Payback and a friend test

Storytime!

Back in the fall of 2021, I did some work for "Steve" referred by a friend (the single mom who finally dumped her hobosexual bf last year). My invoice was $500 and he never paid it. I sent reminders but nothing. Not the first time clients haven't paid, but the first time a referral hasn't. She was puzzled too. Oh well, it's not an amount that will change my life, and I'm not chasing him now.

Fast forward to this week.

An email arrives out of the blue from him, asking if I was interested in a project with his company.

Laughing at the nerve of this guy, I call up my gay friend (the one I travelled with earlier this year) to ask wtf. I'll call him Vincent to make it easier.

He immediately called out this guy's shitty behaviour, disrespect and nerve. Zero sympathy, excuses or benefit of the doubt. This is the biggest test for men in your orbit, I find.

Old conditioning and people pleasing dies hard, because my first instinct to reply was along the lines of "I'm interested in the project but you've got an unpaid invoice. Once that's cleared we can move forward"

Vincent had a better idea.

The reply he suggested was along the lines of "You've got an unpaid invoice, we'll talk when it's cleared up". Boom. Hold firm. Then, he said this guy's response will tell you exactly the situation. If he immediately replies and sends money, then you're ok to proceed with caution and get payment up front. If it takes a few days, he's not serious.

I sent Vincent's version.

Within 20 minutes I had an apology email and an e-transfer with the money.

A virtual meeting is booked first thing Monday morning to talk shop with Steve.

Vincent's response? "You've got the power now"

Stay tuned.

I'm appreciative Vincent was actively helping me gain power over the situation, get paid and ensure I am respected moving forward. No benefit of the doubt for Steve. Vincent will happily throw men under the bus for my safety, comfort and respect. He is looking out for my maximum benefit.