Friday morning its business as usual down at the local 7-11 store. Terri swings by on her way home after work to visit with the boss and I. We're shooting the breeze as one of my lottery regulars (John) comes in with a Rolldown (pick-5)ticket.
This guy has been doing very well the past year. His 4-Digit numbers are 7292 and 1609 that he plays religiously every midday and evening draw. The last time I told him his 1609 was "sniffing" for a hit, he hit straight and boxed a week later for around $7,000+... He's hit boxed on both of those since.
Anyhoo, He hands me the ticket and asks me to check it for him. I look at the ticket and notice right away that it's an easy-pick. He proceeds around the corner to get his coffee as I look up at the winner board over the window.
As my gaze shifts from board to ticket my jaw drops.
Terri, noticing that something was amiss, asks how many numbers he matched. Still in shock, I struggle with the words. "Four out of Five.".
Just then, John pokes his head around the corner and asks (with a cheesy grin) "How much did I win?" With an even bigger, cheesier grin and a chuckle I tell him. "Just a minute John, I have to scan it first."
I hit the validate key and scan the bar code. With my hands resting on the machine, the amount $300.00 and some change comes up on the screen. Knowing we don't have that kind of money at 7 am, I yell Whoa! and pull my hands away from the machine. Keep in mind that we have a yes and no option of cashing winning tickets of $25.00 and over.
As I pull my hands away quickly. My right index finger brushes the "Yes" key. I softly pray no,No,NO!!!
Not a chance, out pops the cash receipt. My head drops to my chest and Terri asks "What's the matter?" I tell her loud enough for the boss to hear. "I accidently cashed his ticket."
The boss goes from 0 to 10 on the anger scale. Well, maybe a 7 since that vein didn't pop out on his forehead. John comes up and says he just wanted to know how much it was worth. I feel like sh*t and Terri is trying hard to keep from laughing.
To tell the rest of the story:
John got his money, I got a $3.00 tip, The boss came up with the $800.00 he needed to balance the deposit and I can now laugh at the whole thing.
Happy Memorial Day,
.........../George