Coffee Alone

 

This is a neighborhood story and as you can see by the picture we’re using and the prices mentioned, it goes back awhile. 

 

Willie the owner explained very patiently to his tall, hulking seventeen-year-old counterman Nicky. 

“Listen Nicky, the price of coffee is going up so there’s a slight price change so we can keep pace.” 

Willie spoke slowly knowing all too well that this was the only way to ensure of half a chance of what he said, sticking in Nicky’s mind.  Then Willie said. 

“If someone comes in and has coffee, just coffee alone, it’s thirty-five cents.  Otherwise, it’s still thirty-cents.” 

Nicky nodded, knowing Willie thought he was stupid but also knowing that Willie was a Candy Store owner and therefore the real idiot.  So, Nicky said. 

“Sure, Willie that’s easy.” 

“You sure?”  Willie asked. 

“Yeah, coffee alone, thirty-five cents.” 

“Good.”  Willie said and walked back to the head of the counter and the cash register.

 

Ten minutes later, in walks a customer. 

Nicky asked.  “What’ll you have?” 

The man said.  “Just coffee.” 

Nicky gave the man the coffee and the check. 

When the man finished his coffee, he went to the register and handed it to Willie. 

It read.  ‘.30’. 

Willie just shook his head and not wanting to hassle the man just took the thirty cents.  After the man left, Willie called Nicky over and showed him the check.  Then he said. 

“I just twenty minutes ago told you that if a guy comes in and just has coffee, coffee alone, it’s thirty –five cents!” 

Nicky then looked at Willie like he was the dumbest human being who ever lived.  A man whose stupidity could only be vaguely fathomed. 

“Willie!”  He exclaimed.  “What’s the difference if a guy comes in alone or if he comes in with a hundred people?”