After buying $68.00 worth of groceries at our local Strack & Van Til's Grocery, Wednesday, i remembered i hadn't purchased the seasoning i needed. I asked the cashier if i could leave my full cart parked until i returned with the item. She directed me to a spot near the service counter. It took me about 3 minutes to find the aisle, locate the seasoning, and make my way back to the check-outs.
The store was filling up with after-work shoppers looking to grab something for dinner quickly and get out. Every open check-out lane had long lines, and the 8 items or less lane was not open. I found a lane that had a few customers waiting, and a half-filled cart in line behind them. I proceeded to move in front of the unattended cart, and wait my turn for check-out. Before i could finish completing my thoughts, i heard a gruff voice saying, "OH NO YOU DON'T ! How dare you! You've got a lot a nerve, how rude of you to get in front of me!"
I turned toward the direction of the voice to see a woman with arched brows and flared nostrils staring from behind glaring eyeballs of fire! My heart immediately skipped a beat, then pounded wildly as i tried to keep my composure. Before i could utter a word, she nudged her way in front of me with haste. Thick silence filled the air as cash registers quit computing, time stood still, and ALL EYES FROM EVERY DIRECTION fastened upon ME!
Smiling, i quickly snapped out of my shock, came to myself, and apologized saying, "Oh, dear, i'm sorry, i did not see you anywhere when i got ahead of the cart. I did look to the right and left first, and figured, "you know how folks just leave baskets".... i didn't know you were in line, i didn't see you!" She retorted with, "I only left the line to get a few items, and came right back!"
Aha! Well, since i only have this one Little bitty teeny itsy weeny item, may i please have your permission to get back ahead of you? Well, alright, she grumbled... go ahead! Oh, thank you... now let me see that smile!" She struggled out a half-grin. Ah! there it is!!
By the way..... do you know of anyone looking to list or purchase? Really? Your house? You live where? Your sister too? Well, i'm Diane Rice. Oh good, you're going to call me? Tomorrow? Well let's walk out to the car together. I'll wait for you.
By the time we got to our vehicles, we had shared stories, laughed, discovered she knew who we were, where we lived, and seriously wanted to sell her house, and her sister was looking to purchase. She also knew someone else needing an apartment to rent!! Her bad day turned out to be a good day.... i'm glad i was there to help!
FellowActive Rain member, Bob Sloop challenged us last month to Make 'em Smile at Grocery Stores. He said we'd have to select someone who was not smiling! Thanks Bob, it worked! Not only is she smiling.... i'm smiling too!
Comments(33)