Stephanie re-entered the diner with the sundae almost ready and set her watch. As the clock inched closer to the bus’s departure time, she returned to Karen’s table, her voice honeyed. “Ma’am, we’re so sorry for the experience you had earlier. Our chef has prepared a special treat just for you.”
Karen’s face lit up, her smug smile returning as if she’d somehow won. “Finally!” she crowed, her voice loud enough to turn heads. “Took you long enough to realize how to treat your customers!” She waved Stephanie off dismissively and called her children over, basking in her imagined victory.