My in-laws could afford to buy the restaurant outright, yet somehow always “forgot” to pay their share. After years of watching them skip out on checks, they made their biggest mistake yet – targeting my mother.
When they invited Mom to celebrate my mother-in-law’s birthday at an upscale Italian place, I panicked. “They’re going to stick you with the bill!” I warned. Mom just smiled mysteriously and said, “I have a feeling it will work out.”
Dinner was a masterclass in excess – truffle appetizers, vintage wines, steaks topped with actual gold. When the astronomical bill arrived, the excuses began. My mother-in-law’s designer purse was suddenly “back at the house.” My brother-in-law remembered a “work emergency.” Like clockwork, they abandoned my mom with the check.
But Mom just sipped her water and asked for the manager – who turned out to be a former student from her teaching days. Within minutes, my in-laws were getting frantic calls demanding they return immediately or face legal consequences.
Watching them slink back into the restaurant, forced to pay not just the original bill but a substantial penalty fee, was more satisfying than any dessert. The best part? They’ve been model citizens at every meal since – proof that even the cheapest people will pay up when properly motivated.
