A Family Af-fire

(I’m used to a different branch of this fabric store, but I happen to be near this one and won’t make it back in time to visit the other before they close. Unfortunately, because I’m not familiar with this branch, I don’t know where anything is.)

Me: “Excuse me, ma’am? Can you tell me where I might find safety eyes for making a stuffed animal?”

Employee: *leans against the counter with her arms crossed* “No.”

Me: “I’m sorry?”

Employee: “I said no. As in I can’t tell you. I’m new, duh!”

Me: “Well, I know you all have the radios. Will you ask another employee for me?”

Employee: “Look, I said I’m new, okay? I’m not helping you.”

Manager: “Is there a problem?”

Employee: “This b**** won’t listen to me! I said I can’t help her. I’m new!”

Me: “All I asked her was if she could tell me where to find safety eyes you’d use for making a stuffed animal. When she said she didn’t know, I asked her if she’d ask somebody. This isn’t the store I usually come to, so I’m not familiar with your floor plan.”

(The manager directs me to a nearby aisle where the things I need are, but while I’m there I overhear this.)

Manager: *to the employee* “You were stocking that section for me five minutes ago. Why are you over here leaning on the counter?”

Employee: “I’m on break.”

Manager: “You’re here for the overnight. You JUST started. Why do you think you get a break already?”

Employee: “Because I wanted one. And I shouldn’t have to stock stuff during store hours. I’m here for freight.”

Manager: “I had you come in early so you could help the closing crew since we’re short-handed.”

Employee: *tearing up* “That’s it! You’re not being fair to me. I’m going to quit if you don’t start treating me better!”

Manager: “You know what, you’re not working out.”

Employee: “Excuse me? Don’t you know who I am?!”

(The assistant manager, who is the employee’s uncle, approaches at this point to see what is going on. The manager explains to the assistant manager what has happened.)

Employee: *to the assistant manager* “Uncle Rich, he thinks he can fire me!” *points to the manager*

Assistant Manager: “Well, he’s my boss too, so he can. By the way, you’re fired!”