Lunch Break

I could almost taste the scent of freshly pressed sandwiches before I had even reached that aisle. Filled with lettuce and chicken and the most succulent of mayonnaises. Gurgling in joy and desperation, my stomach encouraged me on my way towards the unsuspecting victims of my hunger. Running hopefully towards the inevitable spend I grabbed the drink (coca cola of course) and chocolate (a twirl) that made up the other parts of the £3 meal deal, before going to the fridge to grab my specially selected chicken and bacon sandwich. Nothing could stop me now.

Nothing except the young man reaching into the aisle to look at the last one.

Undecided he placed it back upon the shelf and kept browsing, if I was quick I could just reach in there and grasp it from behind him, before he turned around and could see, before he could take it from me. The last sandwich – and it would be mine. Creeping subtly I reached for the sandwich just as he turned to grasp it himself. Our hands reached the sandwich at the same time.

“Oh, I'm sorry,” looking about nineteen years of age, the man looked shocked at my being there.

“Haha it's fine,” I figured the best way to win over my sandwich was to strike with politeness.

“It is a rather nice looking sandwich, especially where it says about the mayonnaise… what was it? Like some special type?”

“Yes… I have this sandwich like every day, it really is one of the best here.”

“The best you say? Well sir, would you mind if I took it for myself so I could try this delight?”

I wanted to tell the guy that actually yes. Yes I would mind. And as I was here and I get the sandwich everyday and I am a qualified, benefit to society, I should have it. But then looking up at his gleaming blue eyes and silky smooth skin, I realised that being rude just wasn't a part of who I am, the British way was to just say no and move on. Sucks to be me.

“No, no, sure, go ahead and have it. I'm sure there's something else I'll like here...”

“Are you sure? I feel so bad for taking the last one now, especially since you expressed your clear wanting of it...”

If he wants the damn sandwich he should take it before I change my mind about just how British I truly am, because I want that sandwich and if he keeps taunting me with it I will have the sandwich.

“I'd take it – quick before I change my mind!” the most classic joke in the “I WANT THE DAMN SANDWICH SO LEAVE BEFORE I TAKE IT” book. Haha.

“Thanks sir, if there is anything I could do to repay you, maybe I could treat you to your lunch if you made a decision on what sandwich you want?”

“I'd take that offer up, thank you very much… maybe I'll try this chicken, bacon and stuffing one instead...”

“That sounds like a remarkable idea.”

After that we went and paid for our food and then parted at the shop exit. He went back to whatever clubbing and drinking people do at nineteen and I headed back to the office. Two strangers never to meet again. Good job really… I switched the sandwiches at the checkout.