The Flu 1/2 Read Online Free PDF Page B

from decades earlier. He kept his salt and pepper hair combed neatly, despite the fact that it was too short to really style. And always, without fail, he wore a dress shirt and tie to work, even if they didn’t match. Thomas was pretty tall, and prided himself on the fact that his posture was good. At sixty-two years old he stood as tall as he had when he was twenty.
    Tom spoke slowly and seriously to his daughter, Dylan. “Up...sell.”
    Dylan nodded and gave a thumbs up. “Upsell. Got it.”
    “No, you don’t. You’re pacifying me,” Tom snapped. “Let’s review.”
    “Daddy, let’s not,” Dylan complained as she stood before the video counter. She shifted her eyes toward Mick who, as usual, was leaning against the counter. “Don’t you have somewhere else to be?” Dylan asked Mick. “Like eating donuts or something?”
    “You’re killing me,” Mick said.
    “Leave the law alone,” Tom told her. “Back to this.” He pointed to the display case. “The name of the game is suggestive selling. Do you realize you are my only employee who never sells anything but video rentals?”
    “We rent videos.”
    “What is this?” Tom asked.
    “Candy and stuff.”
    “Candy and stuff.” Tom rolled his eyes. “Looks to me like a bit more than videos. I put them here for a reason, Dylan. What would that reason be?”
    “To sell?” Dylan asked.
    “Exactly. Do you sell this stuff?”
    “Nobody ever wants to buy on my shift.” She shrugged. “What can I do?”
    “Up...sell,” Tom reiterated. “Suggest a candy bar, a bag of popcorn. Suggest something. I have to move this merchandise before I get the special items in for when Lars arrives. Now, Joey does real good.”
    “Joey is a teenager who buys the candy himself,” Dylan said.
    “Still it’s a sale on his shift. That’s why he’s my best employee.”
    “I should be your best employee. I’m your daughter.”
    “I don’t play favorites. Now...” Tom stepped back, “get behind the counter again, and let me see your sales technique.”
    “Oh, this is really lame.” Dylan folded her arms and walked back to her ‘behind the counter’ position.
    “Smile,” Tom instructed. “And practice here on Chief Owens.”
    “Christ,” Dylan complained. “He’s our worst customer.”
    “Hey,” Mick snapped in defense. “And I believe you shouldn’t be swearing in front of patrons. Should she, Mr. Roberts?”
    “Absolutely not,” Tom said. “Especially blasphemy. Now, go on Mick. Approach the counter.”
    Mick hurried to the back, snatched a movie, walked back to the counter and laid it down. He flashed a grin.
    After hesitating, Dylan played along. “Video card, please.”
    Mick handed it to her.
    Dylan shifted her eyes at her father’s whispering, “Upsell.”
    She looked back at Mick. “Care for any candy?”
    “No. Just the video,” Mick said.
    Dylan huffed. “Dad.”
    Tom tossed up his hand. “You didn’t convince me. I wouldn’t buy from you either. Try again.”
    Irritated by Mick’s snarky smile, Dylan started to get antsy, but she tried to appease her father. “You know, Chief Owens, we have your favorite chocolate covered peanuts. Mmm. How about a box?”
    “Nah. Just the video.”
    Grunting, Dylan grabbed the video. “Fine, that gut of yours doesn’t need candy anyhow.”
    “What gut!” Mick blasted.
    “Dylan,” Tom scolded, “I don’t believe insulting the customer works.”
    Snidely, Mick leaned down closer to Dylan. “Tell you what...”
    “Oh, boy.” She rolled her eyes.
    “I will come in here,” Mick continued, “every single night you’re working....”
    “You do anyhow.”
    “Let me finish.” Mick held up his hand. “I’ll come in here every night, video rental or not, and buy something from you if...if you’ll....” The sound of the door opening didn’t silence Mick as much as the sight of Sam walking in did.
    “Hey, Dylan.” Sam smiled. “Mr. Roberts...Mick.” Sam turned to the counter.