F...M...L...

I work at a bakery where we offer a free slice to customers. There's a trash can next to the stand and breadboard. It's been there since I can remember, no biggie. The Health Department has never said anything about during their routine visits and I've never heard anyone complain about it.

Bored with an empty bakery gave me the urge to clean. I was sweeping near the stand and as I dumped the trash in the aforementioned bin, a lady walked in.

"Hello, ma'am," I greeted.

"It really bothers me that you're dumping that trash near that jelly and butter."

My, my, aren't we blunt? OK, she had a point. We have spreads near the breadboard for patrons to try and maybe the rubbish bin's location wasn't ideal. I just didn't appreciate her tone.

Not knowing what to say, I put down my broom and pan and went to wash my hands. I didn't want her "calling me out" on something else. As I rinsed the soap off she said, "Some people just don't think."

I "snapped."

"Well ma'am," I retorted in matching tone, "A lot of people just don't think about some things."

Talk about Freudian slip.

"I work with the Health Department, and you're supposed to do this because it's what they said, not because I'm telling you."

F... But she wasn't done. Oh no.

"You never argue with a customer about something like that." She paused. "You know, I think I'll come back another day. You're not the person I want waiting on me."

It's OK, you're not the customer I want to wait on either.

"Alright." I was fine with her leaving.

In one last effort to chide me, she turned before walking out and said, "I don't know your name, but rest assured I will call you in."

Ouch. Really, lady?

The radio and I were once again alone. I leaned on the counter and stared out the window, mulling over what just happened. I couldn't and still can't believe I talked back. Why did I say that? Usually I'm good at holding my comments in. And I wasn't grumpy: I was awake (I went in at 12:30), chirpy, sweeping and singing to the Oldies station. Maybe I'm just too tired to whip back verbally when I open at 7 a.m. My friend Kelly said I just happened to have a good comeback. See what happens when you're fully functional?

I am slightly worried about the Health Department calling. Working in food service is far from my life goal but I don't want to be fired. Right now it's the steadiest job I've got. I just need to not think about it anymore.

That lady was right about one thing: I should never argue with a customer; this reaction is not my norm at all. But as a behind-the-counter employee, I will only take so much from a client, especially in her tone. So to you customers, remember there might come a point where your cashier will fire back.