Page 72 of Tiers of Joy

Josie walks in and looks over my shoulder.

“Aww cute!” Amy comes over next.

“Oh you got a present.” She states. “Aww, that’s cute.” She smiles.

I take the gnome and grab my sharpie. I write on his hat and put it back outside the shop.

“What did you write on it?” Amy asks.

“Go and have a look for yourself.” I suggest.

She picks it up and reads it out.

“Gnome trespassers.” She laughs.

“Right girls, it’s Saturday and it’s Easter tomorrow so action stations. Prepare for a crazy day.” I clap.

I wasn’t wrong. The morning was unusually busy; we had a queue outside the door. I had to get Josie to give people number tickets because it was getting too much.

“Number twenty-three?” I yell.

“Oo that’s me! Out of the way Margery.” A little old lady elbows her way to the front.

“What can I get you?” I asks smiling.

“Do you make chocolate penis cakes or cookies?” She asks.

“Umm not on Easter. Try valentine’s day.” I laugh.

“Excuse me cutting through, thank you, sorry.” I hear. I look up and see Gaige working his way through to the front of the queue.

“Okay dear. Could I have three of the bunny cookies and three of the chocolate nests please.” She asks sweetly.

“Sure thing.” I get the ladies order and ring it up at the till.

“That will be $12.” I state as I hand her the box.

“Here, allow me.” Gaige says handing me the money. “Keep the change.”

“We don’t accept tips here.” I hand him back his change.

“Thank you for your custom. Please come again.” I smile to the elderly lady.

“Twenty-four!” I yell.

“That’s me.” Gaige smiles and holds up the ticket.

“How in the he…” I start to ask.

“Paid a customer $100 for it.” He smiles.

“You paid a customer $100, just so you could come in here?” I ask.

“Yes.” He smiles.

“Phillis will you move out of the way? You have your order.” An elderly woman moans.

“Back off Margery, I want to see how this works out.” Phillis points to Gaige and I.

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