My Money, My Business

I stop at a convenience store and see a disheveled woman sitting outside with a cart full of clothing and blankets, not looking at anyone.

Me: “Hey, are you okay?”

Woman: *Surprised* “Oh! I… Well, I’m hungry.”

Me: “Do you want something from here?”

Woman: “Yes. I tried to buy a sandwich and a water, but the cashier kicked me out.”

Me: “Oh. Well, what kind of sandwich? I’ll get it for you.”

Woman: *Smiling* “Really?”

Me: “Sure.”

Woman: “A ham and cheese would be great. And a bottle of water if you can. It doesn’t have to be a big one.”

I walk in, and the cashier speaks up.

Cashier: “I saw you talking to her.”

Me: “Okay?”

The cashier rolls his eyes. I grab what I came for and ask for $40 on a gas pump. He enters my gas request and scans what I got for myself, but he puts the sandwiches and water aside. 

Cashier: “That’s [total].”

Me: “The sandwiches and water, too.”

Cashier: “I’m not allowing you to enable her.”

Me: *Louder* “Scan the sandwiches and water, or get your manager.”

Cashier: “FINE! [MANAGER]!”

A man emerges from the back. 

Manager: “What’s going on?”

Me: “He’s refusing to sell me those sandwiches and waters because they’re for the woman outside.”

Cashier: “We reserve the right to refuse service!”

Me: “Oh. You’re refusing service?”

Cashier: “Yes!”

Manager: “No, I’m sorry, ma’am. [Cashier], ring her up properly.”

Cashier: “No. Service! Refused!”

Me: “Okay.”

I turn and walk toward the door. 

Cashier: “Hey! You have to pay!”

Me: “You refused service. I can’t buy anything.”

Manager: “[Cashier], go straighten something. Ma’am, I’m sorry. I will give you one of the waters and sandwiches for free for the inconvenience.”

I came back, bought everything, and left. The cashier stood inside watching me hand the food and water to the grateful woman. I made eye contact with the cashier, and he gave me the middle finger. I gave two back right before his manager grabbed him by the arm and yanked him away from the window.

I’ve been back to that store several times and have not seen the cashier or the woman since. I hope both got everything they deserved.