When Lisa earns her much-deserved promotion, she wants to go out and celebrate with her boyfriend, Troy. At the restaurant, Lisa learns that Troy just wants to put on a façade and be the ‘man’—disrespecting her and her hard-earned role. But when he gives his number to a waitress, things take a turn, causing Lisa to embarrass Troy and walk out of their relationship.
It was supposed to be a night of pure celebration. After six strenuous months at my new job, I had finally earned a significant promotion and was eager to share the joy with Troy, my boyfriend.
A happy smiling woman | Source: Unsplash
He suggested the new upscale restaurant in town, famous for its ambiance and gourmet menu.
“Let’s just get dressed and go out, Lisa,” he said. “We don’t do this very often, so let’s make the most of it.”
Rarely did we indulge in such luxuries, so it seemed like the perfect way to mark the occasion.
The interior of a restaurant | Source: Unsplash
“Fine,” I agreed. “A night out is exactly what we need.”
I truly believed it. Despite the cracks I had started to notice in our relationship, maybe tonight could make a difference. Troy’s dissatisfaction with his job had been a cloud over us, but I hoped this dinner might clear the air.
“I do so much, but nobody bothers to recognize me,” he grumbled one evening, dipping his chips into salsa with an almost aggressive vigor.
A couple holding hands | Source: Unsplash
Troy sat on the couch, sulking, turning every salsa night into a solo session of complaints.
Salsa and chips | Source: Pexels
His constant foul mood about work meant I often kept my own good news to myself.
“Maybe you just need to give it more time,” I said, handing him a frozen margarita. “You just started there a few months ago.”
“Lisa, please,” he snapped. “You wouldn’t understand. Let me be.”
A frozen margarita on a table | Source: Pexels
But this promotion was too big. There was no keeping it from him. Celebrations were in order, and I hoped Troy would share in my excitement.
To my surprise, he seemed genuinely thrilled. “Really, babe,” he said, arriving at my apartment to pick me up. “This is a big deal, and I’m proud of you.”
A smiling man | Source: Unsplash
The evening started beautifully. Troy arrived with a bouquet of flowers and waited patiently as I got ready, a rare occurrence in our usual routine.
“Come on,” I said, finally ready. “Let’s go!”
A person holding a bouquet of flowers | Source: Unsplash
He put his phone away, taking my hand as we left my apartment, heading to his waiting car.
The drive was silent, but not the uneasy silence we usually shared. Tonight felt different. It felt promising.
A man driving | Source: Unsplash
The soft lighting and the stunning view of the city skyline from our table set a romantic backdrop for our evening. We toasted to my success, with Troy raising his glass of champagne high.
“To the most amazing woman I know,” Troy cheered, clinking his glass against mine. “And to many more successes to come.”
Two glasses of champagne | Source: Unsplash
“To us and to the future!” I echoed, getting swept up in the moment.
We discussed our shared dreams – from a Bali holiday to moving in together soon.
“I just think it’s time,” Troy said. “And now that you have your promotion, it will be much easier for us.”
A person looking at a menu | Source: Unsplash
Everything was perfect until the waitress brought our food over. Troy kept glancing at her, eyeing her every move, and winked at her twice.
I ignored it, knowing this was Troy’s usual behavior after a few drinks. But tonight, it felt like a punch to the gut.
A meal on a table | Source: Pexels
As we neared the end of our meal, Troy’s demeanor shifted with the arrival of the check. He smiled at the waitress, then turned to me with an unexpected demand.
“You should let me pay with your card,” he said, his voice insistent.
A smiling waitress | Source: Pexels
I was taken aback. I didn’t mind paying, considering my promotion, but I had hoped he would want to treat me.
“Why can’t you use your own card?” I questioned, puzzled by his frown.
Troy’s irritation barely cloaked.
A close-up of a frowning man | Source: Unsplash
“Because you’re the one who got promoted, and I don’t have enough money for these fancy dinners, Lisa! You know that, yet you act oblivious.”
His logic stunned me.
“I’ll pay with my card,” I conceded, reaching for my handbag, trying to keep peace.
A black handbag on a table | Source: Unsplash
His face hardened as he took a sip of whiskey. “It’s embarrassing, Lisa,” he muttered. “You’re humiliating me by not letting me be the man who pays.”
I was at a loss for words. It felt like a betrayal wrapped in confusion.
A close-up of a slightly frowning woman | Source: Unsplash
My energy sapped, I handed over my card, wanting to avoid a scene.
With a smirk, Troy took the card, calling the waitress with exaggerated flair, presenting it like a grand gesture.
“I’ll be back with the card machine,” she said.
A person holding a card machine | Source: Unsplash
Feeling uneasy, I excused myself to the restroom, needing a moment alone. This was Troy, always turning moments of joy into complications.
Before I knew it, I had blocked my card via my banking app, a spontaneous yet empowering decision.
Let’s see him pay now, I thought, bracing myself for the fallout.
A woman holding a phone | Source: Unsplash
Returning to the table, I heard Troy’s laughter across the room, flirting openly with the waitress, handing her a napkin. My heart sank. The humiliation boiled over.
I arrived just as the waitress returned.
“I’m sorry, but your card was declined,” she said, glancing between us.
Troy’s confident mask slipped. He stammered, caught off guard.
A man facing away from the camera | Source: Unsplash
“What? That can’t be right,” he insisted.
Pretending concern, I suggested he call the bank.
He fumbled with his phone, finally dialing the number and putting the call on speaker.
The bank representative asked for verification, which Troy recited from my card.
A man holding a phone | Source: Unsplash
The rep then asked for recent transactions.
The waitress shuffled nervously.
“A lavender-scented candle, skincare products, and a new book,” I chimed in. “And by the way, the card belongs to Lisa Simmons.”
Understanding dawned on the waitress as Troy floundered.
A person holding gift bags | Source: Unsplash
I pulled out another card, paying the bill myself.
“Lucky I have two cards,” I remarked. “But since you appreciated the service, Troy, perhaps you can handle the tip?”
Red-faced, Troy searched his wallet, producing only expired coupons and small bills.
I stood, waiting for him to say something, anything. But he remained silent.
“Hey, I didn’t take his number,” the waitress added with a smirk. “I tossed the napkin away.”
A woman laughing | Source: Unsplash
“I’ll find my own way home,” I announced, walking into the night.
Outside, a mix of regret and relief washed over me. No relationship should make you question your worth or feel guilty for your success. Troy had done that too often.
It was time. I was finally done with him.
A woman walking away | Source: Unsplash
What would you do? Would you have done the same? Let us know in the comments!
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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.