The Huffington Post, March 3, 2010: Gun-and-latte aficionados can rest easy. Despite an outcry from advocacy groups, Starbucks says it will continue to allow customers to bring licensed firearms into their stores.
SHOWDOWN AT STARBUCKS or THE CUSTOMER’S ALWAYS RIGHT
A short play in one act
by
I.M. Intim A. Dated
SCENE
INT. STARBUCKS COFFERIA
Typical Starbucks. Subdued lighting. Muffled chatter of patrons who sit sipping 3 dollar lattes and cappuccinos. The counter queue is moderately long. CUSTOMER 1 takes his double expresso and walks to an alcove table for a few teaspoons of sweetener. As he reaches for the sugar, CUSTOMER 2 appears behind him holding a Cafe Amerciano. He reaches around, and grabs the little wooden bowl of brown organic sugar being held by CUSTOMER 1.
CUSTOMER 1
(Mildly irritated)
Hold your horses there friend, I’ll just be a second.
CUSTOMER 1 and CUSTOMER 2 both gripping the sugar bowl.
CUSTOMER 2
(Speaking with a groggy growl)
YOU look, “FRIEND”! I had a bad night and I’m late for a meeting. Just give a guy a break, huh?
CUSTOMER 1
(Turning to face CUSTOMER 2)
You’ve got your problems and I’ve got mine. What gives you the right?
CUSTOMER 2
(Stepping back a few paces, he rests his hand on a bulge beneath his jacket that vaguely resembles the shape of a licensed 357 Magnum. Speaking in a low, commanding voice.)
I suggest you show a little respect friend. A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.
CUSTOMER 1
(Taking it all in. averts his eyes, releases the sugar bowl and replies haltingly)
Oh yes… err…I see now… You’re right. I’m REALLY, REALLY sorry. Please excuse me SIR.
CUSTOMER 1 steps aside, head bowed, puts the lid on his unsweetened coffee and heads for the door.
~ FIN ~
