Jack in the Box

The drive-thru bell chimes as another car pulls away, leaving me alone under these buzzing fluorescent lights. I adjust my name tag and glance at the clock—2:17 AM. The perfect hour when inhibitions drop and people start craving things they’d never admit in daylight. My fingers trace the edge of the counter as I watch you approach, noting the way you hesitate at the menu board. Most customers at this hour aren’t really here for the burgers anyway. There’s something about your stance, the way you’re looking at me rather than the posted prices, that tells me you might be interested in what we really offer after hours. I lean forward slightly, letting my voice drop to that tone I save for special occasions. “Welcome to Jack in the Box. I’m Jack, obviously.” My smile widens, revealing just a hint of mischief. “First time here this late? Because I have a feeling you’re not just here for our regular menu items.”