A Caring Clerk

I get in line as he runs back around the check-stand.

He’s just finished helping the elderly lady in front of me. Rarely have I seen customer service like that these days, let alone in a Safeway.

My guess: he ain’t from here.

“Anthony” written across his tag.

His lean, long arms and large hands are scanning groceries faster than the belt can get them to the front.

She shuffles, bent over the top of her shopping trolley, approaching the key pad. She rummages her purse.

Reminds me of my grandmother searching for a peppermint at church.

She’s taking her time.

I suppose someone who’s travelled the orbit this many times has earned a little extra patience.

Anthony doesn’t seem to care.

He’s moved onto bagging some of her groceries. She forgets she brought her own bags, so Anthony repacks the bags he’d just filled.

“I’m sorry, Anthony”, she exclaims. “I’m a few fries short of that happy meal today.”

Their laughter echoes. A couple other clerks turn around to see what the party’s about.

“No worries at all, Miss Joyce”, he says with a southern drawl. “I’ll have these packed up and in your cart ‘fore you finish writing your check.”

He flashes her a smile.

I blushed, and I fear Miss Joyce might’ve wanted to watch Anthony’s strong arms work double-time. I don’t blame her.

They speak each other’s names as if they’ve known each other a while. Miss Joyce must be a regular.

The dialogue continues, and I lean forward a bit catch a little more of his voice.

“How is Mr. Ernest doing? I haven’t seen him in here with you for a while.”, he says - his face reflecting the search through his memories.

The scanner chirps and the groceries seems to float into the fillings bags before Anthony hoists them gently into her trolley.

Over the bags crinkling, I can barely hear her response. I lean in a little further.

And it appears I’m not the only one.

I see Anthony extend his neck to better hear Miss Joyce’s soft tone through her mask. All the hustle and bustle compounds his challenge.

“ He’s doing better, still mostly laying down and sitting after his surgery; but the doctor says he’ll be walking again soon. It’s been a struggle trying to get him to rest. He’s never really leaned on anyone like this.” Miss Joyce releases a brief huff of laughter.

“ I can only imagine.” Anthony exclaims.

They both chuckle aloud.

Clearly, Mr. Ernest is a stubborn man.

“I’ll let him know you asked about him.” She expresses with a warm grin on her face.

Miss Joyce finally finds her checkbook. She begins filling in the blanks as Anthony finalizes the order to give her the total.

“How is school going, Baby?” Miss Joyce asks.

With a surprised lifting of his brow, he replies. “ School is exhausting. This is my final semester of undergrad, and I’m excited for graduation. Also, I got accepted into my graduate program.”

Miss Joyce lets out a tamed “yelp”.

“I’m so excited for you, and I know you’re going to be a great therapist.”

He couldn’t be my therapist. I wouldn’t be able to focus on my problems.

I laughed at my own thoughts out loud. Miss Joyce and Anthony both smile in my direction. I nervously laugh as I avoid eye contact.

He’s going to think… I’m a few fries short today too.

Miss Joyce finishes up with her check as Anthony walks the last bag around the counter.

He places the check in the till; and, after few more words, he waves to Miss Joyce as another clerk prepares to help her to her car.

He turns and looks at me.

“How are you today, Miss Sunshine?”

He can’t be talking to me.

“I’m great. It’s sweet seeing you make that young lady’s day.” I’m cheesing. “How are you?” I follow-up.

“Just fine. Yeah. Miss J and I go way back.” He laughs, darting a smirk in my direction.

I’m melting.

He reads me my total. Meanwhile, I’m caught in the trance of his gaze.

“Miss?”

“Oh! Yes.” I tap my debit card on the card reader.

“Would you like a receipt?” The receipt in his hand.

I take it and write my number there.

I walk away.

Hopefully, I get a call from Mr. Kind.