aaron that our server was taking our drink orders now. Food orders would come later.
“Oh OK,” Aaron replied as if this was new news.
Our waters came and the instant Luke asked if we were ready to order…
“Can I have a salad with NO croutons and TWO ranches??!!”
I guess I don’t need to tell you whose order that was.
Luke was smiling broadly as Aaron continued his order. Aaron always asks IF he can have the menu items he wants, as if he needs permission from the server. I don’t even try to correct him anymore. I figure it’s part of Aaron’s charm.
We munched on chips and salsa while waiting for our meals, Aaron pretty much talking non-stop. Luke was very attentive and kind, checking on us often with a big smile.
A few young men walked by our table. The stare one of them gave Aaron made me want to tell him to take a page out of Luke’s playbook. Aaron is NOT an alien so quit looking at him like he is, I wanted to yell. Although as I have often said, Aaron would think looking like an alien is super cool!
I did have to monitor situations sometimes as we sat in our booth that Aaron wanted. He turned to stare at the people sitting near us, uncomfortably so, and I had to remind him to turn around and not to stare.
“I just wanted to see what they were eating,” he explained.
Then came the reminder to not point at the large group of people behind me as he informed me that they must be having a party.
“But I just think they’re having a party,” he told me as he pointed again!
Luke stopped again to check on us.
“Can we have chips and salsa to take home??!!” Aaron loudly asked while I protested and Luke said, “Sure!!” much to Aaron’s happy laughing delight.
Finally, Aaron was full, and we were ready to go. As we stood up, Aaron edged slightly close to the woman in the booth behind us as he stared down at her plate. I was trying to gently pull him back. Her husband eyed Aaron suspiciously and I hoped to catch his eye and apologize but he was fixed on Aaron.
I again explained to Aaron how inappropriate and embarrassing that was as we walked away while he again explained that he just wanted to see what she was eating.
And again, I ran interference as we passed the hostess desk, and he smelled the scent of those toothpicks. I succeeded in averting the toothpick theft this time as the eyes of the host eyed Aaron once again.
We made it inside our hot car.
WHEW!!
Another lunch on the books.
Another group of people with varying impressions of our Aaron.
Another reminder that when an Aaron walks into your life for even this brief time, just smile like Luke…disregard Aaron’s pointing…understand that he is curious about other people’s plates and parties…and whatever you do…
DON’T STARE!!
I just might let him point at you and stare back!
He Said What?! 