Breaking The Fourth Pastry
I’m on lunch from my shift at the grocery store, and I go across the street to the coffee shop to get some much-needed coffee and a snack. I’m standing in line, and the woman in front of me notices my uniform.
Customer: “Oh, you work at [Store]. I was just there; it’s so busy!”
Me: “Yeah, everyone’s buying last-minute items for Mother’s Day.”
Customer: “Well, I’m glad you’re getting a break from it all!”
Me: “That’s an interesting pastry you’re getting.”
Customer: “Oh, yes! I love it. Have you never had it before?”
Me: “Oh, well, I don’t normally come here, but I’m working a double today, so I thought I’d get myself a treat.”
Instead of getting three of the pastries (for herself, her partner, and their kid), she buys four. I don’t think much of this as I zone out a little and check all the text messages that came my way while I was on my shift. As I’m about to order my coffee, the woman hands me the fourth pastry.
Customer: “You’re doing a great job, and I wish you the best for the rest of your shift!”
Before I could process what had happened, she darted off toward the exit and left with her partner and kid. I weakly shouted out a thank-you before I realized there was a $10 bill on the counter that the barista said had been left for me to order whatever drink I wanted.
That was the nicest thing a customer has ever done for me, and she wasn’t even my customer!