Caught on CAMERA

Jen knew how to deal with difficult customers - and this one was about to eat humble pie

- Christine Sutton

After a sudden downpour had driven everyone in off the street, Molly and I were juggling orders like circus performers. Suddenly...

'Honestly, how much longer? I thought this was a cafe!'

No need to check who'd spoken. The woman in the snazzy red coat and snakeskin boots had been a moaner-inwaiting since she'd walked in and cast a sneering look around.

I dusted chocolate powder onto her cappuccino, then whisked the tray across to her table.

'Sorry about the wait,' I said, placing plates of strawberry gateau in front of her two friends and the coffee before her. 'I thought you'd prefer everything together.'

'Well, you're wrong. I've got an appointment in 10...' Loudmouth checked her jewelled watch... 'No, make that eight minutes.'

'Samantha's got a fitting for her wedding dress,' said her freckle-faced companion, tucking into the gateau.

'It's gorgeous.' The bride-to-be gave her a withering look. 'No need to tell the staff my private business, Roz. I'm sure she's got other things to be doing, like serving.'

The chastised Roz shot me an apologetic look. Meanwhile, the third woman, a brunette with long, petrol-blue nails, was looking me up and down.

'Please tell me that's a uniform you're forced to wear, hon, not your own clothes.'