The Older I Get
We ID It’s The Law Utah Dept. A.B.C.* I read the sign out loud as I started toward the back of the store. “Only on Tuesdays,” she said. Her timing was perfect. I found a bottle of Johnny Walker Red and made my way back to the checkout. There are two registers. I’m the only customer in the store. He is at register one, she at register two. I chose two. “Damn cold day isn’t it?” I said. Talking about the weather is usually an ice breaker, but does that apply on a day when the temperature is barely twenty degrees fahrenheit? “Yes, pretty cold” she said. “Bad day for brass monkeys,” I said. She smiled. “Is that all,” she said.
“Yep that’ll do it,” I replied.
“She forgot to check my ID,” I said to the fellow at the other register. “I got her talking about other stuff, and she forgot.” “She certainly did,” he said. “It’s a technique I’ve been working on for years,” I said. “Really,” he said. She’s smiling now, a sweet smile, she’s in no hurry. Quitting time comes sooner when you’re not in a hurry. “Yep, and it’s working better the older I get.” I said. She puts my purchase in a sack, and shares the smile one last time. I head for the exit.
*Alcohol Beverage Control