A Most Unreceptive Receptionist, Part 16

I work in a little business park where all the little offices are set up like little houses. We get along well with the other businesses, particularly the one next door. Their owner plays golf with our owner. We even had our Christmas Dinner combined one year.

One month, we held a big event for our customers. One of the managers over-ordered, which prompted the catering company to over-deliver. Suddenly, we had all this food that we struggled to give away and probably wouldn’t be good tomorrow. The owner asked if I could take a big box next door; their owner loves his food.

Dutifully, I packed up an assortment and went next door.

Through the glass, I saw a receptionist, a new one. She watched me struggle to open the door and walk up to her. And with an exasperated sigh, she said:

Receptionist: “We don’t want it.”

Me: “Oh, no, you see, I’ve just come from next door, and—”

Receptionist: “Look. Frankly, I don’t care what you’re selling or what charity you’re supporting. I’ve told you lot we don’t want it.”

Me: “No, you see, I’m not selling them. It’s all for—”

Receptionist: “Ugh, I don’t care. Call it what you want. I don’t want it.”

Me: “Jeez. Fine.”

I walked out the door; she watched me struggle again. I saw their owner get out of his car and walk to the door. This was going to be perfect.

Owner: “Ooooh, freebies?”

Me: “Help yourself!”

Owner: “Thanks! Hey, where are you going?”

Me: “Oh, I was told if you didn’t want them to throw them.”

I threw the box into the big roll-top bin in the car park. The owner stared, mouth open.

Owner: “But why?”

Me: “Ask your receptionist.”

I went back to work and didn’t say a word. I forgot about it.

A few days later, the owner asked me what happened, and I told him that his receptionist was incredibly rude and abrupt.

She wasn’t there the following week.

Related:
A Most Unreceptive Receptionist, Part 15
A Most Unreceptive Receptionist, Part 14
A Most Unreceptive Receptionist, Part 13
A Most Unreceptive Receptionist, Part 12
A Most Unreceptive Receptionist, Part 11