After Tonight

Tonight I had dinner at Mon Ami Gabi with mom, dad & Counselor. Earlier in the day Counselor laid the groundwork for a no-show. He called and said, "I'm not sure I'm gonna make it." Not surprising or unexpected. All week he had been asking about this dinner but I know him well enough to know when he makes plans it's like when most people say, "How are you?" They really don't mean it or expect you to really tell you how they are. It's a salutation. So I was prepared for him to back out. But low and behold he text me and said he'll be there. I got nervous. Not sure why, but I did. 

My parents and I get to Mon Ami and there's a line even for the restaurant check in. I see Counselor at the bar and he waves. Until I seem him I'm not at all confident he'll actually he there. I'm still in shock he made it. Counselor is known for backing out of things with me. So this was a huge deal - not because my parents were there, they could care less - but because he had already blown me off two other times and I had zero confidence he's actually show up tonight. Pleasantly surprised.

We were seated on the patio. The weather couldn't have been more perfect; it was a gorgeous night. Bellagio fountains in the background. We had escargot, wine, champagne, beer, mom got a margarita and dad & Counselor had beer. None of us ordered fish. We were so full we passed on dessert. The only disappointing thing was Chef Paulie didn't stop by to say hi. When I checked in I asked the hostess to tell Chef Paulie I was there (he told me to). I got the feeling that she wasn't going to so I didn't hold my breath. 

The waiter was obnoxious. It was almost like he was yelling at us and talking down to us like 6th graders. I was far from impressed with him. He also forgot our drink orders a couple times. Come on dude. That’s waiter school 101. 

Dad paid the bill. Counselor made a gallant attempt but there was no question who was paying. My parents aren't multi-millionaires but they are far more equipped to pay for a $500 dinner than I am. We left Mon Ami and I expected Counselor to bolt... but he didn't. I was not only shocked he actually made it to dinner but he made a point to tell my mom he'd see her when we met back up. I wanted a little alone time with Counselor and I think my parents sensed that. (They look like Ward & June Cleaver but they're more in tune with life than you'd expect.) I told my parents we'd meet them in 45 minutes and they obliged. Meanwhile Counselor and I went to grab a drink and talk frankly at the Paris Las Vegas  sportsbook. 

Counselor talked about nothing and everything. I told him about the fireman. He didn't say much. Our conversation was comfortable, like a favorite tee shirt. That's the one thing - even when I'm furious at Counselor - he's good at making up for it. I'd like to say we have that in common.

We met my parents an hour later. Mom and I chatted walking the long walk down the cobblestone path to self parking. Counselor and my dad did the same. 

All four of us rode up the the self-park elevator together. After Tonight I am reminded how lucky I am for having such remarkable parents and lovely friends to introduce them to. It was a surprisingly great night and the perfect end to a fantastic week with mom & dad.