Mullis: Ordering ahead has me running behind

It was a packed day, but I was ready. I had my watch and a detailed checklist on my phone.

My first to-do was downright pleasant. I was meeting my folks for breakfast in Lansing, the mid-point between us. The day before, I called a store near that restaurant to order a gift and have it engraved for an upcoming wedding. I even paid over the phone, so I could enjoy breakfast.

And I did enjoy breakfast, so much I lingered over coffee. Being a tad off schedule, I had my son look up the mall’s map so I could park close to the store.

When we arrived, the store was still shuttered, a note taped to the gate.

“Gone to the bank. Sorry for the inconvenience.”

A gentleman was already waiting.

My daughter asked if we could walk around. I shook my head, reminding her of the time and the fact that we were only picking up an item for which we had already paid.

I said this loud enough for the man to hear, hoping he would let me go first.

The clerk bustled up, drink and bank envelopes in hand. She yanked up the gate and entered. I was right behind her, the gentleman yielding me the floor.

As she turned on registers, I explained about the quick, already-paid-for pickup – ID ready to show. She opened the back room and rummaged all the bags.

My order wasn’t there.

She asked what the item was, eventually finding it in a pile of things waiting for engraving.

“This will take a few minutes.”

But I don’t have a few minutes. That’s why I called yesterday. That’s why I paid for it yesterday.

She shrugged.

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t working yesterday. If you want to walk around the mall, it will be ready in 20 minutes.”

But I didn’t want to walk around the mall. I wanted to be on my way.

The gentleman went next, giving a time-sucking order that involved insurance and questions and the last of my patience.

I sent my kids to walk around the mall.

I stayed, crossing my arms and holding my ground. I had my phone with the unchecked checklist in one hand, flicking the screen with my other hand. This allowed me a regular glimpse of my watch.

Finally, the engraving started, a teeth-grinding drone.

My arms hurt, so I started moving around the store. As time scratched on, I looked at the woman working the machine, her keys still splayed on the table, the door still open to the backroom, her drink growing warm on the counter.

She wasn’t there yesterday. She came in to find the banking not done, customers waiting and me glowering.

I felt a stab of guilt.

The woman called me over, saying there were no instructions regarding the font, but she picked what she thought would be best.

I told her it was beautiful, and started apologizing. I knew it wasn’t her fault and clearly she was stuck holding a lot of bags that morning.

A smile broke through her stoic face.

“It’s OK.”

She wished me a better day and I wished her one, too. Then I dropped my phone into the bag, pulled my shirtsleeve over my watch, and walked the mall.

Late, but better.

Nicole L.V. Mullis will be signing copies of her novel “A Teacher Named Faith” at Battle Creek Books on October 21. See www.NicoleLVMullis.com for details.