“I’m gonna watch you work, don’t mind me”

I worked as a barista at Starbucks and a man (probably around late 30’s) would come in nearly every day from 10am - 11am. All our regulars had already come and gone and it was right before the lunch rush, so we were usually just tidying up, wiping everything down, and prepping for the next rush. <br><br>Every time this man came in, he made me feel extremely uncomfortable. It was like he would daze off in a space and just stare at me. He would walk in and order only a water, but never a coffee or anything else. I would give him the water and he wouldn’t sit down. Instead, he’d just stand near the counter (right by the POS system) and watch me work. He’d just watch me clean the syrups, refill the cups, etc. He wouldn’t talk to me unless I initiated a conversation but he would stare at me for the entire hour until he left. When I initiated a conversation to try and break the awkwardness, he would answer with a yes or no (kind of short answers) and then continue to stare at me. I was so creeped out by him. <br><br>I wonder what he was doing, especially in a time where he knew it was slow. It just doesn’t make sense for someone to come and watch someone work while doing absolutely nothing.<br><br>&#x200B;<br><br>Edit: We were in a mall so there was no way to track him. But I can confirm 100% he bought only water and said he’d be right back to pay with card, but he had no intention of paying with card or cash. He’d just walk out.