“Mom, I don’t know why you don’t get the app on your phone,” my daughter Heather told me, as I handed the Starbucks Barista my gold card.
“Because I like human interaction much more,” I told him. “I don’t like that they keep trying to shove more and more technology down our throats.”
“As you like. But I’m telling you, it’s much more convenient, and you don’t have to wait in line anymore!”
That conversation rang in my ears one morning when I was late for my writing class. I’d been anticipating indulging in a soy chai latte for days, knowing I’d be heading back to my old Boston turf. I missed the days when Heather worked at the Starbucks on Berkeley and Boylston Streets, when they’d start making my drink as soon as they saw me walk through the door. I missed the days when I got my complimentary drink, and written on the side of the mug it said, “Mom, have a nice day!” Even if Heather wasn’t there. That was the day I heard Heather’s voice in my head, broke down and got the stupid app.
I parked my car and hurriedly walked down the street. I winced when I saw the long line at the counter, as I wasn’t sure how the app worked. Just as I poked my head over the counter to ask, I saw a sign that said “Mobile Order Pickup” and right below it was a drink with my name on it. That was easy! I thought, as I headed to class. But when I took the first sip, I knew it wasn’t made with soy milk. I frowned, but kept walking, irritated that they messed up my order.
The next time I was in town for a class, I tried again, with the same result. Why do they keep leaving out my soy? I really hate milk!
I used the exercise they gave us in class as an excuse to kill two birds with one stone. We were told to go outside, interview someone and observe our surroundings. But he had an agenda and he knew what he had to do.
“Excuse me,” I said to the Starbucks barista who was stocking the cold shelf with pre-made fruity drinks, her blonde hair pulled back tightly in a neat bun. “Can you help me with my application? I keep ordering my chai soy drink, but I never seem to get any soy.”
“Well, it’s a good thing you’re not lactose intolerant!” she said with a laugh. “Let me take a look,” she said, reaching for my phone. I watched as he quickly browsed through my favorites in the app. An unknown melody played in the background and made me want to move my foot, as another man approached.
“Oh, I’m not in line,” I said, stepping aside to let him pass.
“Oh no, I’m waiting for you,” he said, waving at the barista, who was deep in my phone. I noticed the man was holding a quarter-sized black plastic disc and wondered what it was.
Another man approached with a cardboard tray containing two drinks and an empty, cracked plastic Starbucks cup. Once again, I indicated that I was not online.
“Oh, I need its,” he said. Apparently I’ve started something here.
“Wow, everyone needs you today,” I laughed.
After a while, the barista was able to remove my old “favorite” and uploaded a new one that clearly said I am.
“That’s so weird, I know I selected soy when I ordered it,” I told him, then politely thanked him for his help. I walked away and noticed that the man with the disk quickly handed it over to me and headed for the door.
“Is that all you had to do?” I asked, surprised at his patience and feeling bad that it took so long with this suddenly sought after Barista.
“Yes,” he replied with a smile, and left.
Since I didn’t use my app this time, I stood in line and decided to try the new pink drink.
I was sitting sipping the bright fuchsia drink at the bar, watching the patrons and taking notes, when an attractive Asian woman came up to me and asked what my drink was.
“Even though it looks like Pepto-Bismol, it’s actually quite tasty,” I said.
Hmm, I wonder if I’ll start another trend today, and soon there will be a trail of Pink Drinks leaving the store.. I noticed the long line as people waited for their drink orders, and I wondered: What happens to these people? Don’t have the app?
the journey of life; Berkshires to Boston and everywhere in between…