My Date Ordered a $150 Lobster Dinner on Our First Date and Then Refused to Pay – Moments Later, Karma Struck Her Right There in Front of Me

“She’s been here before.”

Relief washed through me. “I’d like to pay individually, please. And I’d like to leave a tip for you, Maya.”

Chloe let out a tight laugh. “You’re seriously doing this right now?”

No one answered her.

Maya’s voice was soft but steady. “I just want to make sure everyone’s treated fairly. I’ll be back with the checks.”

Chloe started rummaging in her purse. “You could’ve just covered it, Evan. Seriously, this is so awkward now.”

I shook my head. “It’s not the money, Chloe. It’s the lie.”

She fell silent, staring at her phone like she wanted to vanish.

“You didn’t have to make this a scene. Both of you.”

When Maya returned, I slid my card over. Chloe handed hers over, her jaw tight.

“I’m sorry,” Maya said, not unkindly. “But that card’s been declined.”

The manager remained beside her. “You’ll need to provide another form of payment.”

Chloe’s face went pale. She dug for another, muttering, “It’s just a bank thing.”

Her hands shook as she tried again. This time it worked, but the damage was done.

She grabbed her purse, fumbling now, her confidence completely gone. She didn’t look at me as she tried another card.