Late for my movie, I couldn't finish the extra large coffee in front of me.
The drainboard normally available to pour out a cup, was missing.
This was Starbucks, I was a regular.
To my left, was a clerk cleaning the inside of the condiment & rubbish kiosk.
Cabinet doors... open.
Outside nearby, sat a square garbage pail she tossed rags into...not the round recepticle, I assumed was still attached to the kiosk hole.
I took a gulp, then launched the 7 inch cup ...3/4s full..toward the rubbish kiosk.
Like a cruise missile, it plummeted toward the hole.
I had an unsettling feeling I couldn't explain.
The cup disappeared through the hole.... followed by a mighty splash.
Then a light bulb came on: This was square pail day...not circular.
This was followed by a tidal wave of black coffee from the open cabinet she knelt beside.
Mortified, I insisted I clean & mop it for her. But she was exceedingly kind.
Really, she just preferred I got lost.
Suffice to say it was a good 6 months before I was a regular again 🫣.
