Daily Fiction Challenge Day 15: A Little Late

Got my daily story written yesterday, but ran out of time to post it. That should mean two fiction pieces today. The prompt for StoryADay was to write something in first person. I’m not a coffee drinker and I hope that I would never treat some else in customer service this way. Even on a bad day.

A Little Late

I was in a hurry, so I was already in and mood when I walked into the store. The Starbucks had no drive thru and I had to park to get my coffee.

Thank goodness there was that handicapped space available.

Ran in to get my drink and saw that it was going to get worse. The girl behind the counter looked like she was 12 and she was wearing a big button that said “Trainee.” So much for getting anything done quickly today.

I stood in line and tapped my foot while the women in front of ordered for her and her three brats. Why are you giving a seven-year-old coffee!

When I got to the front of the line, I saw that Kelsie, the trainee, was going to be a problem. Before I even ordered I asked for a manager to help me. That bitch refused. She said I had to at least give Kelsie a chance to get it right.

I spoke super slow, treating Kelsie like the idiot she is. After all she’s working at a Starbucks.

“I need a venti caramel macchiato with almond milk and an extra shot,” I said.

“She looked confused by the statement so I clarified, pointing, “An extra shot of expresso. And make it quick, I’m late.”

Kelsie read me back my order, asked for my name, took my payment and told me have a good day.

As if. She had already ruined my day.

Five minutes later, I made it back to the car only to find a parking ticket on my windshield. God damn it, Kelsie. If you had been faster I wouldn’t have gotten this ticket. I should make her manager pay it.

Frustrated, I put my coffee in the cupholder, whipped out of the parking lot nearly hitting the old lady who was walking behind my car. Don’t people know they shouldn’t walk behind cars?

With three minutes to spare, I pulled into the parking lot, grabbed my coffee and my bag, and ran to the door of my new office.

The receptionist and interviewer met me at the door and let me to my office. They told me to take a minute to get settled and the boss would be in to welcome me to the company.

I put out my photos of my garden and a picture of me at the beach last summer and sipped my coffee. This day was getting better.

Someone knocked at the door and I called for them to come in.

That’s weird. That’s the lady who was in front of me at Starbucks.

“Mackenzie, right?”

“Yes.”

“You’re fired.”

“What? You can’t fire me.”

“I can. I’m Elena, the owner, and you’re fired.”

“But I just started. I was on time, barely, but I haven’t done anything to get fired.”

“Kelsie is my little sister. I saw how you treated her. I don’t want someone like that representing my company. Now get out before I call security.”