Out to lunch (a pun)

For all the times when I let my concerns about others' perceptions of me inhibit my activities, a remarkable event occurred on Sunday afternoon when the bf and I were out to lunch at TGI Friday's. We'd gone out early because I had little errands to run before travelling next week, but we'd apparently left the house before many stores were even open. Instead of going back home, we opted to have an early lunch and then try to resume shopping. At Friday's, we were one of maybe four parties seated at tables. In a line of four booths, the furthest two were occupied, and we were placed in the first empty one. The fourth booth, which was at my back, was also empty.

We absentmindedly toyed with the scrap of straw wrapper from our beverages; he balled his up and flicked it at me, hitting me squarely in the sternum. In retaliation, I flicked my wrapper back at him.

But I missed.

It went over his left shoulder and landed on the table of the party of two older women sitting behind him. I immediately flushed red and was absolutely shocked at what I'd done. It hadn't even occurred to me that I might miss. It didn't cross my mind that there were other people in the restaurant; people who might not think it funny if a wad of paper should land on their table. He was, of course, grinning back at my dumbfoundedness with a smug flavor of disbelief.

The woman closest to us momentarily turned around and sneered, but I feigned innocence and disinterest, trying as best I could to maintain a normal, unaffected conversation with my boyfriend (who was absolutely no help at this point). While I was focused on my own monologue, I couldn't hear the women's conversation, but I was told later on that they were talking about spitballs and disrespectful kids and so forth. In a crowded restaurant, that explanation might fly; but I kid you not -- the place was practically empty. They had to know it was me. I mean, good grief. So embarrassing.

After they paid their bill (hastily, I might add) and stood up to leave, I fully expected them to say something to me. I was already mapping my alibi and response in my head. Luckily, it didn't come to that.

I suppose I should be pleased that I'm not so tightly-wound anymore; on the other hand, it occurred to me briefly that this could be a sign of crazier times to come. I have no doubt that I will be lunatic in old age. This may just have been an appetizer.