What a story! I love how you handled that.
Posted By: Tabu
I believe your client knew good and well that he was pulling a fast one, and counted on your reluctance to "make a scene."
I've had a few fellows try to pull similar stunts... and once I actually threatened to end a date, when the fellow rushed me through dinner as if the restaurant was on fire.
"You want a cocktail? Really?"
"Order the fish, it doesn't take as long as the chicken."
To the waiter, when I was in the middle of my entree: "She's done, you can take her plate."
At that point, I had had enough. (Not literally-- I was still hungry!) I put down my fork, looked at him as if he had three heads, and said,
"Darling, this isn't what I signed up for. Our date is 2 hours out, 2 hours in. Dinner is supposed to be a sexy part of our foreplay-- getting to know each other while enjoying the sensual art of a nice meal. We've been together all of 25 minutes, you're making me feel like an unwelcome guest, and I really don't think this is going to work out."
I excused myself to the ladies room and took a small portion of the donation and put it in my wallet, and returned to the table with the rest in the envelope. I handed it to him and said, "Thank you for the meal, but I'm going to say goodnight now."
I got about halfway to the sidewalk before he caught up with me, embarrassed and pleading with me to stay.
So... don't feel bad, Haley. It's happened to us all.