Eating out

Wednesday specials at Bella's were never disappointing. That particular evening was no exception. Carlos had the mushroom tortellini with pesto sauce drizzled with white truffle oil and sauteed shrimp while Amanda, or Mandy as she preferred to be called, simply had a small side of fresh fruit salad and Earl Grey tea. Carlos thought she should have asked for some "real food", but she insisted that was all she wanted to eat. Of course, deep inside he knew she'd get hungrier later, evidenced by the small portions of pasta she'd always help herself with. They also shared a triple berry cake, which was devoured probably in less than two minutes.

Carlos and Mandy looked at each other in an awkward silence as the waiter brought the bill, placing it on Carlos' side of the table. They knew what the other was thinking; each was waiting for the other to take the initiative and get the bill.

In the beginning of their relationship Carlos was a true gentleman who lived up to his expectations. Whenever he'd take Mandy out on a date, they had an unspoken agreement. He'd pay for the meal and she'd take care of coffee shop afterward. Of course, living in Hollywood, that really translated to him paying for a lot more than he felt entitled to.

They were deeply in love, and splitting the bills meant they loved each other even more. Or so, he thought. Mandy, of course, had a much different perspective. To her, Carlos was as cheap a guy as they come. "Going Dutch" never really seemed like an option. Having a part time job barely helped him maintain his chivalry, but he had no problem doing it for she was the most beautiful woman he had ever loved.

Mandy was a real petite doll with great genes. She had a glowing smile that had a tendency to slightly grin and forced her eyes to take the shape of two small rainbow arches, long dark hair, and a slim physique. Nobody had ever approached her to be a model, but Carlos was certain she should had been one.