In The Queue In The Queue

(A customer is on the phone when he comes up to the cash register.)

Customer: “I’m really sorry, I know how rude it is that I’m on the phone, but I’ve been on hold for such a long time I don’t want to lose my place in the queue.”

Me: *surprised, since this is the first time anyone has apologized for being on the phone* “Oh, that’s totally fine! I actually really appreciate that you acknowledged that.”

(He only has a couple of items so I ring him up pretty quickly.)

Customer: “Thanks, have a great day!”

Me: “You, too, and may you not be on hold much longer!”

(He laughs and leaves the store. The next customer approaches my register.)

Customer #2: “I can’t believe he was on his phone! That’s so rude!”