ValPak Girl

Yesterday evening was another online date. We decided to meet at a local bakery/cafe for a quick cup of coffee at around 7:30 since she claimed she needed to get to bed early and I wanted be home in time for "24." It was one of those places where you order, pay at the counter and then grab a seat. As we're waiting in line to pay, she tells me she'd prefer if we paid separately. I tell her it's no big deal and that I'd be more than happy to pay for her coffee and cheese danish. She insists on paying for herself, and I don't argue. When we get to the register, she reaches into her purse and busts out one of those ValPaks filled with an assortment of coupons. She begins to casually search for a 10% off coupon that she can't find. The line grows a little longer and the other customers become impatient. In an effort to calm the now angry crowd and move things along, I tell the cashier that I'm paying for both of us. As I hand the cashier the money, Valpak girl finds the coupon, but doesn't give it to the cashier. Instead she says, "I'll put this somewhere so I can find it easier next time." A tad on the selfish side, but I'm in a good mood so I decide not to let it ruin the whole date.

We sit down, her with her free coffee and danish, and me with my hot chocolate and black and white cookie that I paid 10% more for than I should have. The conversation is interesting and this girl is actually quite pretty. I start to think that maybe I could spend my Sunday mornings with this person clipping coupons out of the Daily News. Just then, I get up to get a napkin. When I come back, the change that the cashier put on my tray is gone. In the few seconds I was away from the table, Valpak girl stole thirty cents from me.