A Solid Comeback

I just finished mopping and buffing the floor in my small convenience store when a construction guy working on the street outside came in with mud all over his feet, looking for a bottle of liquor.

Me: “Can I get that bottle for you? You got pretty muddy feet, and I just cleaned the floor.”

Guy: “That’s what mops are for.”

He stomps his feet and leaves.

A half hour later, I’m closing the store, and I see this construction worker smoothing out a small section of concrete using a bull float (those large and flat tools with a long handle that look like mops). 

Realizing that my cheap shoes are falling apart and due for the scrap heap anyway, I start walking to my subway station in a straight line, walking directly over the wet concrete. It’s about an inch deep, so I’ve left pretty noticeable footprints.

Guy: “What the f***! You just ruined the concrete!”

Me: *Pointing to his bull float, that does look like a mop.* “That’s what mops are for.”

I didn’t stomp as he did, but I didn’t need to. The damage had been done, and I was merrily on my way.