The Cheap One

On or second date, D. invited me to a Braves game with another couple. The trouble started when he insisted we park five miles away from Turner Field. “Okay,” I thought. “No one really likes to pay exorbitant parking fees.” Then again, I also thought since he was financially secure he could shell out $10 so we wouldn’t be sweating by the time we arrived.

Once we hoofed it to our seats and relaxed, I was ready to order a beer and a hot dog. D. dashed those plans when he announced stadium food was far too over-priced and expensive. Seriously? OF COURSE it’s overpriced. Everyone knows that.

I was in a quandary. I desperately wanted some food and a beer or five to wash away the bad taste I had I my mouth, but I felt awkward about going against his wishes. I was perfectly willing to buy my own concessions, but then I’d have to either buy him something (which I refused to do) or consume my food and drink(s) in front of him. I suffered in silence.

After the game, D. was ravenous, of course, and suggested we eat at Steak ‘n Shake. Okay, so he wouldn’t pay for a stadium cheeseburger, but he’d buy an equally overpriced one at STEAK ‘N SHAKE???

I so wanted that to be our last date. Unfortunately, it wasn’t because I had purchased tickets for us to see a show at the Fox the following night with two of my friends, and I didn’t want to flake out. Actually, I did want to flake, but my friend convinced me to go through with it.

My friend’s husband drove us all downtown and when we found a parking space, D. didn’t offer to pitch in for parking even though I did. To make matters worse, when the check came for dinner he put down only enough money to cover his costs. I bought the tickets and my own dinner. Cheap ass. And then he had the gall to wonder why I refused to go on another date.