"What's your name?" Emily asked from behind the counter. I knew her name because it was on her name tag. 

"Who's asking?" I responded, with a slightly snarky tone, hoping she got the joke.

"I am." Duh. 

"My name is Brett. Why do you ask?"

"I've been working here for a while now, and thought I should learn the names of my regulars."

We have lived here in Ballwin for over 18 years now, so I am a regular at quite a few places. It has been interesting over the years to see the rotation of young people through the various service jobs, at the gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, to get to know them a little before they move on. And somewhat depressing to see the same with older people. 

"That's a great idea," I offered. "What's your name?"

"Emil..." She looked down at her name tag, back up at me. 

"Sorry, I couldn't resist." 

She laughed half-heartedly, like she would at any dad joke. We finished the transaction that prompted the conversation (I was refilling my caffeine supply system).

"See you next time, Emily."

"See you later, Brett. I will probably remember your name next time," she said with a bit of a grin.

As I was walking away, I looked over my shoulder and said, "Just remember, the 'g' is silent."

"OK," she replied, without thinking. "Wait. What?"