PRICELESS

Many moons ago and in my younger days, I met a guy in Vegas (famous last words, I know.) Turns out he lived in my area, so I gave him my number and he called me. We decided to have dinner together. Seeing as I did not know the guy and had only talked to him in a non-sober state, we each dragged along our roommates. We met at Carie Nation's for a drink, and then walked over to Steamers for dinner. While perusing the menu, I was torn over what to order. The waitress was taking forever, so my friend Claire and I made a quick trip to the ladies room.

While in the ladies room, I told Claire of my dilemma. What I really wanted to order was the steak, but I knew the guy would probably pay for the meal, so I felt I should order a less expensive option, like the chicken or pasta. We were talking over possible solutions when suddenly a toilet flushed, a stall banged open, and there stood the classiest woman I have ever seen.

This lady was tops, I tell you. Her clothes were top of the line, make up impeccable, and not a hair of of place. She marched right up to us and started talking.

"I am going to tell you what I always tell my daughter," she started, raising her hand and pointing a perfectly manicured finger at me.

"YOU - are priceless. You order what you want. If he is a gentlemen, he'll pay for it. If not," and here she put a disgusted look on her face, "then you have money and you can pay for it yourself. You just remember that - YOU ARE PRICELESS." With that, she snapped her finger, turned and took two steps to the sink to wash her hands, and then marched out the door, leaving Claire and I standing there speechless (not an easy feat.)

Claire and I finished up our business and returned to the table. My date turned to me asked, " So Stacy, have you decide what you're going to order?"

Without hesitating I replied,"I'll have the steak!"