She chose one of the most expensive steaks on the menu, cooked exactly to her liking. Then came the sides. Truffle mashed potatoes. Creamed spinach. Grilled asparagus. One by one, they piled up. She finished by ordering a glass of wine, never once glancing at the price.
When it was my turn, I stayed true to what I had said earlier. I ordered a modest steak salad. No sides. No drink. Nothing extra. When dessert was offered, I politely declined.
Ezoic
I tried to enjoy the conversation, but there was a quiet heaviness in my chest the entire time. If you have known someone long enough, you begin to recognize patterns. This was not the first time she had stretched her lifestyle and quietly expected someone else to share the burden.
The Moment That Confirmed My Worry
When the meal ended and the waiter asked about the check, she did not hesitate.
Ezoic
“Oh, we’ll just split it,” she said cheerfully.
The words landed hard.
