“The check is ready.”
Vanessa smiled with relief. “Great. Give it to Natalie.”
Daniel placed it in front of Vanessa.
She looked at him, confused.
“That’s not what we agreed.”
“Your sister has confirmed she did not authorize payment,” he said calmly. “The dinner was ordered under your reservation, so we’re asking you to settle the account.”
I removed the protective glasses and picked up one last plate.
I broke it against the target, then walked over.
“Go ahead, Vanessa. Open it.”
She flipped the folder.
The total was $1,947.86, including tax and the restaurant’s service charge.
I had paid the separate entertainment fee. Not a dollar of the meal.
Vanessa’s cheeks flushed.
“You can’t be serious.”
“I am.”
“You came here just to humiliate me?”
“I came because a restaurant called to ask whether I was paying for a party I knew nothing about.”
She looked around at her friends.
