You Can’t Tell Me What To Do With The Drink You Forced Me To Take!
I’m lined up at a fast food place right after I’ve knocked off work at the nearby supermarket. It’s the middle of the day, and I’ve got a hankering for a specific burger and some fries. I see above the cashier’s head that the particular burger I want is on a lunchtime special for $5. I’ve just cracked a can of energy drink, which is in my hand, so I’m pondering whether I can get away with no drink.
The teenager behind the counter taking orders is obviously blaming me and the other customers personally for her bad day. She’s snippy and rude, and she actually yells at a little kid in front of me for asking for a spoon. Whatever, we all have bad days. It’s my turn to order.
Me: “Hi! Can I please have a [$5 lunchtime special]? But I don’t want a drink, thanks.”
Cashier: *Glaring* “It comes with a drink.”
Me: “I know. I just don’t need one. I’ve already got one.”
I wave around my very distinctive, large red can of energy drink.
Cashier: *Still glaring* “You have to have the drink. I can’t remove it.”
I think she thinks I’m trying to get it cheaper.
Me: “Oh! No, I know that, but could you put it through and just not pour the drink? I don’t need it; it’ll go to waste.”
Cashier: “No. It comes with a drink.”
I can see I’m not getting anywhere with her, so I finally just ask for their most popular drink, pay, and step off to the side to wait for my food. She stomps around a bit getting my order and then hands it to me, smugly adding, “And here’s your drink,” as she hands it over.
Me: “Thanks.”
I turn to a group of teenagers sitting at the table behind me.
Me: “You guys want a free drink?”
I set my drink on their table and they thank me while the cashier goes ballistic behind me.
Cashier: “YOU CAN’T DO THAT! IT COMES WITH A DRINK! YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE DRINK!”
I just walked out. When I looked through the window getting into my car, a very exasperated manager was talking to her. Good luck, buddy.