What you have to say.

“We’ve built the finest plumbing business in the county!” he announced.

People applauded.

“And that’s because I believe in treating people right!”

I nearly choked on my water.

He’ll listen with witnesses.

His wife spotted me and approached the microphone.

“Before we cut the cake, we have a very special guest.”

Bill looked toward me.

His smile vanished.

I stepped onto the stage carrying a small gift bag. “Remember me, Bill?”

I believe in treating people right!

“What are you doing here?”

“Your lovely wife invited me.”

“Why?”

“Apparently, she appreciates customer feedback.”

I reached inside the bag.

A very special guest.

Bill stepped forward.

“What the hell did you bring?”

I smiled.

But before I tell you what I pulled out, you need to know what happened after I returned home from the grocery store.

Because those socks were the smallest problem Bill had caused.

I reached inside the bag.

***

That Saturday evening, I called Daniel.

“Sweetheart, I met the rudest plumber in America.”

“That’s quite a competition, Mom.”

“He threw dirty socks into my shopping cart.”

“What?”

Those socks were the smallest problem.

I described the incident, including the lettering on the truck.

My son went silent.

“Daniel?”

“Mom, say that company name again.”

I repeated it.

The rudest plumber in America.

Then he whispered, “That’s my boss.”

I sat down. “Your boss?”

“Bill. I’ve worked for him for six years.”

“Does he treat everyone like that?”

“Mom, please don’t get involved.”

That’s my boss.

“That’s not an answer.”

He sighed. “He promised me a raise three years ago. Never delivered. Same with the bonuses.”

“And your overtime?”

“He disputes the hours. I don’t get paid for all of them.”

“Then why haven’t you left?”

Don’t get involved.

“Because I have a mortgage, two kids, and a wife who’s worried about our bills.”

“Sweetheart, I had no idea things were this bad.”

His voice cracked. “I’m looking for another job, Mom. But I can’t leave without one.”

I remembered my granddaughter’s school concert.

“You missed Lily’s concert because of him?”

I don’t get paid.

“He sent me to a job that could’ve waited. Said customers don’t care about school concerts.”

For several seconds, I couldn’t speak.

“Does he threaten people who complain?”

“All the time.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

I can’t leave without one.

“What could you do?”

That question hurt.

“I don’t know. But I’d have listened.”

“Mom, please don’t make things worse.”

“I won’t make decisions for you. But if you ever decide to speak up, I’ll stand beside you.”

Does he threaten people who complain?

“I wish I had your confidence.”

“I wish I still had it myself, sweetheart.”

After we hung up, I remembered every time I’d noticed Daniel’s exhaustion and changed the subject.

I wasn’t going to make that mistake again.