The "Complimentary" Coffee Break

I had seen the sign on Saturday advertising it, but had casually forgotten about it. Then a coworker mentioned in passing this morning and it was all I could think about. It, by the way, was the Starbucks Coffee Break.

I don't know if every Starbucks store is participating, but the one in downtown San Jose, across from Camera 12, was offering complimentary tall coffee between ten and noon this morning as part of its Coffee Break.

A few minutes before noon, I ducked out and walked briskly over to the store. I had promised myself I would be brave and only ask for the free cup of coffee and nothing else. Whenever places have promotions like this, I have a tendency to feel guilty and end up buying something to assuage my guilt.

I told myself repeatedly, "Ask only for the coffee. Only the coffee." But by the time I reached the counter, I was starting to lose my resolve.

"May I have a complimentary cup of coffee and..." (Going)

"And..." (Going)

"A maple oat nut scone, please?" (Gone)

Fortunately, my feeling of guilt only cost me $1.85, which isn't all that bad considering how many other items were available that also weren't free. To its credit, the maple oat nut scone went very well with the coffee.