The Restaurant

Chapter 1

"Wait! There must be some mistake! I've got all my cards and my ID here in my purse!"

"I'm sorry ma'am. We've had a report of a fraudulent card transaction and it was when you booked this restaurant. I have to take you in for questioning."

"But I can't! You don't understand! I met this really great guy and we've arranged to meet here! Now! He'll be here any minute!"

"If you keep resisting I will be **** to cuff you."

"No!!"

Jenny screamed the word out of shear terror and panic. That was enough to push the cop over the edge. He spun Jenny round on her heels, grabbed her arms and cuffed them behind her back in one easy, well practiced move.

"I told you. Now let's move" said the cop over Jenny's sobs.

But before the cop could move away from the tables where Jenny had been seated there was a loud bang, like a gunshot, followed by an almighty crashing sound. The cop ducked instinctively and then ran to the source of the melée leaving Jenny standing bewildered.

"Here, let me help you". Jenny turned to see that one of the waiters had come up alongside her and was motioning for her to sit back into the booth. "Don't worry. He'll be busy for a while. I called a buddy of mine who will lead him a merry dance while we try and fix this. I don't know why the manager called the cops on you, but this all seems very wrong."

"Thank you" was all Jenny could manage, her head still spinning from what just happened.

"I couldn't help overhearing your situation. So your guy will be here any minute?"

"Yes! What am I going to do? I can't explain meeting him in handcuffs, can I!"

"No - that's true." The waiter was clearly thinking. " OK.... I have an idea, but you're going to have to trust me. Are you OK with that?"

"I'll do anything right now. I really liked this guy and it's been ages since I felt like this. I wouldn't have kicked off like that with the cop if it didn't mean so much."

"That's kind of what I figured. So look. Like most of us waiters, I'm really an actor and yeah, I know.... But I do a lot of improv and if we fix things up a little, I reckon I can be your arms while you have your meal and get to know the guy some more. If he is everything you hoped for, then we can come clean. Avoid the "sticker shock" of seeing you in cuffs. You know, break him in gently"

"Errrr.... I don't know.... Will it work?"

"It's got to be worth a try, right? What have you got to lose? And that white blouse you are wearing is perfect. Those big baggy sleeves will hide the armpit bulge."

"What do you mean?"

"Easier to show you, we don't have much time, right? I'm Tom, by the way"

"Jenny"

"Cool! Good to know you Jenny. Now, I'm going to take off your watch and jewellery to wear myself. It helps with the overall look of the thing. Now slide out of the booth a minute."

Jenny stood back up next to the table and watched while Tom rearranged the cushions at the back of the booth and unhooked a drape that was tied back into the corner. Tom then slid into the booth and motioned for Jenny to slide in and sit on top of him. Tom had wriggled down and back into the cushions and pulled the dark drape over his face. As Jenny sat down on top of him, he slid his arms through her armpits and settled into position.

Fortunately for both of them Jenny had worn a white cotton blouse that meant Tom's white waiter shirt blended in seamlessly. As Jenny looked down she saw "her" hands putting on her rings, bracelets and watch.

"Oh. I see what you mean. Those do look like they could be my hands. But how are you going to see what to do?"

"Don't worry. That's where the improv experience comes in. I'm used to being behind somebody and working out what's going on by what they are saying. I'll try not to throw you any curve balls, but if I do something you weren't expecting, just go with it."

Tom was now whispering given how close his head was to her and also to get Jenny used to it if he had to speak to her during the meal without drawing any attention.

"Ok" was all Jenny could manage.

Her new hands reached up and felt her hair, tucking a lock behind her ear. She then felt the side of her face and traced a line across her lips and down her neck, pausing to adjust her blouse before coming to rest on the table in front of her.

"Oh!"

"Sorry. Should have warned you. Just needed to orientate your new hands to where everything is. Remember to try and not react like you just did"

"OK. Oh God! Here he comes!"