Jack and Lora were once the perfect couple—splitting bills, sharing laughs. But recently, Jack had changed. He became a show-off, always ordering the most expensive food and sticking Lora with the check.
“Your turn, babe,” he’d say without a glance.
“I won’t pay this time,” Lora replied, voice shaking.
Jack just laughed: “Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.”
As their longtime waitress, I’d seen the shift. Lora barely ate while Jack flaunted his ego—and her money. But the night he brought in eight rowdy friends and left Lora with an $827 bill, I knew I had to act.
A Plan Is Born
Lora arrived late that night, looking tired and teary-eyed. Jack ignored her while feasting with his buddies. When the check came, he predictably shoved it her way.
She escaped to the restroom, where I overheard her on the phone: “I can’t keep doing this, Mom… It’s not fair.” That was the breaking point.
I stopped her on her way out. “Do you trust me?” I asked. “Say you have an urgent call and leave. Don’t pay.”
She hesitated, then nodded.
Turning the Tables
Back at the table, I told Jack the reservation had been double-booked and a VIP party was coming. Jack panicked.
Lora stood up. “I completely forgot! I have an important client meeting!” She kissed him on the cheek and left.
His friends bailed one by one. Soon, Jack was alone with the massive bill.
“But—Lora always pays!” he stammered.
“Not tonight,” I said.
Freedom Served
The next day, Lora returned, grateful.
“Melanie, you saved me.”
“So what’ll you do with all the money you saved?” I asked.
She smiled. “A spa day.”
Jack got stuck with the check.
Lora got her freedom.
And I? I served karma—on a silver platter.
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