When Jess was set up on a disastrous date with Stewart, it quickly spiraled out of control at a swanky restaurant. What was meant to be a casual evening turned into a nightmare when Stewart’s credit card was declined and the manager threatened to call the police.
“Jess, you gotta meet this guy,” Adam said, sprawled out on the couch and flipping through TV channels. “Stewart. Works with me. Real stand-up guy. Stable job, nice car, the works.”
Jess barely looked up from her laptop. “Who’s this guy?”
“Stewart. Trust me, he’s different. You’ll like him.”
“Another setup?” Jess asked, rolling her eyes.
“No, seriously. He’s asking about you. I think you two will hit it off.”
Jess sighed, her skepticism palpable. “Alright, but if this turns out to be another dud, I’m never listening to you again.”
“Deal. You’ll thank me later,” Adam said with a smirk.
After hours of getting ready, Jess’s apartment looked like a tornado had struck. But Adam’s encouragement had her convinced to give it a shot. Stewart arrived in a sleek, shiny sedan that reeked of newness. Jess slipped into the passenger seat, the clean leather and quiet hum of the engine a stark contrast to her nerves.
“Hey, Jess,” Stewart greeted with a warm smile. “Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you, Stewart.”
“Thought we’d go to this new place downtown. It’s fancy, but the food’s incredible.”
“Sounds good,” Jess replied, trying to hide her surprise at the upscale venue.
The restaurant was a picture of luxury, and Jess felt out of place. Stewart, however, was in his element. He led her to their table with ease and confidence.
“Order whatever you like,” Stewart said, dismissing Jess’s hesitation over the expensive menu.
“Thanks,” Jess said, feeling a bit relieved. The evening started smoothly. Stewart was charming and engaging, and Jess found herself laughing more than she had in a while.
Then the bill arrived.
Stewart handed over his card with a flourish, but the waitress returned, her expression uneasy. “I’m sorry, sir, but your card was declined.”
“That’s impossible. Try it again,” Stewart insisted.
The card was declined again. And again. Stewart’s demeanor shifted from charm to frustration. “This is ridiculous. Do you even know how to use the machine?”
The other diners started glancing over, and Jess’s face burned with embarrassment. “Maybe there’s a problem with the card. Do you have another one?” she suggested, trying to defuse the situation.
Stewart’s frustration turned to anger. “You think I planned this? Just pay the bill, Jess.”
“I told you I can’t afford this place,” Jess replied, her voice firm. “This was your idea, and Adam’s. He said you were well-off.”
The tension was palpable as the manager joined the fray, now threatening to involve the authorities. Jess excused herself to the restroom, needing to regroup. A text from Adam buzzed on her phone: “How’s it going?”
Jess stared at the screen, fuming. She splashed water on her face and tried to steady her nerves. When she returned, Stewart was still arguing with the waitress and the manager. The security guard had joined the scene, warning that they might need to involve the police.
Stewart looked at Jess with desperation. “Can you help out? Just this once?”
