I don’t have cash- how about a gift card?

I go to the gym at least 3 times a week. Our parking is free for up to 2 hours, then we need to pay $1 for each extra hour. Our parking garage attendant guy is a super serious and very straightforward guy from south America. (not really sure where he’s from) I have never seen him laugh till today since late 2019.

I stayed at the gym today for more than 2 hours and I needed to pay an extra $1. But I don’t carry cash and have no wallet with me today to go to the atm to get a couple of bucks. So, I came up with a speedy idea. I went to Starbucks and bought a $10 gift card.

I approached his shed, and he asked me: – a ticket please, then I gave him my ticket, and he said again: -$1

I said I have no money, but I got you a $10 Starbucks gift card. Also kept the receipt the make sure I’m not lying to get away not paying a parking ticket.

He said back: You don’t need to get a gift card, with a big smile, and pay me tomorrow. But I insisted, and he accepted my gift card.

Let’s see whether he is going to smile at me next time when he sees me:)