James and Ashley had been in a long-distance relationship for almost a year. When he visited New York, he would choose expensive places to dine, but he always had excuses to force her to pay. On her birthday, after another excuse, Ashley knew she had to teach him a lesson. And what a lesson!
Hey everyone! Long distance relationships can be great, right? Lots of emotional connection, deep conversations, and daydreaming about the future. That’s what I thought when I met James.
A hand heart | Source: Unsplash
We hit it off during a study program in Paris. Instant chemistry, you know!
Fast forward a year despite the ocean separating us, me in New York and him in London. Even though things were like that, we kept the flame alive with endless text messages, video calls and virtual dates.
It wasn’t always easy, living off of memes and missing those spontaneous handshakes (or maybe they were just wishes?).
A woman using a laptop in bed | Source: Pexels
But hey, seeing his goofy grin lighting up my screen every night made it all worth it. So when James told me he was coming to visit me in New York, I was ecstatic! We were finally going to spend some face-to-face time in real life. No more slow video calls and 3am texts.
I counted down the days, planned our outing like a pro (think museums, rooftop bars, the perfect slice of pizza), and even picked out the outfit that screamed “Wow, girl, you look hot!” Butterflies, excitement, all that.
A woman applying lipstick | Source: Unsplash
As the day approached, I could barely sleep. I was too busy imagining all the things we would do together, catching up, exploring the city, maybe even… you know!
When the big day arrived, my heart was practically doing somersaults. I saw James walking through the arrivals gate at the airport, looking just as handsome as I remembered.
I practically ran to him, and the moment we hugged, it was like the distance had never existed.
A couple hugging | Source: Unsplash
We spent the day exploring the city, catching up on all the little details that get lost on video calls, those fun quirks you forget your best friend has! Central Park was our first stop, and James was in awe.
“This city is amazing,” he said, snapping photos like a pro. “Ridiculously amazing. I’ve missed being here with you, exploring every hidden corner.”
“Me too,” I said, leaning toward him. “There are so many things I WANT to show you.”
A couple holding hands | Source: Unsplash
As evening fell, James had a surprise up his sleeve. “How about we go somewhere ‘very’ special tonight? To celebrate finally getting together?”
I was delighted. We ended up in a beautiful, luxurious restaurant that screamed elegance. Everything was perfect: the atmosphere, the food, the company.
“This place is amazing, James. You sure know how to pick ’em,” I said, looking around in amazement.
A woman in a restaurant | Source: Pexels
“I wanted tonight to be special for you, Ash,” she replied, her smile warm and genuine. (Seriously, this guy was a sweetheart. Award-winning boyfriend material, or so I thought.)
However, when the bill came, James fumbled with his wallet.
“Ashley, I’m sorry to ask, but I don’t have any dollars on me and my card keeps failing. Can you pay for this? I promise I’ll pay you back first thing tomorrow morning.”
A bill on the table | Source: Midjourney
At first I didn’t think much of it. I was just glad he was here.
“Sure, no problem,” I said, smiling. “I’d cover the Eiffel Tower for you if it meant spending more time with you.” (Okay, maybe a little dramatic, but you get the idea.)
We toasted your visit. Little did I know that this “temporary glitch” would turn into a full-blown credit card crisis.
Covering James’ bill once was no big deal. But then it happened again. And again.
A couple toasting | Source: Pexels
Every time we went out, he would choose the most expensive places and make up a different excuse: his card was blocked, he couldn’t contact his bank, and he had forgotten to exchange currency.
I was starting to feel less like a “supportive girlfriend” and more like a walking ATM. Yikes.
One night, we were at a fancy rooftop bar with stunning views of the city. As we sipped our cocktails, James sighed dramatically.
“I can’t believe my card still doesn’t work. This is so frustrating.”
A frustrated man | Source: Pexels
“Have you called your bank?” I asked, trying to keep my tone light. (But seriously, international calls are expensive! Was this guy even trying?)
“I’ve tried, but the time difference makes it difficult. I’ll fix it soon, I promise,” he assured me.
By the end of the week, I had spent a small fortune on dinner out. I didn’t mind treating him to it from time to time, but this was getting ridiculous. Every time the bill came, my stomach tightened a little more.
A woman with a credit card | Source: Pexels
One night, as I was leaving another upmarket restaurant, I couldn’t contain myself any longer. “James, what’s going on with your card? It’s been days,” I asked.
She gave me a charming smile. “I’m so sorry, Ash. I told you it was a bad time with the bank and time zones. I promise I’ll fix it.”
I sighed, feeling a lump in my chest. “Okay, but this can’t keep happening.”
An upset woman | Source: Pexels
He nodded, looking genuinely sorry. “I know, and I appreciate you being so understanding. It’ll be fixed soon.”
Little did I know things were about to get even more interesting. (Spoiler alert: this was a bill that could rival the national debt!)
