But I only had a salad

14 years ago I was new to LA and didn’t know anyone or know any better.

My dad had a business acquaintance with a daughter here. It was someone, and I had to start somewhere. She was friendly on the phone and invited me to meet her at a friends house and then go to dinner.

I wasn’t a complete country bumpkin, but I was wearing Doc Martens with a dress. They were older and sophisticated, both married and working with real careers. My real career as an account coordinator at my first agency paid 20K. It was pitiful so I had a second job, nights and weekends at a stationary shop for extra cash. Let’s assume it was my suave demeanor that had them thinking I was a high roller. But the 40$ cash that I brought and hoped to not use up, was the reality.

Maybe I should have asked more questions. But shit, I was intimidated and just happy they invited me. So when we arrive at the trendy steak house I still figure I can order a salad. And one glass of wine. And not even spend the whole 40 bucks. By now you can guess the rest. Oh yeah, they both ate steaks and appetizers with lots of wine, throwing caution to the wind. While bragging about their sexual exploits before and after marriage, like a couple of players. So I sat there nauseous from them and too much thousand island, feeling like a total loser and cursing my sad little salary. The check comes and they seriously go to split it 3 ways. I’d never been in that situation and didn’t know what to do or say. So I shut up and put 85$ on my credit card.

These days speaking up is my favorite thing. No way would I let hungry bitches treat me badly. Wait, I wouldn’t be eating with bitches anyway.

And I know women are infamous for splitting bills down to the penny. So I’m not suggesting that. But…more awareness at group dinners, splitting the fancy food bill is usually not fair to someone.

Funny, the lessons you learn living on 20K a year.