Natalie’s boyfriend always ‘forgets’ his wallet when they dine out with his kids, leaving her to pay till she has enough. After losing her patience and money, she takes a stand and reveals his actual nature.
I thought Evan was wonderful when we started dating. At 39, he was charming, humorous, and a loving father to Liam and Emma. As a 32-year-old without children, I admired his grace.
Or so I thought.
The holes in his immaculate persona were revealed months later.
Started tiny.
We took his kids to supper weekly. Evan always chose eateries, sometimes informal, sometimes expensive.
“Come on, Natalie,” he said. “Live a little!”
Kids went crazy over sweets and new dishes. It didn’t bother me at first. I assumed he wanted to make memories with them and was delighted to help.
But then the costs piled up.
The first time Evan “forgot” his wallet, I didn’t care.
“Oh no, Nat!” he apologized, searching his pockets. “I must have left it home. Can you get this? Of sure, I’ll repay you.”
Second time, I raised an eyebrow. I was uneasy the third time. I realized it wasn’t an accident by the seventh time.
What might I do?
The kids were there, and their dad kept forgetting his wallet. They didn’t realize I worked two part-time jobs to survive.
Bite my tongue for months.
I didn’t want to upset Liam and Emma. They were innocent youngsters in this mess. They loved Evan. I didn’t want to ruin his image.
“But you’ve got to speak up, Nat,” my sister Laurel replied. “This will keep adding up.”
”But I feel bad!” I said, removing a baked pie.
Yes, I understand. You must know Evan will anticipate it. You let things go too long. Natalie, please. Please resolve this for your own sake.”
“How? Do you want me to forget my card next time?
“If that’s what it takes!” she exclaimed. “May I have a piece of that pie? You know I love hot pecan pie.”
I told myself it was fleeting and Evan would understand how unjust it was to keep burdening me.
But he never did.
If he did, he ignored it.
Instead, Evan let his kids order freely. No, not kiddie dinners. I’m talking about seafood platters, decorated milkshakes with donuts, and desserts that cost more than my groceries.
“They deserve to enjoy themselves, Nat,” Evan smiled. “Motherhood is strict. All right. They deserve it.”
I nodded and agreed, masking my worry as I paid with my card.
You know what?
Evan always made excuses.
Forgot my wallet.
Left it in other jeans.
Thought we wouldn’t need it tonight. I thought it was just a drive.
Every time, he pretended nothing was wrong.
“You’ve got this, Nat,” he said. I’ll repay you. Or I’ll cover the next.”
I had paid for too many meals by the time we were nine months together, and resentment was rising.
Friday night was the final straw. After finishing my second job, I was looking forward to a quiet evening at home.
As I got home, I called Laurel to say, “I even bought new nail colors, Sis.”
“Oooh! Anything I want?” She asked cheerfully.
“You mean, can you steal any colors?” A laugh.
“That’s exactly what I mean,” Laurel laughed. “But tell me. What’s up with Evan? If you spent less on dinners, you could go to the most expensive nail salon without batting an eye.”
A minute of silence. Naturally, I agreed with my sister.
“I didn’t say anything to him yet,” I said. “But… No idea. Quite exhausted. And I’m getting… Love for him is fading. But I’m attempting to contain my wrath.”
“The resentment seems pretty large already, Sis,” she added. “Do your duty. Please. Perform for yourself. I must leave, Nat, a client just entered.”
I entered my flat thinking about the leftover curry from the night before. I thought about the famous two-ingredient flatbread before doing my nails.
Evan and the kids entered then. The kid’s enthusiasm made me grin.
“I don’t want to stay in, babe,” Evan remarked. Want to go out. I think kids need it too. When I picked them up from their moms, they were calm. Liam stated she’s difficult when I inquired what occurred.
“But, Evan,” I protested. I haven’t been paid.”
I loathed deceit. Just a tiny white lie. Hopefully Evan would get the hint.
“I’ll cover it this time,” he said.
I hesitated, but his relaxed smile convinced me.
He answered, “I’ll take the kids back to my place.” “Just shower and prepare. Then I’ll get you?”
I nodded.
“Yeah, that sounds perfect,” I said. I’ll shower too.”
I texted Evan when he called to say he was leaving home.
Keep your wallet this time!
What was his reply? Emoji laughter.
The kids were excited when we arrived at the finer restaurant. They were dressed up and joyful, which I enjoyed. Evan purchased whatever appetizers, dinners, desserts, and drinks he wanted, piling up a tab that made my stomach flip.
I leaned toward Evan as the waiter cleared our dishes.
“You got this, right?” I whispered. “I lack funds…”
His face froze. As usual, he patted his pockets, his face changing from uncertainty to faux horror.
“Guess I forgot it in the other pair of jeans I thought I was going to wear,” he laughed sheepishly.
My hands gripped the table edge as I watched him. The youngsters were laughing over their milkshakes, blissfully ignorant of our growing anxiety.
I firmly answered, “You’re joking.
“Come on,” he urged, grinning. Nat, you can get this. Just one dinner. I’ll repay.”
Too often had I heard that line. This time? I finished.
Evan had no idea I was ready.
I stood, grabbed my purse, and stared him down.
“No, Evan. I won’t get this.”
He blinked, perplexed.
“You mean what?”
I said, “I mean, I’m not paying for this dinner,” which the waiter heard. “You anticipated this. I’m done being your backup wallet since you do this every time.”
Evan blushed red when the youngsters looked up, alarmed.
Hissed, “What are you doing?”
Smiled nicely at the waitress.
Please check separately. For my order only. The rest is his.”
Seeing the difficulty, the waiter nodded. Evan panicked and patted his pockets again, expecting his wallet to materialize.
“You can’t leave us!” His voice rose.
“Watch me,” I said.
I looked at Liam and Emma, who were captivated by the scene.
I’m sorry, guys. But this is unfair to me.”
I grabbed my coat and left the restaurant, my heart racing but my head held high.
Evan called me angry later that night.
He yelled, “Natalie, you embarrassed me in front of my kids!”
“No, Evan,” I responded gently, closing the nail polish bottle on my coffee table. “You shamed yourself. After months of paying for your lunches, I’m stopping.”
He raged about how selfish I was and how I left his children starving.
“They weren’t hungry. Evan, I would never do that. I told you to bring your wallet. Stop exploiting me, man.”
Natalie, you don’t get it. Not a parent. I have the kids most of the time as a single mom. Money is tight.”
“And so is mine!” I snapped. Evan, I work two jobs. Two. You’ve let me pay for every meal without compensating me. Not a mistake, a pattern.”
I believed he understood when he went silent.
But then he mumbled something shocking.
“Maybe we should reconsider how you treat my kids. They deserve better.”
I laughed, exhausted and bitter.
“No, Evan. Their father should not influence people to get what he wants.”
I hung up, blocked his number, and haven’t looked back.
I broke up with Evan for more than money. It was respect. I deserve a relationship, not a meal ticket.
Someone who fixes problems, not just complains.
What about Evan?
I hope he learned from that dinner and has been using his money more since I left.
