It’s the money.
Working at places like that, the women are expected to flirt and act interested with all the men who come in
That means after a few drinks, the guys think the pretty young sweet things actually like them, only, all they want is their money.
The only way to get cheap money to stay ahead with no college or training is the military, hooters, or strip clubs.
She most likely had enough class to avoid the strip clubs but not enough class to avoid Hooters.
And not enough class to get daddy to take care of his son once in a while it seems, either. Her Mom and Dad most likely tried to make her grow up and do it herself, tragically, for it fell apart.
Maybe she was just not too bright and knew flirting could get her even with her bills.
Either way, not marrying the clown her fathered her child left her in this spot, and she made some bad decisions concerning her life and child. It is an awful shame she had to learn it this way.
Marriage isn’t some big magic band-aid. It’s doubtful that the father of this child is the sort who would have improved the situation by being married to the mother, or even just present in the home. Getting knocked up was obviously a mistake, given that she didn’t want a child and was ill-equipped to raise one, but it’s very likely that marrying the father would only have compounded the problem.
“That means after a few drinks, the guys think the pretty young sweet things actually like them, only, all they want is their money.”
I don’t agree. I think most guys enjoy the scenery and even the flirtation, but they sure as heck don’t think these women are going home with them.
Even at “more reputable” restaurants, women who flirt (and give good service) get better tips. This includes waitresses who might not be considered so good looking. Your average waitress knows this.