I glanced at the clock. With only five minutes left before
close, I was less than pleased to turn and see a potential customer hastily
striding toward the shop door. Putting down the mop, I took a deep breath,
willing myself to smile as she entered. “Hello.”
“Hi.” The lady replied, obviously in a rush. “Sorry, I know
you’re closing soon. What’s easiest for you?”
Taken a back, I arch a brow, “Drip coffee?”
“That sounds great!” After pulling off her gloves, she
retrieves a blue wallet from her shoulder bag.
“$2.05, please.” I say, taking her reusable cup from the
counter. “Do you need me to leave room?”
“Yes, please.”
“Do you take milk or cream?”
“Cream please.”
There’s just enough liquid left to sufficiently fill the
cup. Back at the counter, I set down the cup and bottle of creamer after which
the lady hands me $5.05 in cash. “Perfect. Thank you so much.”
“Thank you for asking what’s easiest,” I say with a genuine
smile on my face.
After handing her three dollars in change, she begins to
rattle on with an energy that would contradict her need for any more caffeine
today. “Oh, there was no way that I could have asked you to make anything that
complicated just before close. I’ve been there. Not in a coffee shop, but you
know, I’ve been there. I just really appreciate it. When my GPS told me that
you were closing at 7, I was afraid I wouldn’t make it in time. And I needed
this. Just to get through my show tonight.”
She popped on the lid as I walked back to my mop and bucket.
A couple coins dropped in the tip jar before I heard her call out, “Have a
great night!”
