If You Use That Slur You’ll Be Out In A Blur

I work in a low-end pizza buffet – at the time it only cost three dollars a person. We would get some interesting people in there with prices that low.

I was probably seventeen at the time. I take a call for a takeout order. The woman on the phone changes her order three or four times, and I stay patient and make sure it’s correct. I even repeat it back and give her the price, with tax included just to make sure were on the same page.

About twenty minutes later her husband comes in to pick up the order and pay. As soon as I read off the order, he flips out on me that it’s incorrect.

I stay calm, I generally want to help the customer out, and if I make a mistake will go above and beyond to correct it.

Customer: “How stupid was the person on the phone who took the order? This is all their fault; they should be fired!”

Me: “I was the person who took the order.”

Customer: “Well, you must be two steps short of a [r-word disabled slur].”

I am now officially done being helpful. I take my watch off and tell him:

Me: “If you like, we can step outside and I will be glad to show you what someone two steps short of a [r-word] can do to your face.”

Customer: “Get your manager!”

Me: “My manager is twenty years old and stoned. He’ll probably cheer me on. I would have worked with you but since you chose to be an a** I am choosing to cancel your order. Get out on your own or with my assistance.”

He swore up a storm but left. Times have changed and I probably would get in trouble for trying that today, but hey, I was young and stupid.