Now You’re Talking

(I am alone in my store when a customer comes in. Because of where I am located, I can’t get to within her line of sight immediately, but it’s not a very big store so she can hear me.)

Me: “Hi! How are you today?”

Customer: “I’m well, thanks, and you?”

Me: “Fine, thank you!”

(I continue talking as I walk. I am now two feet away from her and wearing a nametag.)

Me: “Has it been a while since were here?”

Customer: “Oh. Um. I guess it has?”

Me: “Okay, welcome back!”

(She gives me a puzzled look.)

Customer: “Do you, um, work here or something?

Me: *baffled* “Yes, ma’am?”

Customer: “Oh, I thought you were another customer. I wondered why you were so chatty!”