Lauren doesn’t get the chance

When the waiter came over with the water and asked for their orders. Jessie smiled and said. “Yes, we’re ready. But I have a concern. You see, little Laurie here has a very sensitive tummy. She’s been getting sick a lot especially. And I’m not sure she’ll be able to eat any of the options on the kid’s menu. Is there a way we can get her some warm milk and maybe some oatmeal? I know that may not be what this kind of restaurant has, but I just want to look out for my daughter,” Jessie said, lying through her teeth.

Lauren’s jaw dropped. No. That was cruel. She gazed at the chicken on her kid’s menu and replayed what Jessie had just said. “Well, I’m sure we can find something that will be suitable for your daughter,” the waiter smiled. “We have a special recipe for this very situation, in fact. I can have it prepared right away. We have an apricot oatmeal with a side of mushed peas and applesauce. Would that be okay?”

Jessie smiled. “That sounds perfect. Then I would like the filet mignon cooked medium rare please. And I’d like the side of mushrooms and asparagus.”

“I’ll have the flank steak cooked medium rare with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans,” Henry said, smiling. “And we would also like to get a bottle of the #12. Bring two wine glasses, please.”

“Right away,” the waiter nodded. “I’ll get your food in right away. And I’ll be back with your drinks.”

As soon as the waiter left, Lauren whimpered. “M-mommy, why can’t I have th-the chicken? Please mommy.”

“No, Lauren. You need to lay off on the calories, per the doctor’s instructions,” Jessie said. “And the chicken is very fatty with all the sauces they put on it. So you’re going to have the oatmeal which is a much healthier option so we can get you to a healthy weight.”

Lauren whimpered and squirmed. She looked down at her stomach. “It’s okay, Laurie,” Henry smiled. “When you get your weight down you’ll be able to indulge. But now it’s better if you watch what you eat.”

Lauren couldn’t believe she was sitting at a nice restaurant and unable to even taste the food as she sat in just a diaper and bib. She was on the verge of throwing an actual real tantrum and not just a scripted one. Though she wasn’t sure how far she should push it.