My brother’s latest setup landed me on a disastrous date with his friend, Stewart, and we were stuck at a swanky restaurant with an unpaid bill. As tensions escalated and the manager threatened to call the police, I realized just how far Adam had gone, leaving me to wonder how we’d escape.
“Jess, you gotta meet this guy,” Adam said, grinning like he had just discovered the secret to eternal youth. He lounged on my couch, flipping through channels.
Adam lounging in the living room | Source: Pexels
Adam lounging in the living room | Source: Pexels
“Who’s this guy?” I asked, not looking up from my laptop.
“Stewart. Works with me. Real stand-up guy. Stable job, nice car, the works.”
I rolled my eyes. “Another one of your brilliant setups?”
“No, seriously! He’s different. You’ll like him. Plus, he’s been asking about you.”
I sighed. Adam’s track record with setting me up was abysmal, but the way he spoke about Stewart piqued my curiosity. “Fine. But if he turns out to be another dud, I’m never listening to you again.”
Jess deciding to give Stewart a chance despite her doubts | Source: Pexels
Jess deciding to give Stewart a chance despite her doubts | Source: Pexels
Adam smirked. “Deal. You’ll thank me later.”
I spent the next few hours meticulously getting ready, wanting to make a good impression despite my reservations. By the time I was done, my apartment looked like a war zone of makeup and clothes. My nerves were on edge, but Adam’s encouragement kept me on target.
Stewart picked me up in a shiny sedan that looked like it had just rolled off the showroom floor. As I slid into the passenger seat, I couldn’t help but notice the clean, leather smell and the subtle hum of the engine.
Stewart’s shiny sedan parked outside Jess’s apartment | Source: Pexels
Stewart’s shiny sedan parked outside Jess’s apartment | Source: Pexels
“Hey, Jess, right?” he said with a smile that seemed genuinely warm.
“Yep, that’s me. Nice to meet you, Stewart.”
“Likewise. You look great, by the way.”
I blushed, feeling a bit more at ease. “Thanks. So, where are we headed?”
“Thought I’d take you to this new place downtown. Fancy, but the food is incredible.”
“Sounds good,” I replied, trying to hide my surprise. I wasn’t used to such upscale outings.
Jess and Stewart at the upscale restaurant | Source: Pexels
Jess and Stewart at the upscale restaurant | Source: Pexels
The restaurant was like something out of a movie, with charming, low-key decor, but oozing luxury. I felt underdressed in my carefully chosen outfit. Stewart seemed completely at home, though, chatting easily with the host and leading me to our table.
“This place is amazing,” I said, looking around in awe.
“Only the best,” he replied with a wink. “Order whatever you like.”
The menu made my eyes widen. Everything was outrageously expensive, but Stewart waved off my hesitation. “Don’t worry, it’s on me.”
The elegant restaurant interior | Source: Pexels
The elegant restaurant interior | Source: Pexels
I smiled, grateful and flattered. Our conversation flowed effortlessly. Stewart was charming, funny, and intelligent. I found myself laughing more than I had in weeks.
The evening was perfect until the bill arrived. Stewart handed over his card with a confident flourish, still in the middle of a joke. The waitress returned, her expression uneasy.
“I’m sorry, sir, but your card was declined.”
Stewart’s face dropped. “That can’t be right. Try it again.”
Stewart presents his credit card to pay for the meal | Source: Midjourney
Stewart presents his credit card to pay for the meal | Source: Midjourney
She did. Twice more, with the same result. Stewart’s charm evaporated, replaced by a scowl. “This is ridiculous. Do you even know how to use the machine?” he snapped.
Other diners began to glance our way. I felt my face burn with embarrassment. “Stewart, maybe there’s a problem with the card. Do you have another one?” I suggested, trying to defuse the situation.
He glared at the waitress, then turned to me. “I swear this never happens. Someone must have screwed something up.”
The waitress inspecting Stewart’s declined card | Source: Pexels
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