Jack barely glanced up from his beer, grinning with his buddies. “Yeah?”
I kept my polite waitress smile plastered on. “We have a little issue with your bill.”
His grin faltered. “What issue? My wife’s handling it.”
I tilted my head. “Actually, sir, we can’t allow that tonight.”
He frowned. “What do you mean?”
I gestured toward the register. “Our policy states that large group bills can only be paid by the person who placed the order. And since you specifically told us it was your treat—well, we need payment from you.”
His face went red. “That’s ridiculous! She’s my wife! What’s hers is mine!”
“Oh, absolutely,” I said sweetly. “But you see, she hasn’t agreed to pay. So unless you’re saying you’re committing fraud by forcing someone else to cover your bill…?” I trailed off, letting the implication sink in.
His friends started shifting uncomfortably. One even whispered, “Dude, just pay it.”
Jack scowled and looked around for Lora—who still hadn’t returned from the bathroom.
“Well, she—she has my wallet!” he sputtered.
I shook my head. “That’s fine. We also accept Apple Pay, credit cards, cash, and Venmo. Or, of course, we can call security if you’re unable to pay.”
His eyes darted around, desperate. His friends started murmuring, clearly embarrassed.
Then, as if on cue, Lora emerged. But she wasn’t alone. She walked right up to our table—with my manager.
“Jack,” she said, voice eerily calm. “I just called your mother. She’s outside, ready to drive you home since you clearly don’t have money for a cab either.”
Jack’s mouth fell open. His friends started chuckling, realizing the disaster unfolding.
My manager crossed his arms. “So, sir, are you paying? Or should we call the cops for dining and dashing?”
Jack, now sweating bullets, fumbled for his phone and begrudgingly paid. His friends threw in half-hearted contributions, but the damage was done.
Lora turned to me, eyes no longer teary, but filled with satisfaction. “Thanks,” she whispered.
I just winked. “Anytime.”
And as Jack stormed out—past his waiting mother—I knew one thing for sure: Lora wouldn’t be paying for him ever again.