The Takeout Takedown

At the five-star hotel where the blind date was set, leftover takeout was complimentary.

I liked their Australian lobster and Poule de Bresse en Vessie. I packed my own portion and even helped box up what my date hadn't finished.

Just as I picked up the bags to leave, he grabbed me with a dark look and demanded, "Jennifer, we agreed to split the bill. What gives you the right to take all the food?"

I explained that he wouldn't be able to finish it anyway, and if we didn't take it, it would just be thrown away.

He let out a cold laugh.

"I paid for that food. Even if I toss it, that's none of your concern. Looks to me like you've been waiting for a chance to take advantage. I didn't expect you to be this kind of person.

"I'd rather feed these leftovers to a dog than give them to you! And don't bother contacting me again. That petty, small-minded behavior of yours is disgusting."

I pressed my lips together, at a complete loss for words.

After all… this five-star hotel belonged to my family.

After his tirade, Mike McSally grabbed the bag of leftovers and walked off without a backward glance.

The lobby manager approached with a frown.

"Miss, what's going on with that man? Should I have security stop him?"

I watched his retreating figure and waved it off.

"Forget it. Let him go. Don't let him ruin the other guests' experience."

On the drive home, my phone buzzed nonstop.

When I opened it, every message was from Mike.

Mike: [Dinner tonight came to 1,800. We're splitting it—transfer me 900.]

Mike: [Also, the fruit platter and the two small side dishes the waiter brought… they were complimentary, but I got them by pulling some strings. Cash value is fifty. You should cover half of that too.]

Mike: [Total: 925 dollars. Transfer it.]

Reading those messages, I couldn't help but laugh in disbelief.

That fruit platter had clearly been sent over by the manager after catching my cue—yet in his version, it became something he'd "earned" with charm?

I transferred 1,000 directly, adding a note: [No need for change. Consider the rest a donation for feeding dogs.]

He accepted the money instantly. The next second, a notification popped up. He'd blocked me.

Before I could even put my phone down, a screenshot from my best friend came through.

It was Mike's social media post. The attached photo was a candid shot of my back as I carried the takeout bags—clearly taken without my knowledge.

The caption read: [Met a real piece of work on a blind date! Orders the most expensive dishes, then packs up everything she can't finish! We agreed to split the bill, but she even tried to take my leftovers!

[Seriously, what's wrong with girls these days? Are they that desperate? Frugality is a virtue, sure—but using it as an excuse to take advantage of men? That's just shameless. Guys, be careful