Getting some TLC

August, 2011. Lunchtime. My wife and I were at the SM Marikina Mall. As in so many times before choosing a place to eat became a dilemma - what with the various restaurants that can be found here. Somehow our usual choices of French Baker or Burgoo were not that appealing on that particular day. I can't explain it but I had this certain hankering for something….fast food.

"Let's try Burger King!" I suggested to Cynthia.

Thankfully she agreed.

We fell in line. My wife was still trying to decide what to order while I had already made up my mind so I lined up ahead of her. The queue moved slowly and I was salivating like the Pavlovian dog just thinking about my soon to be lunch. Finally my turn came.

"I'll have a  double whopper meal" I eagerly told the pretty young lady behind the counter.

"Would you like some TLC with that, sir?" she asked, smiled and then looked at me with those beguiling eyes.

I blushed as I tried to imagine how she would provide that TLC to me. I stammered. I looked at my wife who was standing behind me. I'm sure she heard the girl's question because Cynthia was staring at me with a look that conveyed so many words that did not have to be uttered aloud to be understood. I turned to the order taker. I opened my mouth repeatedly but not a sound came out.

Once again, the young girl smiled the sweetest of smiles.

"Sir, TLC means Tomato, Lettuce and Cheese. Do you want your sandwich to include those?"

I sighed the most relieving sigh that I can muster. I heard the same expressive sound emanating from behind me followed by a soft giggle.

"Why, yes, of course!" I told the girl trying not to look directly at her. I gingerly stepped aside and pulled my wife forward.

"Please take my wife's order. If she wants some TLC, give her that, too."