Cecelia had reached her breaking point with two freeloading members of her tight-knit group. Initially refusing a dinner invite, a brilliant plan struck her mind. She agreed to join while her friends were unaware of the lesson she was about to teach them. What happened next left everyone speechless.
Hey, everyone! I’m Cecelia, and I’ve got a story for you that’s been a long time coming.
I’ve always been an overachiever. In school, I was that girl who wouldn’t settle for anything less than an A.
A girl sitting in her classroom | Source: Pexels
Now, at 27, I’m killing it as an accounts manager at a big firm in the city. My job pays well, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
But this story isn’t about my career; it’s about my friends.
We’re a group of eight who’ve been tight since college. We’ve been through thick and thin together, and I love them all… well, almost all of them. There are two people in our group who I just can’t seem to respect anymore: Samantha and Arnold.
Why? I’ll explain that later.
A group of friends singing songs | Source: Pexels
First, let me tell you about how I’ve always been there for my friends. Take Betty, for example. A few months ago, she called me in tears.
“Cecelia, I hate to ask, but I’m in a bind,” Betty sobbed over the phone. “My car broke down, and I need $200 for repairs. I won’t get paid until next week, and I can’t miss work. Could you…”
I cut her off before she could finish. “Of course, Betty. I’ll transfer the money right now. Pay me back when you can, okay?”
A woman talking on her phone | Source: Pexels
Betty was so grateful and true to her word. She paid me back as soon as she got her paycheck.
It’s moments like these that make our friendship so strong.
A few weeks later, Harry needed help moving. He called me on a Saturday morning, and he sounded stressed.
“Hey, Cecelia. My moving truck is here, but my friends who were supposed to help bailed on me. Any chance you’re free today?”
A man talking on the phone | Source: Pexels
I laughed. “Harry, you know I can’t lift anything heavier than my laptop. But I’ll be there in 20 minutes with coffee and donuts for everyone. And I’ll help organize and unpack. Okay?”
“You’re a lifesaver, Cece. Thanks!”
That’s just how our group works. We’re there for each other, no questions asked.
But then there’s Samantha and Arnold. I’ve never been in a situation where they needed my help, but our experiences at group dinners have been… well, horrible is putting it mildly.
Women having lunch together | Source: Unsplash
No one in the group talks about it openly, but we’ve all noticed what these two are up to.
Picture this: we’re out for lunch, and everyone’s scanning the menu, looking for something tasty but reasonably priced. Then there’s Samantha and Arnold, zeroing in on the most expensive items.
After ordering, they’ll turn to whoever’s closest and start their sob story.
“Oh, work’s been so slow lately,” Samantha will sigh. “I don’t know how I’m going to make rent this month.”
A woman talking to her friend in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
Arnold’s favorite line is, “Man, my student loans are killing me. I barely have enough for groceries.”
And then, when the bill comes, they’ll conveniently forget their wallets or claim they can only chip in a few bucks. The rest of us end up covering their extravagant meals.
They’ve pulled this stunt with everyone in the group, and I’ve had enough. I decided I wasn’t going to go out for dinner or lunch with Samantha and Arnold ever again.
I refuse to be used like this.
A close-up shot of a woman’s face | Source: Midjourney
So, last weekend, Jason called to invite me to a casual dinner with the group.
“Hey Cecelia, we’re thinking of grabbing dinner at that new place downtown on Friday. You in?” he asked cheerfully.
I bit my lip. “Who’s coming?”
“It’s just me, you, Betty, Harry, Samantha, and Arnold. Liz and Ben aren’t in town.”
I groaned inside. “Jason, I don’t think I can make it if Samantha and Arnold are going to be there.”
There was a pause on the other end of the line.
A man talking on the phone | Source: Pexels
“Come on, Cece. Don’t be like that. It’s just dinner.”
“It’s never just dinner with those two,” I retorted. “I’m tired of paying for their five-star meals while I eat a side salad.”
“Just get over yourself and come for once,” he snapped. “Stop being such a baby about it. We’re all tired of your complaints.”
I was about to decline again when an idea struck me. A slightly wicked, definitely petty, but oh-so-satisfying idea.
A woman talking to a friend on the phone | Source: Midjourney
“You know what? I’ll be there,” I said, trying to keep the mischief out of my voice.
“Really?” Jason sounded surprised but pleased. “Great! I’ll see you Friday at 7.”
As I hung up, I couldn’t help but smile. This was going to be interesting.
Friday night rolled around, and I arrived at the restaurant right on time. Everyone was already there, chatting and laughing.
I slid into the booth next to Betty, across from Samantha and Arnold.
Friends talking in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
“Cecelia!” Samantha cooed. “So glad you could make it. Isn’t this place fabulous?”
I forced a smile. “It’s lovely.”
The waiter came to take our orders. Most of the group ordered reasonably priced meals, around $25 each. Then it was Samantha and Arnold’s turn.
“I’ll have the Wagyu steak, medium-rare,” Samantha purred. “And a glass of the 2015 Cabernet, please.”
Arnold nodded approvingly. “Make that two, and add the lobster tail to mine.”
I could see Jason’s eyes widen slightly. Their orders were easily $150 each.
A man sitting in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
When it was my turn, everyone was looking at me. Here’s the catch: I just pointed to a $3 iced tea on the menu and sent the waiter away.
Jason looked at me, confused. “Aren’t you hungry, Cecelia?”
I shrugged. “Lost my appetite, I guess.”
Betty and Harry exchanged glances, then quickly changed their orders to just drinks as well.
