Your powers of selective hearing are impressive.

It only takes one off customer to throw store closing into a holding pattern. One person who insists on taking their time leaving to destroy whatever chance I once had at leaving at a reasonable hour. The worst bit is that they rarely seem to realize that they are proving an inconvenience.

For example, the other night I had what seemed to be a nice, polite customer who was enjoying a preview. I was really not anticipating any issues arising from the guy. And then closing time drew nigh. At that point, rounds were made in the store letting the customers know that we were closing down in a few minutes. I attempt to give enough time that they can finish shopping, but not long enough they feel they can still take their time. With the arcade, I try give them enough notice that they won't waste their money on time they can't use.

Well, that night, when closing time arrived, I made the store wide announcement and shut off the preview. Moments later, the booth started up again. Suspect, but whatever. I shut it down again and go to resume putting the store to bed for the night. Once again, his room starts viewing. You've got to be kidding me. I shut it down again. And I wait. This time, he comes out of the arcade.

"Excuse me, I just put a twenty into the machine a minute ago and the movie shut off."

You put in twenty bucks in just now? I just had to make sure I was hearing him correctly.

"Yes. Maybe about a minute ago. The movie stopped and I put a twenty into the machine."

Oh this is priceless. I apologize about that, but I went through the arcade area letting you know it was shutting down within three minutes.

"I heard that, but I didn't think you meant me since I was previewing."

No sir, I was referring to the whole section.

"Oh, 'cause I didn't think you meant me."

I apologize that you misunderstood.

"So what can I do?"

You could leave a note and come in tomorrow to see if you might get it back, but there is nothing I can do for you tonight. I can't give you any refund or credit. Fat fucking chance of that dude. It was your fuck up.

"Damn. What time do you close again?"

We closed ten minutes ago.

He then proceeded to mention his lost twenty a few more times, protest his failure to understand at the time, and kick out a few damns. Finally, he went out the door.

I wish I could feel sorry for the dude, but I can't. He heard the warnings, but disregarded them. The entire store went quiet, you may not really pay attention to the in-store play, but when it shuts off it's quite stark. But even with that, his movie shut off TWICE before he decided to feed in a twenty.

Thank you for paying your stupid tax, please come again. Just make it earlier in the day.