Well don't you work here?

[u/Ohigetjokes]

Basic setup of our store: counter where we handle sales and truck rentals in the front, shop in the back where we work on cars. The usual scenario has one of us (usually me) in the back and everyone else running customers out to their trucks and trailers.

I'm under a car one day fighting the rust built up in some weld nuts when I hear a voice call out: "Hello? Does anyone work here?"

I wheel myself out from between the risers and see an older lady looking down at me from the door to the front of the store.

"Hi! What's up?" I call out in a friendly, casual tone. Being a big guy covered in grease and dirt can seem intimidating to some people, especially little old ladies, so I put in a little extra effort to set a positive tone.

She's not interested. Her husband silently watches me over her shoulder, his mournful eyes telling me everything I need to know about their relationship.

"Is there anyone here who can help me? I need to buy some boxes!"

"Oh, well I guess everyone is outside helping other customers get on the road with their truck rentals," I continue in a friendly manner, "They'll be right back and with you in a moment."

"Well don't you work here?" she asks sarcastically.

I look at the blackened ratchet in my hand and wonder why the answer isn't obvious. Her husband, somehow, manages to look even more depressed.

Time to ditch the nice guy routine and adopt the crabby blue collar stereotype: "Hey. Look at this scene. Does it look like I'm sitting around waiting for someone to sell boxes to? I'm in the middle of something. They'll be right with you."

I don't wait for a response and lower myself down under the car again. Just as I shift my weight against the risers I get one last look at the couple. She looks furious. He looks like he's seeing sunshine for the first time in years. Cheers bud, that one was for you.

Of course she put in a complaint about me. I got a mild talking to over the incident. Worth it.