We Hope He Wasn’t The Priest

I work opening shifts at a local coffee shop on the weekends, and these shifts usually consist of me and another person. One Sunday, my coworker doesn’t show up. I’ve opened alone before so I’m not too daunted, and the morning from 6:30 am to 8:00 am — when more workers come — is pretty slow and about 60% of the customers are regulars.

So, I go about my job at a very fast pace. One customer has some coffee beans that need to be ground, and as I’m grinding them, a line starts to form. 

This one man — who is not a regular — actually comes behind the counter and picks up a small coffee cup! I step away from the grinder.

Me: “Sir, you can’t be back here.”

Customer #1: “I’m going to be late for mass!”

Me: “Okay, I will be with you in just a moment.”

I go back to grinding the beans, ignoring his shocked expression. When I return to the register, I realize he wasn’t even next in line. I ring up the next customer.

Me: “Sorry for the wait; my coworker hasn’t arrived so I’m working alone this morning!”

Customer #2: “No problem. I totally understand.”

I give him his coffee and he leaves. [Customer #1] approaches.

Me: “Thank you for waiting, sir. I’m assuming you’d like a small coffee?”

Customer #1: *Sheepishly* “Yes, sorry.”

At least he seemed to understand later. I just remember thinking, “I’m sure God will understand!”