The One-millionth Customer

This very short story is one of three written as an attempt to win an Ernest Hemingway contest put on by Harry’s Bar and American Grill, in Century City, California. Part of the rules included using the restaurants name in the story somehow.  I never submitted any of the stories as I believe them to be more in the genre of O. Henry than E. Hemingway.

“Stand back folks,” the man in the tuxedo with the microphone said, “Here’s our one-millionth customer!”

As he said that, a man walked through the automatic doors, carrying a small box. At the same time the camera in the background came on as did the lights.

The tuxedoed man with the microphone moved forward with an extended hand and said, “Congratulations, sir! You’re our one-millionth customer!”

“I am?” the man asked in astonishment.

“Yes, sir, you’re our one millionth customer,” the tuxedoed man started, “And we have a wonderful prize for you!”

Still in shock, the one-millionth customer replied questioningly, “You do?”

“Yes, sir,” the man win the tuxedo with the microphone answered, “You’ve won dinner for two to Harry’s Bar and American Grill!”

As he finished, he handed the one-millionth customer an envelope.

“I’m…” the one-millionth customer started, “I don’t know what to say.”

“That’s okay,” the man with the microphone and tuxedo said, adding, “What brings you to our store today?

“Well,” the one-millionth customer answered, “I was jus’ planning on returning this.”

As he said it, he lifted the small box slightly.

“You’re what?!” the tuxedoed man with the microphone exclaimed.

He quickly grabbed the envelope back from the man and pushed him aside, announcing, “Stand back folks, here comes our one-millionth customer!”