re: So that was awkward

When in college, I worked as a server in a restaurant. One night, we were slammed and I realized that I had been sat with another table. I was already in the process of doing something, but figured I would grab a drink order from the table since I was walking past it. I quickly stop and ask if what they'd like to drink. The dad says something like "1 tea, a Coke and 2 Sprites'. I say ok and quickly start to leave. After about 2 steps, I turn around and say "I'm sorry, I'm retarded, did you say a Coke and 2 Sprites or 2 Cokes and a Sprite". An awkward silence ensued. I finally glance over to the kids and the son had Downs Syndrome. My jaw dropped. I had no idea what to say. I begged other servers to please take the table but no one would since we were so slammed. I recovered though, I paid a lot of attention to the son throughout the meal and made it a point to ensure he had a good time. At the end of the meal, the Dad shook my hand and they left me a pretty good tip. They could tell I felt like a complete jack arse.