iced mochacino

3:30 at the coffee place up the block today was a DRAMATIC time.

long, unorganized lines,
a new guy who didn't really know what to do,
and a disproportionate number of cappucino and espresso orders all at once.

it was the wrong day to order an iced mochacino.

that poor new guy was freakin' out.
the manager (with unfortunate partially-bleached hair) had to come out and help.
i was asked to repeat my order three times.

i waited patiently, eschewing the heavy sighs of impatient customers for hands folded and a placid semi-glazed over stare.

then:

the placid, wise casheer who'd taken my order turned to me and the man standing next to me waiting for two skim cappucinos and asked "would you like a cookie while you're waiting?" YES! As simple as a lollypop after a visit to the dentist or a piece of bologna from the deli guy while he slices cold cuts for your mother - we are as easy to placate as the average seven year-old.

I think it's sort of nice when simple, small things are enough; when the meaning of a gesture comes through.