I have encountered
sticker shock
a few times,
usually at those
pretty-boy stores
that sell
high-priced
scratchy clothing
I wouldn't pay
a nickel to buy.

When it happened
to my table, though,
I realized
I was in trouble
as all five of their heads
in unison
jumped back
as if all being shot simultaneously
or
someone had placed a grenade
in the center of the table.

So numbing in fact
that when I greeted
and introduced myself
they couldn't even
look at me.

Ice water all around.

One glass of wine.
"Pea-not Newer"
(the big spender.

Two appetizers for one.

Four entrees for the rest.

No dessert.

Dropped check and paid
just over an hour.

15% tip.

Camped for 45 minutes.

"Enjoy the Rockettes!"

NOT.

12/04/2008

Posted on 12/04/2008
Copyright © 2026 Jeffrey Parren