[ The cookies on display look good. He's thinking about maybe getting a closer to look to see if there's one Nat might like, since Jake's gonna be getting them out of here in lEsS tHaN tHirTy MiNUTeS and twenty bucks richer, but then the manager appears and out of instinct, Bob sort of just. Straightens up. Hopes his smile actually looks like one. Tries again just to make sure it does.
SARAH reminds him of his fourth grade teacher - unafraid of the world, but capable of carrying out good intentions. After some futile cajoling, she'd realized that he wasn't all that interested in kickball or handball or any type of ball and let him stay in her classroom to read during recess instead. One of the nicer ones he'd had, even at that point.
The heavy arm on his shoulder effectively solders him into place, taking him out of his reverie; it takes another few seconds for him to catch up to what they've said, and then another handful to run his gaze between Jake's and Sarah's - several times - to confirm that they're both looking at him and very clearly waiting for him to say something.
As eloquently as ever: ]
U-uh. [ He clears his throat, which has suddenly gone dry. ] We were just wondering- it's our friend's birthday tomorrow. He loves hummingbird cake and we've heard yours is the best around here.
[ Bob glances at Jake and immediately doesn't know why he Did That. Back to Sarah, then. ]
If it wouldn't be too much trouble, ma'am, would you mind letting us buy a whole cake instead of just a slice? We'd be happy to purchase it at the cost of all the slices together and pick it up tomorrow, whenever is convenient for you.
[ She seems to be considering his request, which makes him brighten despite his initial skepticism. Maybe he won't have to cash out the extra twenty dollars?
Well, we don't normally allow people to buy whole cakes - it's unfair, you know.
He wrinkles his nose to adjust the placement of his glasses, lowering his gaze as he nods. Maybe they can buy another cake for the rest of the squad and get a few slices for Payback? ]
Y-yes, ma'am, of course. We're very sorry to put you in this position.
hello darkness, my old friend 🎵
SARAH reminds him of his fourth grade teacher - unafraid of the world, but capable of carrying out good intentions. After some futile cajoling, she'd realized that he wasn't all that interested in kickball or handball or any type of ball and let him stay in her classroom to read during recess instead. One of the nicer ones he'd had, even at that point.
The heavy arm on his shoulder effectively solders him into place, taking him out of his reverie; it takes another few seconds for him to catch up to what they've said, and then another handful to run his gaze between Jake's and Sarah's - several times - to confirm that they're both looking at him and very clearly waiting for him to say something.
As eloquently as ever: ]
U-uh. [ He clears his throat, which has suddenly gone dry. ] We were just wondering- it's our friend's birthday tomorrow. He loves hummingbird cake and we've heard yours is the best around here.
[ Bob glances at Jake and immediately doesn't know why he Did That. Back to Sarah, then. ]
If it wouldn't be too much trouble, ma'am, would you mind letting us buy a whole cake instead of just a slice? We'd be happy to purchase it at the cost of all the slices together and pick it up tomorrow, whenever is convenient for you.
[ She seems to be considering his request, which makes him brighten despite his initial skepticism. Maybe he won't have to cash out the extra twenty dollars?
Well, we don't normally allow people to buy whole cakes - it's unfair, you know.
He wrinkles his nose to adjust the placement of his glasses, lowering his gaze as he nods. Maybe they can buy another cake for the rest of the squad and get a few slices for Payback? ]
Y-yes, ma'am, of course. We're very sorry to put you in this position.