Having struck out at the bookstore "restaurant" up the street, I wandered down to Zeek's for a…read moreslice.
The lone worker was friendly as I came in, asked what I needed. A good sign, I foolishly thought to myself. I said a slice, to which he pointed at a couple of sad aging cheese sectors and said he'd just put in pepperoni and a few others. They'll be out in 12 minutes, he added.
Great, I said. I'll take a walk and be back for one, thanks. And so it began as an unusually normal interaction, for Seattle.
After a short walk and stop in the wine shop (tops marks, wine shop!), I returned, 15-16 minutes later, figuring the new slices would be out then, or as I supposed, shortly. Still, store sans subsequent slices, said sectors solely stood sub-sunlamp sentry, sadly.
So, sitting seemingly sole sentience shopside, not far from the counter, in plain sight, he'd see me if/when he returned. He did, and he did. Looking at me, he said not a word, motioned not an acknowledgement, offered nary an update, instead returning to the non-dining room. Fine I thought. Obviously the fresh pizzas weren't done. I'll wait. Can't be long. I looked away for a minute. Then I looked back. No pizza guy. No changes from my vantage. More minutes passed. Surely now this much longer than the estimated 12 minutes indicated something awry.
Approaching the counter, which had been a mere ten feet away, what do I see? Fresh pies! Four of them! New cheese, a veg, a pep, and glorious mushroom, herby and glistening! All sliced and ready to go just in case someone was waiting for one. In case someone had previously, recently, had a discussion regarding his clear intent to purchase a fresh slice. Oh happy, yet fleeting, times!
What did I NOT see? A Zeek's employee. After stealthily stocking silent steamy slices, once again he'd vanished. (yes it was the same guy, I'm sure.)
Why hadn't he said anything? It's a mystery. Customer service in Seattle? Don't laugh, I can still dream. But, I know, I know, that is SO not cool. Rather, customary in Seattle is rude aloofness. Helpful is not hip. Hip simply cannot be bothered.
So I waited. A minute. Two? Nah, not quite. Still the lone occupant, I came to the hungry conclusion that satiation would not be possible, in this place.
I wondered if he might have eventually lumbered back out into the space where people have money and need for food and become surprised and confused that I wasn't dutifully waiting for him to return from whatever was more important in a Zeek's Pizza shop than operating a Zeek's Pizza shop.
I went up to Pagliacci and within two minutes flat of using their door I had a nice slice, cheerfully served up hot. Well done Pagliacci.
Zeek's, where are you finding this "help"?