That one time ... I forgot to pay ...

Do you ever wake up in the morning with the sudden realization that you've either a) forgotten to do something very important or b) unintentionally messed up something potentially important? With all that's going on in my life right now, I feel like either of those options is a high possibility right now.

Which is why it was no surprise that, as I snuggled deep into my down comforter this morning, reminiscing about the delicious slice of apple cake and custard I had yesterday at Mood for Food on Essex Road, I suddenly threw off the covers and shouted (yes, to myself, since John had long since left for work), "OH MY GOD. I NEVER PAID FOR THAT CAKE. OR THE TEA."

Embarrassing? It felt downright criminal. I'm such a goody-two-shoes and rule-follower that this sort of thing horrifies me.

How could this have happened? Well, I retraced my steps. I had a lot on my mind and was waiting for Ruth to arrive so that I could spill my guts to her. In the meantime, I ordered my cake and tea, took out my wallet to pay, and was handed a table number by the man behind the counter. Mentally reminding myself to pay at the end instead, I took the number to my table and sat down. Then I changed tables because the obnoxious chatter of the women behind me was annoying. Then I changed tables again, because another group of obnoxious women came in. Then I changed tables for a third time, Ruth arrived, ordered, we sat down, I spilled my guts out, picked up my groceries, and left. Without paying.

So, this morning, praying that they'd be open, I walked in and explained the situation to the woman behind the counter, who remembered me from yesterday but seemed a little bemused by the whole situation. I gave her my £5 note but then felt the need to explain that I honestly had forgotten and hadn't intended to run off without paying.

Anyway, the cake was delicious, if you're wondering. My advice is to pay in advance - especially if you're in a distracted state-of-mind!