It’s Not HIS Money
What if it Was?
I went into a popular coffee shop today and ordered a medium size coffee. The barista looked at me, smiled broadly and said, “Hey, I read your book.” Of course I was flattered and asked him when he did, and where he bought it. He then told me that I had given it to him to read when applying for a job with a client of mine. He then said, “I am going to return it because I got this job that same day.” His face wasn’t familiar, and I asked, “How long ago was that?” He said that it was quite a while ago and repeated that he intends to return the book. I reminded him that he should do that, and handed him the money for the coffee. He then shook his head and said. “It’s on me.” As we walked away, a friend who was with me said, “It’s amazing how generous people are with someone else’s money.” My thought was, “I’m sure glad this guy isn’t working for my client.” I feel certain that the coffee, and God only knows what else, were “on the company” with his generosity. I did not feel grateful, would you?
December 6th, 2010 at 9:53 am
Thank goodness that barista doesn’t have a desire to be a politician!
December 6th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
It is certainly possible that he paid for the coffee with his own money. Perhaps he did not, but it is possible. Why would I come to his defense? My father taught me to always give people the benefit of the doubt.
December 6th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Had he visibly put money in the register there would be no doubt. Had he returned that book as promised I’d bet that Ron would have given him that benefit as well; Right Ron
December 6th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
RIGHT!
December 12th, 2010 at 6:37 am
Yeah I would at least give him the benefit of the doubt and hope some of his tip money went to pay for it. Maybe he is allowed a couple free coffees a day and gave one up for you. Lets not be too harsh …..Yet.
December 12th, 2010 at 8:11 am
Hey Ron… Has he returned the book yet?
December 12th, 2010 at 10:29 am
Aloha Boss Man; No, he has not. Let those judging take that into consideration. I am going to go there again just to see what happens.
December 14th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
As a lover of “Aloha” I must admit that I am suspicious of this person’s “generosity.” I would bet my shorts that “on him” meant “on his employer.”
December 14th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
I returned to the scene of the suspected crime today. The suspect was there and greeted me. I took out the money and ordered my coffee. His co-worker stepped up, took the money and rang it up.
My “friend” looked at me, winked and said, “Next time, he’s on the register today.”
Do you read this as I do? Perhaps I should be grateful. It looks like I have an invite for ongoing free coffee if I time my visits right. Maybe I should ask for his schedule. I wonder how many other “friends” he has.