When Jack threw the money on the table, he barely looked at it before pushing it toward Lora. She took the folder hesitantly, her face pale with dread. “I won’t pay this time,” she said, her voice cracking. Jack laughed dismissively, ignoring her distress. As she gripped the bill with trembling hands, it was clear this scene had played out many times before. That’s when I, Melanie—the waitress—had enough. After ten years of service at this high-end restaurant, I’d seen all kinds of diners. Jack used to be charming, but now, he was just another entitled freeloader.

When Jack and Lora first started dining here, they were affectionate and respectful. But something changed. Jack became extravagant—on Lora’s dime. He’d order the most expensive dishes while she picked at her food and quietly paid. Then came the breaking point: Jack arrived with eight loud friends, shouting, “This one’s on me!” But it wasn’t. Lora entered later, looking exhausted, and he acted as if she didn’t exist. By the time the bill came—$827.64—he slid it toward her without hesitation.

Lora fled to the restroom, visibly upset. That’s when I decided to intervene. Returning to the table, I fabricated a story: the table had been double-booked and needed to be cleared for VIPs. Jack, flustered, protested, but I stood firm. Then, Lora seized her chance—pretending she had a last-minute client meeting and dramatically exiting. One by one, Jack’s friends abandoned him.

Left alone with the bill, Jack panicked. “Lora always pays!” he sputtered. I calmly replied, “Not tonight.” With no choice, he reluctantly handed over his credit card. Watching him finally pay for his own extravagance was deeply satisfying. It was justice, served cold—on a silver platter.

The next day, Lora returned beaming with gratitude. She thanked me warmly and laughed when I asked about the money she saved. “I think I’ll treat myself to a spa day,” she said. Jack lost his free ride. Lora gained her independence. And I? I savored the best moment of my entire career.