We chatted about work and life while waiting for the food. Soon, the waiter arrived with the meals.
A serving of steak with vegetables | Source: Pexels
Samantha and Arnold’s plates looked like something out of a food magazine. Perfectly seared steaks, glistening lobster tails, and colorful vegetable garnishes.
“Oh my,” Samantha said, eyeing her plate. “This steak looks a bit overdone. And is this asparagus? I’m not a fan.”
Arnold nodded in agreement. “The lobster seems a bit small. I hope it’s worth the price.”
I caught Betty rolling her eyes and had to stifle a laugh.
Meanwhile, Jason said, “Well, my burger is great! How’s your drink, Cecelia?”
A man sitting beside his friend in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
I grinned. “Delicious. Best $3 I’ve ever spent.”
As the meal wound down, the waiter brought over the check. Arnold grabbed it and announced, “Okay, let’s split this six ways, shall we?”
That was my cue. I stood up and smiled sweetly at the waiter.
“Actually, we’ll be splitting this three ways. Jason, Samantha, and Arnold had meals. The rest of us just had drinks, which we’ve already paid for at the bar.”
Everyone was stunned.
Silence.
A woman in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
Then, I saw Arnold squint his eyes in confusion and widen them as he understood what would happen next. His face flushed red in anger.
“But… but we always split the bill,” he sputtered.
I shook my head. “Not tonight. It wouldn’t be fair for us to pay for meals we didn’t eat, would it?”
Samantha tried to argue. “Cecelia, don’t be ridiculous. We’re all friends here.”
“Exactly,” I replied. “And friends don’t take advantage of each other.”
A woman talking to her friend | Source: Midjourney
In the end, they couldn’t argue with my logic.
Jason, who had only ordered a $35 meal, ended up with a $115 bill. I’ll never forget the look on his face when he saw that receipt.
I slid a $5 bill toward the center of the table for the tip, said my goodbyes, and walked out feeling lighter than I had in months.
The next morning, my phone was buzzing with messages. Samantha and Arnold were livid, calling me mean and blaming me for their high bill.
A woman using her phone | Source: Midjourney
I couldn’t help but laugh. Their steaks alone cost more than what they ended up paying!
Meanwhile, Jason’s messages were a mix of frustration and begrudging respect.
“You could have just not come instead of pulling that stunt,” he wrote. “But I get why you did it. Maybe it’s time we had a group talk about dinner etiquette.”
I felt a twinge of guilt about Jason’s bill, but I knew this had been a long time coming.
A restaurant bill | Source: Midjourney
Sometimes, you have to stand up for yourself, even if it means rocking the boat a little.
As for Samantha and Arnold? I’m hoping they learned their lesson, but only time will tell.
One thing’s for sure, I won’t be joining any group dinners with them anytime soon. Unless, of course, separate checks are agreed upon in advance!
Do you think I did the right thing?
A woman standing in a house | Source: Midjourney
If you enjoyed reading this story, here’s another one you might like: Excitement for their weekend getaway turned into frustration as Sarah’s friends dodged paying their share of the $2,000 cabin rental. Little did they know, she had a plan to make sure they didn’t get away with it.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
Gwen Stefani, 54, Poses in Jumpsuit with Revealing Neckline beside Spouse: Pics of Debated ‘Cowgirl’ Look
Social media fans were recently drawn to Gwen Stefani’s ensemble from the song cover she shared with Blake Shelton. Many others posted their thoughts on social media.
Gwen Stefani and her husband Blake Shelton recently shared an Instagram photo that captured the attention of fans and social media users. Stefani posted a picture of herself on the couch wearing an easygoing yet stylish outfit.
The singer of “The Sweet Escape” accessorized with a bold necklace and brown platform sandals to go with her bikini top and denim jumpsuit. Shelton, meanwhile, casually posed while picking up a guitar.
Instagram users were divided by the group’s disagreement, which was evident in the comments area. “What is the purpose of her bra being visible? She is really cheesy! One user remarked, “If you want kids to look up to you, you need some class. Dress like an adult with children.”
You’re unable to perceive this for yourself because you’re so overwhelmed. Would you wear something similar? asked a second person. A separate Instagram user, meanwhile, had an own interpretation on Stefani’s costume. “This is a more subdued version of the brand she has used her entire career [sic].” She’s not suitable for everyone,” the observer said.
The cover art for their most recent song together, “Purple Irises,” which was published on February 9, 2024, was their shot together. The couple also released a behind-the-scenes video from their photo session, in which Sefani’s “cowgirl” outfit was observed by one viewer.
The popularity of the song Stefani recently shared on Instagram only serves to accentuate the beauty of her appearance. The couple’s collaboration, “Purple Irises,” has soared to the top of this week’s music rankings.
In a Billboard poll, fans overwhelmingly selected the couple’s duet above songs by well-known performers like Usher—who wowed during the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show—and country music phenomenon Kacey Musgraves.
The Super Bowl TikTok Tailgate featured a performance by Stefani and Shelton of “Purple Irises,” which thrilled fans immediately before the big game on Sunday, February 11. Other songs that Stefani and Shelton have worked on together include “Happy Anywhere” and “Nobody But You.”
The couple’s shared emotions and experiences are reflected in their love songs. In the past, Stefani wrote, “Never knew a love like this,” in the caption of a Polaroid picture she posted on Instagram with Shelton. She also mentioned Stefani’s beauty and her husband’s kind gesture of gifting her purple flowers.
It’s interesting to note that Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani celebrated the New Year’s Eve apart, which worried some interested parties. But they were forced to do so because of their job responsibilities.
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