My Joy is not Free.

Out of the woodworks I get a Venmo for $100. It’s captioned “thinking of you!” First of all, when aren’t you thinking of me, and second of all, it’s about damn time. I swear when you stand your ground, when you cut them off, when you refuse to let them waste your time, they always come crawling back on their knees with their wallets open. 

I didn’t thank him, because quite frankly this should have come much sooner. He should have put that money in my hands after dinner that night a couple weeks ago. But did he decide to do that? No. He chose to take my company for free (minus the dinner, but that’s standard) and leave. 

This is not his first time and we have a well established arrangement. My time is precious, my joy is not free, my smiles, they come with a price, baby. He knew that then, he knows that now. This is why he made this gesture. This is what he owes me, this is not an apology...But I know him, the apology venmo will come soon.