>>5612043At lunchtime, while you're pan searing a Red Basculin filet, you hear a commotion outside. James looks up from the pot of pasta he's overseeing.
"You wanna go deal with it? I'll watch the fish."
"Yes, please. Flip it over when-"
"Mhm, I got it. Go on."
You leave him to cook up the fish and head outside, where you see Macy arguing with a customer. She's doing her best to stay calm, but people are staring, and she's getting scolded by the middle aged lady sitting near the centre of the room.
A middle aged lady who has a Pokémon out.
"Why do you have to make such a fuss about it? That sign shouldn't be there anyway!"
Macy turns to stare at the signboard you've had up since the restaurant opened. No smoking, no outside food and drinks, and no Pokémon in the restaurant. And yet, the lady has a Minccino sitting opposite her, eating off a plate of non-spicy Tankoyaki.
“It’s the rules, ma’am, you’re not supposed to-“
“I know it’s a rule, and it’s a stupid one! What’s the harm in having my Pokémon eat with me? Other restaurants in town let people do it.”
“It just-“
“This Minccino is my guide Pokémon anyway, you’re not taking him away from me!”
"We're not supposed to allow any Pokémon in here at all. Ma'am, there's other customers-"
"Excuse me? Get your boss out here, I want to-"
You take that as your cue to cut in. You step over to the table and gently set a hand on Macy's shoulder, while giving the problem customer an icy smile.
"Hi. Do you need something, miss?"
Her attitude sweetens immediately. She nods and points to Macy, who's glaring at her as she heads off to deal with other customers.
"Your waiter was being awfully rude to me. I just want to have a nice meal here with my Minccino, and then I'll be off. But she had to come in here and ruin my lunch!"
Other customers are watching the scene now, and tables are mumbling to each other. Even James emerges from the kitchen to look, while stepping out to serve the Basculin filet. This is the first time you've had a problem customer like this. She's a middle aged woman with blonde hair, bright lipstick, and thick golden earrings. The caked-on makeup barely hides the lines on her face, and she carries herself with a pompous air. You have no idea whether she's anyone special or not. She sure is obnoxious, though.
You motion to the sign again.
"We don't allow other Pokémon in here. My staff member didn't do anything wrong, miss. I'll have to ask you to keep your Pokémon in its ball."
She waves her hand through the air flippantly.
"Oh, what's the harm? Look, he's well behaved! He's just sitting there eating his food, not bothering any of the customers. Why do you have rules like that anyway? This sort of anti-Pokémon treatment is no way to run a business, young lady."
