The salon is brightly lit. The front door is locked. A frustrated CUSTOMER aggressively takes off her jacket. She glares at the EMPLOYEE, who stands calmly by the front desk holding a stack of paperwork.
CUSTOMER (Loud, exasperated) Why are you just standing there? It took you long enough to open the door. Are you going to set up my bed or not?
The Employee blinks slowly, completely unfazed by the attitude.
EMPLOYEE (Calm, deadpan) I was standing at the door waiting for you to leave… because we’re closed.
The Customer puts her hands on her hips and scoffs in disbelief.
CUSTOMER Closed? You literally have all the lights on, and you just let me in.
EMPLOYEE (Gesturing to emphasize the ridiculousness) I didn’t let you in. I opened the door to tell you face-to-face that we are closed, because the twenty times you yanked on the locked handle didn’t seem to click.
CUSTOMER (Rolling her eyes, volume rising) What kind of bull is this? You guys close at 10:00! It’s only 8:30!
EMPLOYEE We switched back to our seasonal hours. We close at 8:00 now. It’s been like this for three months.
CUSTOMER (Condescending, talking with her hands) Well, maybe you should try actually telling your clients! Post it on social media, put it on the door, send an email. You just expect us to magically know?
The Employee checks off invisible items on her fingers as she lists them.
EMPLOYEE We emailed it. We posted it on the door. We put it on every social media platform—and pinned it. The lights are only on so I can do my closing paperwork without needing night vision.
The Customer crosses her arms, immediately shifting to play the victim.
CUSTOMER I just drove 45 minutes to get here after a very long day, and now you expect me to just turn around and go back because I can’t use a service I pay for?
The Employee sighs, rubs her temples, and finally looks defeated.
EMPLOYEE (Reluctantly) Look… I’ll tell you what. Shut up, and I will let you tan just this once, since you had a bad day and I just want to finish my closing duties.
A smug smile spreads across the Customer’s face. She lifts her chin triumphantly.
CUSTOMER Oh. Well… as you should.
The pity instantly vanishes from the Employee’s face. She stares blankly for a beat, then flashes a tight, entirely fake customer-service smile.
EMPLOYEE Actually, you know what? I was trying to be nice, but since this is clearly my fault… I’m just going to go ahead and cancel your membership and waive your 30-day notice.
The Customer’s jaw drops in shock.
CUSTOMER (Panicking) Wait, I take it back!
EMPLOYEE (Cheerfully waving) I don’t! Have a great night!