Believe it or not, $4.92.9 is a competitive cash price of gasoline in Las Vegas these days.
So the Ford Ranger and I rolled up to the pumps of the convenience station in Central Las Vegas and wandered inside.
A young couple in front of me was concluding a transaction. Slot machines plunk-plunked a bright melody in the background.
A dark-skinned clerk with dark-framed glasses moved deliberately behind a Plexiglas shield plastered with signs:
“Keep your hood off, music off and your mask on” — A kind of urban-contemporary version of “no shirt, no shoes, no service.”
There were others.
“25 cents for all credit and debit transactions”— Hey, the small-business owner has to make a living, too.
“Oreo cookies, 69 cents Two for $1.35” — Wasn’t in the market for Oreos, just wanted to top off the Ranger’s tank and $4.92.9 was a competitive price.
“No single cigarettes No matches”
Ice was $1.99. Sodas, ice cream and Rockstar energy drinks filled several cases.
I asked myself what would happen if armed robbers burst into the store and wanted everything on the customers and in the cash register.
Well, I’d dive behind the case of Rockstar energy drinks and take cover, that’s what I would do. Forgot to pack the derringer. Again.
I slid the clerk a worn $20 bill and four ones through the slot in the Plexiglas shield. That would about do it. Had bought gasoline a week ago for $5.25.9. This would top off the tank and keep me and the Ranger rolling for a couple of weeks at least.
There was no armed robbery.
I pumped $24 worth of regular unleaded and was back on the road again.
