ME: Ryan!* I haven’t seen you in a long while. What, did they finally fire you at that dump where you work?
RYAN: Yeah, actually. I got laid off after the November elections.
ME: Oh. (Pause) Well, it was good seeing you.
RYAN: Yeah, you too.
ME: Okay then.
(*Not his real name)
__________
ME: (Delivering a bowl of chili) And there you go. Anything else you need right away?
MAN: Nah, should be good.
ME: You know what? (Grabbing a bottle of Sriracha) You should throw some of this stuff on your chili if you want to add a little extra heat.
MAN: (Eying the bottle carefully) This sauce will make the chili warmer?
ME: (Gauging this man for a moment) Uh, not, like, temperature-wise.
MAN: Oh. (Dawns on him) You mean, like spiciness?
ME: Yup.
MAN: I was gonna say: that’d be some pretty cool sauce if it made things instantly warmer!
ME: Fortunately, the kitchen takes care of that part for us, but a literal hot sauce could be your million dollar idea. Enjoy your lunch.
Image courtesy of Natalie Dee.