Out of $20?

I was at the store the other day, for the first time ever, and the total came to $5.87. Okay, I'm not sure that was the exact amount but it seemed random enough to be believable. Most of my clothes cost about that much so I guess it works. I give the guy a $20 bill and he says...

Guy: Out of $20.

Note: He doesn't ask, he just makes a statement. As if I didn't know what I had just done. OH, I just gave you a $20? I didn't want to buy anything, whoops! What's that? Oh, I gave you a $20? Sorry. I meant to give you an ear of corn because I thought you bartered with vegetables.

Now, I can understand they have to verbalize this action because it's easy to forget when you type a number into a computer screen that remains in front of your face until the transaction is completed. Giving the benefit of the doubt, there would be no room for error after all of this right? Wrong. When I was at another store (my second time ever) it was like the movie Groundhog day. I gave the clerk $20, they tell me it was "Out of $20" and then give me change as if I had given them a $10 bill. Now, I'm the last one to bicker over money since I'm the richest man ever, but this was about principle. After contemplating for a quick moment, I had to say something.

Clerk: Thank you.
Me: Yeah, you just gave me change for a 10.
Clerk: That's what you gave me.
Me: It's not that big of a deal, but I gave you a 20.
Clerk: No, uh, I don't think you did.

Are you kidding me!?!

Me: (Trying to hold back my laughter and wisecracking remarks) Well, remember about 10 seconds ago when you said out of 20? I thought that's why you said it, so you would know to give me correct change.
Clerk: I said out of 10.

By now the manager comes up.

Manager: Is there a problem?
Me: Nah, no big deal.
Clerk: This guy says I didn't give him correct change.

Oh wow. I'm trying to help this guy out and he's digging himself a grave.

Manager: What happened?
Me: I gave him a $20 and he gave me change back for a $10. It's no big deal.
Manager: Well we'll count it out for you sir.
Me: Huh?

I'm thinking this guy can't be serious. He isn't really going to count down a drawer for the money I just gave him. Before I can try to figure out what's going on he's already elbow deep in the register.

Me: Don't worry about it, I really don't care.
Manager: It's okay sir. 'Clerk' just started his shift and you're like the 3rd customer. (he quickly counts it out and figures out I was right) I'm sorry for the inconvenience. Here's your change. Can I offer you a burger or something for your troubles?

This guy knows how to win customers.

Me: I'm not too pleased about the situation but I'm sure a A Double-Double would change my attitude drastically. Animal Style.

I can't be too upset about the situation because I got a DD animal style for free and no matter what you're going through, you're always happy after a Double Double. Especially if it's free.

If you're going to exclaim the value of the money I give you, please remember it for just a few seconds and give me my correct change. That, or a free Double Double. Animal Style.

~ John "Always remembers the amount of cash given" Money

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