My wife said, “Let me show you what I got Mark and Matt for Christmas.”
Earth-tone, fleece pullovers with zipper closures at the neckline, my favorite style…but only two garments, none for me. I smiled, wondering.
Excitedly, “A store on Scenic Highway had them on sale for $10.99, regularly $36.00. They had several colors. There were a couple colors you’d like. I thought about getting you one,” she said.
I wondered why she hadn’t. Maybe the honeymoon is history.
Feelings miffed, I drove to Snellville. The store needed a bigger parking lot. After circling until I was bored I spotted a car leaving and got into a position to park. An SUV zipped into the space, missing my bumper by inches.
I don’t take lightly to inconsideration. I waited. A defensive manatee for the Falcons climbed out of the SUV. I became a quick pacifist, non-confrontational. I followed the incredible bulk into the store … from a distance.
The store was busy. Avoiding people checking out, I ask a cashier where the $10.99 zipper tops were located. She pointed. That wasn’t too specific or helpful.
Several minutes later I had not found the $10.99 items. I approached a cashier again.
I noticed no one smiling. Customers should be jubilant on Super Sale day. The cashiers looked bedraggled. I saw no other personnel. Apparently they only hire cashiers.
“That was an Early Bird Special,” she snapped. “The price was only good until 2.”
I checked my watch. It was after 4. “My wife bought two an hour ago,” I said.
A lady pointed to her friend. “Ma’am, you sold her one two minutes ago.”
The cashier fixed the woman with a withering glare.
Faking indignation, “How can the sale be over and you still sell them to certain people? Looks like discrimination. And I blew $4 for gas driving out here. Where’s the manager?”
“She’s off today.”
A lady checking out said, “I’m finished. If you’ll follow me I’ll show you those $10.99 items. I bought two.”
We walked toward the back of the store. The table had been looted except for XXL-XXXL. The price was $10.99. I am size L. I found one L on the floor.
My parking-space thief was attempting to stuff himself into XXXL’s. I hoped they wouldn’t fit. Resentment is hard to quell.
I thanked the lady profusely figuring she was neighborly, had been a Girl Scout or was a widow wooing a size L. She had been helpful, but being wooed at age 87 is low on my totem pole.
I found a cashier in the back. I handed her my prize. “I’ve heard differing stories on this,” I said.
“Someone should have changed the price. If the sign says $10.99 it’s $10.99. Merry Christmas!
It isn’t my money. I’ll be glad to go home,” she said.
The SUV was still in my space. I considered deflating his tires but noticed a camera on the roof.
My New Year’s resolution: be nice.
Bill York has lived in Stone Mountain for 35 years. Email him at sioux2222@gmail.com.
