Weirdness Is Afoot

I work at a family-owned ice cream shop. It’s a slow afternoon despite the perfect weather. A man in his seventies enters the shop. As he’s deciding what to order, a young man and woman come in together. The old man is asking me about different flavors and suddenly turns to the man behind him.

Old Man: “I have to say, I like those shoes. Good for the weather.”

Young Man: “Oh, yeah, thanks.”

The old man orders his ice cream and turns to the woman.

Old Man: “And I have to say, you have lovely feet, as well. Don’t want you to feel left out!”

The woman gives a polite response, but I can tell she is uncomfortable. I quickly scoop the old man’s ice cream and send him on his way. As soon as he’s out the door, I look at the couple.

Me: “I cannot believe he said that. Wow, I’m so sorry about that.”

Young Woman: “Yeah, that was… weird.”

Young Man: “You could tell he knew what he was saying was wrong but he just kept talking.”

Me: “Super uncomfortable. Anyway, have you decided what you’d like?”