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

“Yeah, please. It’s the reservation under Evan.”

I got there early and took a seat at the bar, pretending to study the wine list. Every time the door opened, I glanced over, half-expecting Chloe.

“Table for two, sir?”

The bartender caught my eye. “Waiting for someone, brother?”

I nodded. “First date.”

He grinned. “And you met online?”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Only because you keep checking your phone every 30 seconds,” he said, chuckling as he wiped a glass.

Before I could answer, a voice rang out. “Evan?”

“Waiting for someone, brother?”

I spun around, and there she was: beautiful long hair, red dress, and a smile wide and bright. Instantly, it felt like the whole room noticed her.

I stood, almost knocking my stool over. “Hey, Chloe. You found the place okay?”

“It wasn’t hard,” she said, eyes sweeping over the restaurant. “Wow, this place is gorgeous.”

I shrugged, feeling my nerves flutter. “Credit goes to you. You chose it.”

She laughed, linking her arm through mine as the hostess approached. “That’s true. I do have a knack for nice places.”

“Hey, Chloe. You found the place okay?”

We followed the hostess, weaving between tables, Chloe’s heels clicking confidently. At our table, she sat first, glancing around like she was memorizing every detail.

“Nice place, right? They have lobster! I adore lobster. I hope you’re not allergic, Evan,” she teased.

“No allergies,” I replied. “But I do get mild menu anxiety.”

She grinned. “Trust me, you’ll love it here.”

A waitress appeared. Maya, her nametag read. She handed us menus. Chloe barely glanced at hers.

“I know what I want,” Chloe said. “I’ll have the lobster. With the butter sauce, please. Extra on the side, too.”

“They have lobster! I adore lobster.”

Maya nodded, scribbling it down. “Excellent choice. And you, sir?”

“Uh, the salmon, please,” I said. “And water’s fine.”

Chloe leaned back, folding her hands. “So, this is your first Tinder date?”

“Not my first, but it’s my first in a while,” I admitted. “What about you?”

She shrugged. “A few. But most guys are too nervous. Or too cheap.” She smirked. “But you seem relaxed. I like that.”

I laughed nervously. “I’m trying my best. I was practicing small talk earlier.”

“Most guys are too nervous. Or too cheap.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Is that right? Impress me, then.”