Liam pulled up to the inside lane of the fast food drive thru, and before his car came to a full stop, the girl on the scratchy loudspeaker said, “Welcome to Texas Ranch House, where our burgers are cooked to your satisfaction, our chicken is only hickory-smoked and grilled, and our chocolate mint shakes would blow your socks off from the first delicious sip. Would you like to try our new ranch bacon grilled chicken and cheese deluxe sandwich with curly fries and your choice of soft drink for only $5.79?”
Well, that was what she had written in front of her to say. After saying it fifty or sixty times today already, she had it memorized but kept the sheet handy in case she froze or forgot a line.
“Um, no. I don’t believe so. Can you give me the, uh, can you give me a second? It’s been a while since I’ve been here,” said Liam.
“Sure no problem. Take your time. Let me know when you’re ready.” she said.
As soon as her microphone clicked off, 90s music blared over another scratchy loudspeaker ten feet away.
Liam rubbed his forehead and tried to read the small print on the board nearby. The music wasn’t helping him in the least, and in fact was hindering him from getting through the menu.
He looked in the rear view mirror and two new cars were behind him.
“Hello?” Liam said to the intercom.
“Yes, sir?”
“Yeah, I’d like a pulled pork sandwich with fries.”
The teen hesitated and sad, “Uh, sir, we don’t have pulled pork on our menu. Unless you’re seeing something there that I’m not…”
“No, I don’t see it there. Just had a hankering for pulled pork is all. Maybe next time,” said Liam as he pulled away out of the drive thru lane, leaving the blaring music and salesy teen behind.
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