Goode Callen sat in a large chair in the corner of an expensive coffee shop. It was one of those chain stores with mediocre coffee and service. In her hand, she clasped her worn purse as she stared out the window. “Miss, you’ve been sitting here for fifteen minutes; if you don’t buy something, I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” the sales clerk apologized.
“I don’t want trouble; I’m just looking for good music and even better people. May I have a cup of water?” Goode’s face clouded over.
“That doesn’t count as a purchase. Are you lost?” He added.
“How can I be lost when I didn’t even know where I was going?” She let out a surpried laugh. “May I have a cup of water?”
The clerk leaned closer to her. “Listen, my manager is gonna write me up if I don’t throw you out.” He reached into his pocket and discreetly pulled out ten dollars. “Just go up there and order a latté or something,” He said while stuffing the bills into Goode’s hand.
“I wouldn’t know what to order. I never order anything.”She shrugged.