“It’s a billing mistake. That doesn’t justify calling the police.”
“No,” I replied. “Your behavior does.”
He opened his mouth, then closed it again.
The manager brought a corrected bill.
The total was still expensive, but I wasn’t responsible for the food I hadn’t ordered.
I asked for a separate receipt documenting the correction.
Then I made a statement that surprised everyone at the table.
“I’ll pay for what I personally ordered.”
Mr. Bennett nodded.
I paid for my meal and my share of the legitimate charges.
I refused to cover Spencer’s wine or Gertrude’s extravagant selections.
That was my decision, and I was comfortable with it.
Spencer watched me put my card away.
“You’re really doing this?” he whispered.
“Yes.”
“You’re humiliating me in front of all these people.”
I looked at the wine stains on my dress.
“You did that to yourself.”
His expression twisted with anger.
Then Gertrude intervened.
