I was meeting a friend for dinner last night, and as usual, my goal was to avoid paying for parking. In L.A., this can be tricky. Unless you are dining in suburban meccas like Arcadia or Van Nuys, chances are you will be forced to valet. A valet can add another $10-20 minimum to the cost of the meal. Parking always feels like a second expense that nobody wants to admit is part of going out. Not to sound cheap, but I would rather pay for an extra drink than have my money go towards a valet charge

It was my lucky night. Well, it started that way. I found the last space in the street in front of the restaurant, behind a guy who’d pulled in just before me. The only problem was the back bumper of my car. It protruded into the parking entrance of a garage behind me. I could already picture myself circling the block again like everyone else. Feeling dejected, I realized I would have to cave in and fork over $10 for valet.

But then, a miracle of sorts happened. The guy who parked in front of me noticed that I was struggling, trying to fit my car into a space that was too small. He pulled up until I had enough room to stay parked. I waved at him in thanks as he got out of his car. It was one of those small moments that makes a stranger seem instantly decent. I noticed then that he was really cute, and smiling at me. I smiled back, wondering if he was going to the same restaurant.

He started the engine and put his car in reverse. I thought he’d left room in front of his car, but then I heard the scrape of his bumper against mine. I waited, thinking that he would get out of his car and apologize, see if there was any damage. But he never got out. Instead, he pulled into oncoming traffic without ever giving me a glance. I stood there feeling stupid for assuming the best, and even more stupid for not reacting. I’m a sucker for a good deed I guess.