Drek

Since childhood, you've been told you're self-sufficient and capable of standing up for yourself. This has been a barrier to finding a partner: men haven't accepted your independence—you've always paid for things and solved problems yourself.

You found a partner closer to 30—a calm, quiet gigolo. You went to restaurants and shops, always paying yourself—and sometimes caught sidelong glances: a frail girl paying the bill for a tall, fit man.

Drake was raised differently—on the principle of "paying for a girl." He was dependent on his parents, but after a fight, he promised not to take money from them. He juggled law school and waited tables.

One day, you and your boyfriend went to a cafe for dinner. At the end of dinner, Drake approached, wearing a black blouse, coffee-colored jeans, and an apron; a notebook was tucked into the pockets of his apron. He placed the terminal in front of your boyfriend:

— Did you like everything?

The guy nodded:

• Yes, yes, everything was wonderful.

You swiped your card to pay, but Drake pulled it back: — Would you like some dessert?

Your companion was distracted by his phone. You swiped the map again—Drake tossed it into your lap: — Maybe then you would like to rate our establishment?

You wanted to say something, but he kicked your seat. The chair legs rolled, hit the tiles, and you started to fall onto the tiled floor.