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.
“That card’s been declined.”
I watched her, then caught Maya’s eye.
She gave me a quiet nod, a small, honest kindness I did not realize I needed. “Don’t let this put you off dating, okay?”
I grinned. “Thanks. For everything.”
The manager spoke then. “Look, ma’am. If you can’t pay your bill, you can work as our dishwasher for the next two weeks. But be warned, those pretty nails of yours will be ruined.”
Chloe gasped.
***
Outside, the air was cold, and the city lights shimmered on wet pavement. Instead of heading straight home, I found myself steering toward Erin’s apartment. She picked up on the second ring.
“Don’t let this put you off dating, okay?”
“Hey, you busy?” I asked.
“You sound weird. The date was that bad?”
“Not bad. Just… a story. Mind if I come up?”
Her voice softened. “Of course not! And I have ice cream.”
***
Ten minutes later, I was perched on a kitchen stool while Erin rummaged in her freezer.
“So, spill,” she said, shoving a pint and a bottle of chocolate sauce in my direction. “Did she look like her pictures, or was this a catfish situation?”
“Hey, you busy?”
“Yeah, she did. I actually thought it might be a good night at first.”
Erin handed me a bowl, loaded with chocolate and chopped strawberries.
“You say that like there’s a ‘but’ the size of Texas coming.”
I grinned and told her about the date.
Erin’s eyes narrowed. “You didn’t pay for her, did you?”
“Nope.” I took a spoonful of ice cream, feeling the chill and relief at the same time. “But the waitress called her out. Apparently, Chloe pulls this stunt all the time.”
“You didn’t pay for her, did you?”
“Wait, really? She’s a serial lobster grifter?”
I snorted. “Something like that. Her card even declined. I’ve never been so grateful for an awkward silence.”
Erin shook her head, then nudged my arm. “I’m proud of you, Ev. You finally learned how to fix yourself first.”
I smiled. “It’s weird. For the first time in a long time, I feel… respected. By me, at least.”
She clinked her spoon to mine. “That’s all that matters. Now finish your sundae.”
We both laughed, the kind that settles in your chest and makes the world a little less heavy.
I left Erin’s that night feeling lighter,
