777 Convenience Had Lucky Number

In above photo, Fred (left) exchanges his winning Powerball tickets for some Saturday night ones from 777 Convenience employee Dean.

Dean doesn’t normally work Thursdays. Someone might have to tell him that they aren’t all like this.

“Busy day,” he concedes in near-defeat from behind the magic Lottery machine at 777 Convenience Store on Main Street in Charlestown. “Busy couple of weeks!”

Dean, who is stepping in while the owner tends to a previous engagement, has had his fill with the media by the early afternoon. But he sacrifices a rare quiet moment to talk about the aftermath of working the store that sold one of the state’s two $1 million Powerball tickets from Wednesday night’s drawing, and the newfound celebrity that comes with it.

“It’s been hectic,” he says. “You’ve got regulars stopping by to say congratulations, give words of encouragement. “

On cue, Lauri Berger bursts in with Goodfella, her dog who looks about as tired of talking Powerball as Dean is.

“Did you guys sell a winning ticket?” she asks as if she didn't know the answer. She bought 10 tickets Wednesday night, but fell asleep before the numbers were announced, and had just heard the news at the dog park.

“I cannot believe it,” she says. “Was he from Charlestown?”

A female customer, channeling her inner Townie, interjects with an “I hope so.”

He was, says Dean, who knows a guy who knows a guy. “A young kid.”

With nothing more than a bit of local gossip, Berger and Goodfella head for the door. Of all the people to ask about the Lottery, few have left with another ticket.

“Saturday night’s is $40 million,” Dean says, “but nobody seems to care.”

Dean hears the phone ring, checks the number, and surmises it’s another media inquiry. “I’ve had enough today,” he chuckles. Please call back later.

In walks Fred, itching to redeem tickets from an office pool at Costa Fruit & Produce. He’s got $27 worth of winners, a bit shy of the $140 investment.

“You want cash?”, Dean asks.

Fred doesn’t hesitate.

“Give me nine for Saturday night,” he says, hoping 777 could be the lucky store again.

Dean acquiesces. And he may be just be feeling a cold coming on for Sunday.