They did it again. They surprised me.
They said a long time ago that they wanted to be our "third space". They knew we already had space at home and at work. And they wanted to occupy our third space. A space where we'd meet our friends, hang out, check our email, study for class and even write sermons.
I'm spending more and more of my time in that third space. Starbucks continues to win my loyalty.
Here's the latest "wow" from the artists of aroma and the architects of atmosphere.
I pulled into the drive-thru (Those of you who know me, know that I was already in a moment of unusual weakness to be at the drive-thru. I insist on enjoying the full deal at Starbucks - the aroma, the environment, the face-to-face with the barista, the whole bean.) to treat my daughter and her friend to a late, after youth night cup of java. Feeling generous I ordered the girls' two venti iced, hazelnut, extra whip white mochas.
Total: $27.32 ... or something like that.
I pulled to the bumper of the car in front of me and reached into my pocket for my money clip. I dug deeper. Lint. Just lint. No clip. No money. Nothing but pocket... and lint.
I threw the car in reverse and disgustedly prepared to apologize, cancel the order and drive away - hopefully unrecognized by the normally friendly caffeine connoisseurs.
"Excuse me. I need to cancel that last order. I'm really embarrassed. I left the house without a credit card or a dollar bill. I have no way to pay for those mochas. I'm really sorry."
Without revealing any surprise, as though it happened every day, the kinder than kind barista, asked me to "please don't drive away" and invited to the window. After a couple awkward minutes of being identified by the staff who would see me again tomorrow, she handed me the drinks I had ordered... and for which I couldn't pay. Although I offered to make good on it the next morning, the crew insisted it was covered.
They did it again.
And I'll be back tomorrow. With my wallet.
