The health food store always smelled like pressed ginger, kale, and fresh beginnings. That morning, as I tied my apron around my waist, something felt… off. I couldn’t explain it. Just a tingle behind my ears and a knot in my stomach.
“Grace!” Ally called from behind the smoothie station. “Ready for the daily parade of green juice and diva drama?”
I smirked. “Only if someone tips in actual cash today.”
We both laughed, but I knew who she really meant. There was a customer who haunted this store like a ghost in Prada. We called her “Miss Pompous.” Designer heels, permanent scowl, and a voice sharp enough to slice through bamboo.
I needed this job. Badly. Between my mom’s medical bills and helping my sister through school, the paycheck from this place was our fragile thread. So I tolerated the rude customers and fake-smiled through nonsense. But Miss Pompous? She was in a league of her own.
“Brace yourself,” Ally warned, peeking through the window. “The Ice Queen approaches.”
The bell jingled.
Miss Pompous strolled in like she was auditioning for a reality show—head high, sunglasses on indoors, clutch clutched like a weapon.
“Carrot juice,” she snapped, not even bothering with a greeting. “Extra cold.”
“Of course,” I said, already reaching for the carrots. “Coming right up.”
She watched me the entire time. No blinking. Just that hawk-eyed stare that made my skin itch.
I handed her the drink with my best smile. “Here you go, ma’am. Enjoy.”
One sip. That was all it took.
Her face twisted.
Then—splash—cold juice, straight to my face.
The entire store froze.
“What is this watered-down garbage?” she screeched, slamming the empty cup on the counter. “Are you trying to poison me?”
The juice dripped from my chin onto my apron. I blinked once, twice, willing myself not to cry. But inside, something snapped.
Mr. Weatherbee rushed over. “Ma’am, I’m so sorry. Grace, please—let’s just remake the drink.”
“She humiliated me,” I started to say.
But he cut me off. “Grace. Just get the carrots.”
And then she smirked.
That smirk lit a fire I didn’t know I had.
So I got the carrots. But not just any carrots.
Oh no.