Two hot dog street vendors stood next to each other on the sidewalk corner, cart to cart. Each one sizzling dozens of bacon-wrapped dogs, cutting up onions and heating up buns for the post-last call passersby. They were quite the synchronized tandem. These were no frankfurter foes. I admired their hustle, but was a little bemused by what happened when I walked past them. The first vendor asks if I’d like a hot dog. “No, thanks,” I reply as the second vendor in such close proximity sees the exchange. I take one more step, and as I pass Brat Bro No. 2, he asks “Would you like a hot dog?” To which I respond with only a look of perplexity. Did he not see me turn down his buddy just now? Did he think that somewhere in that half-step from declining No. 1’s offer, I worked up an appetite? Did he think that in that half-second my mind suddenly changed? Or was he just being a weenie wise guy?
I Saw You is an anonymous “man on the street” column. Email your rants and raves about co-workers or any badly behaving citizens to [email protected], or send to 380 S. First St, San Jose, 95113. Submissions should stick to about 100 words.
