When the money landed on the table, Jack hardly looked at it before thrusting it into Lora’s hands.
“Your turn, babe.” Lora’s fingers gripped around the folder, the color draining from her face.
“I won’t pay this time,” she stated, her voice cracking.
“Jack, I’m serious.” Jack just laughed.
“Okay, babe. Do not worry your lovely little brain about it.
Lora’s hands became white as she grasped the bill, her eyes shimmering from unshed tears.
That’s when I, Melanie the waitress, decided that was enough. I’ve been working at this exclusive restaurant for ten years.
You see a variety of people—lovebirds, businessmen, and the occasional jerk who believes the world revolves around him.
Jack was one of them.
He and Lora looked gorgeous when they initially arrived.
They divided the bill, sneaked peeks at the dessert, and giggled.
But what happened recently?
Something had changed.
Jack had become a huge spender—on Lora’s cash.
He’d order the best steaks, the most costly wine, and the most opulent appetizers—while she quietly paid the bill.
And the worst part? She never even ate that much. That night was the final straw. Jack rolled in with eight of his rowdy friends, all swagger and bravado. “This one’s on me, boys!” he boomed, slapping a hand on the table. And guess who walked in ten minutes later, looking exhausted and defeated? Lora.
Her eyes were red-rimmed, her steps hesitant—as if she already knew how the night would end. Jack barely acknowledged her. I watched, biting my tongue, as he and his friends feasted like kings—steaks, lobster, bottles of the finest wine. By the time the bill arrived? $827.64. And Jack pushed it toward Lora. Like always. She excused herself, tears brimming, and rushed to the restroom. I followed, heart pounding.
“What do you mean?” I leaned in, lowering my voice for effect.
“Well, sir… this table was actually double-booked. Another large party is on their way, and unfortunately, we need this space.” Jack’s entire face changed. His friends stopped laughing.
“But—” he stammered, looking at the mountain of food still on the table.
“We’ve been here for hours!” I gave him a sympathetic shrug. “I understand, sir. But the other party is VIP.”
Jack visibly paled. His friends started shifting, grumbling about going somewhere else. And then, Lora stood up dramatically. “Oh my God,” she gasped.
“I completely forgot! I have an important client meeting! I have to leave right away!” Jack gaped at her.
“Wait—what?” She leaned over, kissed his cheek, and bolted. And just like that, Jack’s safety net was gone. One by one, his “buddies” bailed too.
“Sorry, man. I gotta go.” “I forgot my wallet, dude.” “I’ll hit you back next time.” Until finally—Jack was alone.
With a bill for $827.64. His panic was priceless. He flagged me down, sputtering. “But— but— Lora always pays!” I tilted my head. “Not tonight.” His face turned red. “You can’t expect me to pay for ALL of this!” I slid the bill closer. “It’s in your name.” Jack gawked at me.
“You—did you set this up?” I shrugged and smiled.
With no other options, he reluctantly handed over his credit card.
I swiped it. And Jack finally paid for his own damn night out.
The next day, Lora entered the eatery. She found me quickly, her eyes beaming with gratitude.
“Melanie,” she said, grabbing my hands.
“I just wanted to say thank you.
“You saved me.” I grinned.
“So… what are you gonna do with all the money you saved last night?” Lora’s eyes glittered.
“Oh,” she replied, chuckling.
“I think I’ll treat myself to a spa day.”
Jack lost a free lunch. Lora regained her freedom.
And I? I experienced the greatest satisfaction of my life.
