An Off The Clock Block

This coming Sunday is Easter, and I’ve been put in charge of roasting the prime rib. Now, when we’re talking a $200 hunk of beef, I don’t want to take any chances. I’ve got a solid recipe that I’ve used a couple of times before, and it calls specifically for fresh rosemary and thyme.

Since I work at a grocery store, I figured I’d grab the fresh herbs on my way out. I clocked out, slung my vest over my shoulder, and off to produce I go. There’s plenty of packages of rosemary, and lucky for me, one singular pack of thyme. I grab it, turn around, and am just about to head to the front to pay when I’m stopped by a woman

Customer: “Oh, you got the last thyme, I see.”

Me: “Yep, sorry. Have a good day!”

I try to sidestep her, but she moves right with me.

Customer: “You see, I need that for the prime rib on Easter.”

Me: “So do I, ma’am. May I go? I’d like to get home.”

Customer: *Her eyes narrow.* “Excuse me, but I said I need that for my prime rib. The customer is always right; give it to me.”

I retreat, take a couple of long strides, and set off to the front registers.

Me: “Off the clock, I’m a customer too! Have a great day!”

She starts chasing me, heels clicking.

Customer: “HEY! HEY! GIVE ME THAT! I’ll tell your manager!”

I flip the herbs across the self-check register, and wave to my team lead.

Me: “Gonna have a problem here in a sec.”

My team lead sees the customer coming his way and tries not to roll his eyes.

Team Lead: “Let me guess, you got something she wanted first, right?”

Me: “Yep! Have fun!”

I pay, grab the receipt, salute my team lead, and am heading out the front door just about the time the angry customer confronts him.

This morning, he tells me that she didn’t take kindly to being told no, and that he couldn’t do anything to me for something that happened off the clock. But he does hope my prime rib comes out well.