Free pastry for a smile

Today 1/26/2025 was just another Sunday breaking into the cold weather for a breakfast out about 7:50 am. I had my stomach set for Eggs Benedict. The diner around the corner fit the bill nicely.

In leaving I could not resist a stop at one of the oldest bakeries in the city. It was almost right across the street and I have inherited my mother's sweet tooth .

My husband stayed in the van and I made my way through a steady line of hungry customers.

There were two ahead of me, an older man next to me, chatting it up with the second girl behind the counter.

I couldn't help hear him talk about his sweet tooth and the server replied, "

NOT for me, " she said "

, I don't like sweets! Give me chili fries with cheese anytime! Some like sweet. I like salty!"

So I broke in, " But you work in a bakery!?"

"Yeah, but that's what makes it so easy for me, I'm not tempted!"

" So that's why you are slim!" I laughed in a reply.

The old man grinned, and looked at me and said, " Well maybe she won't need to charge me!"

I laughed and told him, " Oh I don't think that would go over with management !"

As the server taped up his box of sweets she announced his price. " That's $23.50!"

The old man stepped into pay and shot a playful glance back in my direction.

I was now in front and the server was smiling ear to ear. There were at least 8 other people now in line and eyeing all the goodies in the cases before ordering.

But it seems the only lively conversation took place between the older man the slim server who liked salt and me.

The second server was young and very quiet as she took , fulfilled and collected for orders.

As the slim server packed my small box, the last item in was an almond crescent cookie, which she slipped in the box. Then she slipped in a second crescent cookie, softly saying, " It's broken in half, can't sell it anyway ". That got a big smile from me as I cashed out the 5 item box for $7.00.

The almond Cresent cookie was $3.50!

In rejoining my husband in the van he commented, " Look at all the people, it doesn't stop!"

I previewed his almond Cresent cookie and remarked "I got a second one free!"

He just chuckled and said, " It's because you look happy, people see that ".

I realized I am not aware of looking happy and wasn't willing to attribute that theory to getting a free cookie.

I do know on this Sunday, that I broke into a conversation, gave a small compliment , and got a freebie they couldn't sell anyway.

It's not always appropriate to break into conversations, but this was more of a ' bakery store improv' resulting in people having some fun.

It's always true, when you smile and speak positively, good things come back unexpectedly. So my Sunday of breaking through the cold, had a double meaning.