That afternoon, he had already served three important tables.
One belonged to a famous real estate developer.
Another belonged to a television producer.
The third belonged to a wealthy couple celebrating their anniversary.
Ethan was so focused on them that he barely noticed Evelyn.
When she raised her hand to get his attention, he looked over.
Then he looked away.
Evelyn waited.
A few minutes later, she raised her hand again.
Ethan saw her.
He nodded.
But he didn't come.
He was carrying drinks to another table.
Evelyn lowered her hand.
She looked toward the ocean again.
She wasn't angry.
Not yet.
She simply waited.
Twenty minutes passed.
Her iced tea was nearly empty.
She finally called another waiter.
"Excuse me."
The waiter approached.
"Yes, ma'am?"
"Could I please have some water?"
"Of course."
He quickly brought her a glass.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Evelyn smiled.
Then she asked,
"Would it be possible to order some lunch?"
The waiter glanced toward Ethan.
"Of course. I'll let your server know."
"Thank you."
The waiter walked away.
Evelyn watched him.
Then she looked toward Ethan.
He was laughing with a wealthy couple.
She smiled sadly.
She had seen this before.
Many times.
Not only at restaurants.
People often treated others according to what they believed they could receive in return.
A rich person was called "sir."
A poor person was called "friend."
A famous person received immediate attention.
An unknown person could wait.
Evelyn had spent decades fighting that attitude.
She had built hotels because she believed hospitality meant exactly what the word suggested.
Making people feel welcome.
Not important.
Not wealthy.
Welcome.
There was a difference.
At 2:20 p.m., Evelyn decided to test Ethan.
She raised her hand again.
This time, when he looked over, she smiled.
Ethan walked toward her.
Finally.
"Yes, ma'am?"
"I'd like to order something."
Ethan glanced at his watch.
"We're actually getting busy."
"I understand."
"If you'd like, you can wait a few minutes."
Evelyn looked at him.
"I've already been waiting."
Ethan frowned.
"You have?"
"Yes."
He looked around.
"I apologize. I must have missed you."
Evelyn smiled.
"I'm sure you were busy."
"What would you like?"
She opened the menu.
"I'd like the grilled fish."
"That's not available right now."
"Then perhaps the chicken?"
"Also unavailable."
Evelyn looked at the menu.
"What is available?"
Ethan sighed.
"We have salads, sandwiches, and soup."
"Then I'll have the soup."
"Anything else?"
"Some bread, please."
"Anything to drink?"
"Water."
Ethan wrote it down.
Then he walked away.