Dr. Cooper.
At the next table, the man poured Joyce a glass of water.
Thanks.
He gestured at the little card on the table. You order by scanning the code here. Want to order now? We can chat while we eat.
Sure.
He took out his phone, scanned the code, and handed it to Joyce. You pick. Ladies first.
They put in their order and settled into small talk over burgers and fries. The mood was pleasant enough.
So, the man started, Dr. Cooper, have you had a chance to hear about me yet?
Since this was a setup through their parents, a bit of self-introduction was normal.
Yeah. Joyce nodded. My mom filled me in. What about you, do you know about me?
Pretty much the same, he said, smiling. Then he hesitated for a moment, adjusting his glasses.
You went to Penn, you’re a doctor… Work must keep you pretty busy, huh?
It does, Joyce replied honestly, no pretense.
Right…
He leaned forward, lowering his voice like he wanted to be extra clear. Since we’re here for a reason, I think it’s better to be upfront.
Okay, Joyce said, a little caught off guard, but nodded. Go ahead.
He said, My job keeps me pretty busy too.
Joyce already knew that her family had made sure she was meeting someone with similar background and prospects. He managed his family’s business, like her older brother.
Dr. Cooper, he went on, meeting her gaze, I’ve really enjoyed talking with you so far, and I think you’re great. But… I should tell you, after marriage, I’d want my wife to stop working and focus on the home. You know, raising kids, managing the household. Would you be open to that?
Joyce was stunned for a second, lost for words.
Sorry, the man added quickly, giving a sheepish smile. I know it’s a lot to drop
on a first date, but I think it’s important to be clear from the start.
It made sense, given that they were both here with marriage in mind. What startled Joyce wasn’t his bluntness-it was his worldview.
Uh… Joyce bit her lip, a little uncomfortable, but told the truth. Sorry, but quitting my job has never been on the table for me.
She’d worked so hard for her doctorate, and if she’d stayed at Penn, she could’ve become the youngest associate professor in the department. Give up all of that for a man, for a marriage? Not a chance.
Dr. Cooper…
Across from her, the man couldn’t hide his disappointment.
Maybe you could think about it? Honestly, with my resources, you’d never have
to worry about anything again. I could give you the kind of life most women dream of
No, thank you.
Joyce cut him off, her brows tightening.
The more he talked, the less she wanted to listen.
She shook her head, offering a polite but final smile. I think we’re just not a good match, in terms of values. Let’s not force it.
Values? he echoed, frowning. What’s that supposed to mean?
Let me put it this way… Joyce sighed, choosing her words. I work and study not because I have to, but because I want to—it’s my passion. If the point of marriage was just to have an easy life, I could do that without getting married.
She looked him straight in the eye, speaking slowly, so he’d really hear her.
My family already gave me a comfortable life. I don’t need anyone to take care of me, okay?
He froze, his face paling as he grabbed for his water glass.
I get it, he said, after a moment.