You’re Embarrassing Me
Charlotte’s personal life wasn’t going well, but not because there was something wrong with her. She simply worked a lot, striving to save money for her own place. And in the little free time that Charlotte occasionally had, she preferred to relax in silence.
Her job was quite active. She spent only a few hours in the office and was on her feet the rest of the time. Sometimes she used public transport or taxis, but when the weather was nice, she liked to walk.
As a result, Charlotte was slender and fit. She typically covered about six miles a day and ate whenever she had the time.
Of course, she also longed for that elusive happiness. She wanted to come home, rest her head on a partner’s shoulder, and talk about her day.
Yet, how could she find this happiness when she was perpetually busy? But as the saying goes, fate would find her. Charlotte believed in this and never gave up.
Then, one day, one of the firm’s clients took an interest in her. He was older and well-off. Not quite her type, but as her grandmother used to say, appearances aren’t everything. So, when he invited her to dinner, she thought it over and agreed. She was like a hamster on a wheel, soon forgetting how to relax.
David took her to a fancy restaurant. Charlotte had been there a couple of times and knew that the prices were sky-high. She planned to pay for herself if needed. She just wanted to chat with the man.
David picked her up in his nice car, politely offered his hand to help her in, and Charlotte felt her heart soften. She had nearly forgotten the charm of simple courtesy.
As soon as they entered the restaurant, Charlotte’s mouth began to water. She tried to remember when she’d last eaten. It turned out it was in the morning. The day had been busy, and she rushed home to prepare for the date, leaving little time for food. Now, with the magnificent aromas and the sight of delicious food around, her stomach audibly gurgled.
Charlotte was never one to put on airs and wasn’t trying too hard to impress. She was very hungry and ordered plenty.
“I’ll have the steak, the seafood salad, and… tiramisu!” Closing the menu, Charlotte smiled at David, who seemed slightly taken aback.
“Is something the matter?” she asked.
“No… not at all! I’m just surprised by your appetite.”
Charlotte shrugged. “I haven’t eaten since this morning! Don’t worry, I can pay for myself,” she added quickly.
“Stop it! Money isn’t an issue! Don’t even think about it.”
Charlotte smiled and began to admire the restaurant’s décor.
Their conversation flowed easily.
David truly was surprised that Charlotte ordered so much. He was used to his dates picking at green salads to maintain their figures. He glanced at Charlotte, pleased. She was slim, maybe she was genuinely hungry. Although, he was convinced she wouldn’t be able to eat everything. It was a meal for a full-grown man, not a petite woman!
And how surprised David was when Charlotte finished her steak and salad and then moved on to dessert – at ten in the evening!
David had always believed that women who maintained their figures scarcely ate desserts, and if they did, it was only a tiny portion in the morning. But Charlotte enjoyed all of it, and you could see in her eyes she wouldn’t have minded another round.
Typically, David found himself with women who looked like models, perfect arm candy. Yes, maintaining their lifestyle cost a pretty penny, but it was worth it.
Charlotte was different. She chatted a lot, dressed simply, and it seemed like she wasn’t trying to please David at all. And she ate a lot. Not that it was about the money, but it was odd, almost.
Overall, the evening went well, except for David’s surprise. He drove Charlotte home, and feeling positive, invited her to join him at his friend’s birthday party over the weekend.
Charlotte agreed, thinking it over for only a moment. She had no plans and hadn’t been out in ages, excluding that evening.
“There’s a dress code,” David warned. “You need a black dress.”
Charlotte thought for a moment. “I think I have one. But if not, I’ll buy one, don’t worry.”
David was anxious. He really hoped he wouldn’t have to feel embarrassed about his date.
“I can buy it for you as a gift.”
“Oh, there’s no need,” Charlotte waved him off. “I’ll manage.”
David had to trust her choice.
He wasn’t thrilled with the dress she wore. Though it suited Charlotte, it was clearly inexpensive and not a designer label. But he couldn’t very well force her to change.
In his social circle, a woman’s appearance reflected a man’s wealth and generosity. David considered himself affluent and certainly no miser. But he couldn’t explain to everyone that Charlotte had turned down money for an outfit.
If anyone at the party was surprised by how his date looked, they didn’t show it.
Still, Charlotte stood out among the other women at the party. The rest sipped champagne, nibbling on canapés and strawberries. They scarcely spoke, only whispering among themselves. The men socialized more, as usual.
Charlotte behaved quite differently. She chatted with every guest, her laughter echoing around. She turned down champagne, saying it gave her a headache, and asked for whiskey! A man’s drink!
And she ate whatever she wanted. Some of the hors d’oeuvres were untouched by the others, as they counted calories in their minds. But this didn’t bother Charlotte. She didn’t think about her figure or how she appeared. She was enjoying herself.
When the conversation turned to exercise and someone asked Charlotte about her routine, she laughed.
“Only walking. My work keeps me active.”
“You have such a great figure,” noted the birthday host’s wife, “don’t you go to the gym?”
Charlotte grinned playfully. By then, all attention was on her, which didn’t sit well with David. He was embarrassed.
“Shall I tell you the secret to staying slim?” The women eagerly nodded. “Just work so much you forget to eat, and save money, so you’re not tempted to spend it on food. Oh, and find a job where you don’t have to sit in an office all day. That’s it.”
It seemed the women weren’t pleased with her answer. Most of them had never worked, and saving money was a foreign concept to them.
David grabbed Charlotte by the elbow and pulled her aside.
“Stop it,” he hissed through clenched teeth.
“Stop what?” she asked, genuinely puzzled.
“This behavior! You’re embarrassing me! Stop saying silly things and eating everything in sight! You’re a woman, but you’re acting like an unsophisticated man!”
One of the guests, who had enjoyed Charlotte’s vibrant company, especially compared to the dull snobs, overheard. He approached David and shook his head.
“Watch what you’re saying! Charlotte is the life of the party, and you’re stuck in your stereotypes.”
“Mind your own business!” David snapped.
Charlotte pulled her arm away, embarrassedly looking between David and the guest who stood up for her. Was his name Andrew?
“I’m sorry,” she said. “Perhaps I should leave. I don’t want to embarrass you further.”
Charlotte didn’t listen to David’s reply. She nearly ran out of the banquet room, tears welling up. Had she truly done something wrong? Could she really be blamed for socializing and eating food? It’s not as if she wiped her hands on the tablecloth or blew her nose in front of everyone… But to be embarrassed by that?
Charlotte walked slowly down the street. Unexpectedly, someone called after her.
It was that same guest. Andrew.
“Charlotte, please forgive David, he doesn’t realize what he’s saying. He’s trapped by silly standards and doesn’t understand how lucky he is to have met someone as wonderful as you.”
“Thank you,” she mumbled. “Apparently, I just live in another reality. When I’m with friends, it’s normal to chat a lot. And if guests don’t eat all the prepared food, the hosts feel upset,” she smiled sadly. “This life isn’t for me. I don’t want to embarrass David anymore.”
“He’s just a snob,” Andrew chuckled. “And so are the rest. I’m sure, watching you, they all wanted a bit of that freedom and ease you have. But they’re bound by rules they made up themselves. They’re the ones living in a made-up world.”
Charlotte nodded gratefully.
“It’s late. May I drive you home?” Andrew asked.
“What about the party? You should go back.”
“I’d rather not,” he laughed. “I’m having more fun with you.”
Andrew drove Charlotte home and suggested they meet again. She said she’d think about it and let him know later. Andrew promised to wait, hopeful that Charlotte would give him a chance. After all, in his world, someone like her was a rare find.
