Chloe straightened up.
— This is not necessary.
— Maybe you’re wrong.
Maya’s voice remained calm.
— There is a need. And we have camera footage.
A minute later a man in a black shirt came up.
— Good evening, — he said, turning his gaze from one to another.
Maya quietly explained:
— She’s been here before. Same situation.
The manager nodded, then looked at Chloe.
— Madam, today you need to pay your part of the bill. In addition, you have an unpaid balance from your last visit.
Chloe’s face became empty.
— It’s funny.
He didn’t react.
— You can challenge this, but first the issue needs to be resolved before you leave restaurant.
— She was already here.
I was relieved.
— I would like to pay separately, please. And leave a tip for you, Maya.
Chloe laughed briefly and intensely.
— Are you really doing this now?
Nobody answered her.
Maya’s voice was soft but firm.
— I just want to make sure everyone is treated fairly. I’ll be back with separate bills now.
Chloe started rummaging through her bag.
— You could close this, Evan. Seriously, it’s so awkward now.
I shook my head.
— It’s not about the money, Chloe. It’s a matter of lies.
She fell silent, staring at her phone, as if she wanted to disappear.
— You both shouldn’t have made the scene.
When Maya returned, I gave her my card. Chloe also extended hers, with a tightly clenched jaw.
— I’m sorry, — said Maya not without sympathy. — But the card is rejected.
The manager stood nearby.
— You need to provide another payment method.
Chloe’s face turned pale. She started looking for another card, muttering:
— It’s just a banking problem.
Her hands were shaking when she tried again. This time the payment went through, but the damage had already been done.
She grabbed her purse, suffocating with anger and awkwardness, and all her confidence disappeared. She didn’t look at me while she took out another card.
— This card is rejected.
I looked at her, then looked at Maya.
She silently nodded to me — a little sincere gesture of kindness, which, as it turned out, I really needed.
— Don’t let it discourage you from going on dates, okay?
I smiled.
— Thank you. For everything.
Then the manager spoke:
— You know what, madam. If you cannot pay the bill, you can work it out with us at the dishwasher for the next two weeks. But I warn you: your beautiful nails may be damaged.
Chloe shuddered.
The air outside was cold, and the city lights reflected on the wet paving stones. Instead of going home, I didn’t notice how I went to Erin’s apartment. She answered the second call.
— Don’t let it discourage you from going on dates, okay?
— Hello, are you busy? — I asked.
— You have a strange voice. Was the date that terrible?
— Not terrible. Just… history. Can I get up?
Her voice softened.
— Sure! And I have ice cream.
Ten minutes later I was sitting on the kitchen stool while Erin was rummaging through the freezer.
— Well, post it, — she said, pushing a pack of ice cream and a bottle of chocolate sauce towards me. — Did she at least look like her photos or was it the case with a fake questionnaire?
— Hi, are you busy?
— Yes, it was similar. At first I even thought that the evening might turn out good.
Erin put a bowl of chocolate and pieces of strawberries in front of me.
— You say it like there’s a huge «but» the size of Texas coming next.
I smiled and told her about the date.
Erin’s eyes narrowed.
— You didn’t pay for it, did you?
— No. — I scooped up a spoon ice cream, feeling cold and relieved at the same time. — But the waitress figured it out. It turns out that Chloe has already done this.
— You didn’t pay for it, did you?
— Wait, seriously? Is she a serial lobster scammer?
I snorted.
— Something like that. Her card was rejected. Never before has an awkward silence made me so grateful.
Erin shook her head, then lightly pushed me in the shoulder.
— I’m proud of you, Ev. You’ve finally learned to put yourself first.
I smiled.
— Strange. For the first time in a long time I feel… respected. At least by yourself.
She hit her spoon on mine.
— This is the only thing that really matters. Now finish your ice cream.
We both laughed — with that same laugh that settles somewhere in our chests and makes the world a little easier.
That evening I left Erin feeling as if I had become calmer, realizing that respect, especially for myself, is never too much of a request.
— I’m proud of you, Ev. You’ve finally learned to put yourself first.