My birthday came around, and James insisted on taking me to an upscale restaurant downtown. “I’m going to spoil you rotten tonight,” he promised, winking at me like the protagonist of a cheesy romantic comedy. (Though, in retrospect, maybe that wink should have been a red flag.)
Couple on a date holding hands | Source: Pexels
I dressed in my finest, excited for what I hoped would be a memorable evening.
The restaurant was absolutely stunning: crystal chandeliers that sparkled like fallen stars, live music that sent shivers down my spine, and a menu that looked like it was straight out of a fantasy novel, not my bank account. Seriously, some of those dishes cost more than my week’s worth of takeout!
“This place is amazing,” I said, my eyes wide with wonder. (Maybe too much, considering the bill I was about to pay.)
A couple in a restaurant | Source: Pexels
“Only the best for you, birthday girl,” James replied, taking my hand across the table. His smile could have melted glaciers, but perhaps it was because of the strategically placed twinkling lights.
We had an amazing meal, the kind that makes you forget all your worries (including the ever-growing mountain of bills.)
And as the night drew to a close, James leaned in with a big smile: “Happy birthday, Ashley. This night is all about you.”
A man kissing his girlfriend’s hand | Source: Pexels
I felt so special, like I was floating on a cloud. The evening was perfect. But when the bill came, I noticed James shifting in his seat, his smile faltering for a brief, almost imperceptible moment.
She reached for her purse with a pained gesture.
“Ashley, I’m really embarrassed, but my government has frozen my account. There’s been a mix-up and I need to sort it out with the embassy. Can you take care of this? I’ll pay you back as soon as I can access my funds.”
Man with an empty wallet | Source: Pexels
My heart sank. On my birthday, no less. But this time it was over.
This elaborate story about a blocked account? Please. The day before I had seen him strut out of a luxury watch store, swiping a different card that worked PERFECTLY FINE.
The guy was as skilled as a greased knob, but not skilled enough to fool me this time.
Man holding a credit card | Source: Pexels
With a calm smile, I said, “Oh, James, I totally understand. These international banking messes can be a nightmare. But you know what? I have a solution that could save us both a trip to the embassy.” (Emphasis on the “both.” Because, honey, this little game of yours was about to end.)
I called the waiter over and leaned over, whispering something in his ear. The waiter opened his eyes slightly, nodded, and walked away, a smirk on his lips. Perhaps I wasn’t the only one who had noticed James’s performance.
A waiter | Source: Unsplash
James looked relieved, a little too quickly. “Thanks, Ashley. You saved my life.”
I took a sip of my drink, my smile unwavering. “Don’t mention it. Birthdays are about celebrating the people you love, right?”
True, but apparently love is priceless. So I knew I had to teach that sly fox a lesson he wouldn’t soon forget.
A woman smiling at her boyfriend | Source: Pexels
As the waiter walked away, I turned to James with a calm smile. “James, there’s something I need to tell you.”
He looked confused. I leaned towards him, my eyes shining with mischief.
“I’ve paid my share of the bill,” I said. “But since you seem to be in a financial crisis zone, the waiter has agreed to let you earn your dinner. You’re being offered a courtesy shift in the kitchen to cover your half. Now you’re expected to wash the dishes, “Chef James!”
A woman talking to her partner | Source: Pexels
James’s face paled. “But Ashley, I…”
I raised my hand, a steely glint in my eyes. “No more excuses, James. This farce has gone on long enough.”
He clenched his jaw and looked around helplessly, like a lost puppy caught with a slipper.
A man caught looking at his partner | Source: Unsplash
I stood up, my posture radiating calm confidence. “I’m truly sorry you can’t join me for the rest of my birthday celebration with friends. But I hope this little detour to wash dishes will give you enough time to reflect on your recent… shall we say, creative accounting techniques?”
I gathered my things, feeling a surge of satisfaction mixed with a pang of disappointment. James sat there, his face drawn in anger and embarrassment, a rather attractive sight for someone who had just been caught trying to take advantage of his girlfriend’s birthday dinner.
A woman talking to her boyfriend | Source: Pexels
As I left, I looked back one last time. “Enjoy your evening, James,” I said, a tone of firmness in my voice. “Because, darling, this party is over.”
It was a hard lesson, but one that clearly needed to be learned. The long-distance relationship didn’t survive, but the story of how I turned the tables on my “financially challenged” ex became a legend I shared with friends for years, a reminder to never underestimate the power of a quick wit and a well-timed dishwashing offer.
A woman walking away | Source: Pexels
When Sandra’s entitled husband threw a pizza party for his friends and expected her to clean up when she was sick, he taught her a priceless lesson.
This work is inspired by real people and events, but has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to real people, living or dead, or real events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher do not guarantee the accuracy of events or the depiction of characters, and are not responsible for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and the opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
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