I’ve Been Mugged

(There are a number of customers in the store, including a younger woman and older woman who are looking at many of the same things. I see the older woman take a mug from the younger woman and bring it to the counter with a few other items.)

Me: “These mugs are great! Did you find everything today?”

Older Woman: “Yes, thank you.”

Me: “That’ll be [price]. Would you like anything else today? A cup to go?”

Older Woman: “No, thank you.”

(She pays and leaves the store. I think it’s a bit odd that she didn’t wait for the younger woman. The younger woman comes to the counter, with a different mug, some tea and some more gift items.)

Me: “Hey! I really do love these mugs! Great choice. Did you find everything okay today?”

Younger Woman: “Well, no. I wanted the green mug but that woman grabbed it out of my hands…”

Me: “Oh, my god! I thought you guys were together and she was buying it for you! I’m so sorry. I should’ve said something!”

Younger Woman: “Yeah; I was pretty stunned. I didn’t know what to say.”

Me: “I’m so sorry. Here the mug’s on us today since she took the last one in that design.”

Younger Woman: “Oh! Thank you.”

(I felt so bad, but we definitely don’t have training on what to do about customer to customer theft!)