Stewart exhaled deeply, his shoulders slumping. “Adam rented it for me,” he admitted. “He thought it would impress you. He also said he’d transfer money into my account to cover tonight, but… I guess he never actually did.”

I turned to the security guard and spoke calmly, “Sir, could we step outside so we don’t disturb the other diners any further? I’ll make a call to get this sorted.”

Stepping out, I immediately called Adam, my frustration bubbling just beneath the surface.

“Adam, what on earth is going on? Stewart can’t cover the bill—it’s massive! You told me he could handle it. How could you pull something like this?”

Adam laughed, his tone infuriatingly casual. “Chill, Jess. Just adding a little excitement to your night. Use your card if you have to.”

My grip on the phone tightened. “Are you serious right now? Get over here and fix this. I’m not joking.”

“Alright, alright. Don’t blow a fuse. I’m on my way,” he replied, still chuckling.

Beside me, Stewart leaned against the wall, his face pale with embarrassment. “Jess, I’m really sorry. I had no idea Adam would do something like this.”

I sighed, shaking my head. “It’s not your fault, Stewart. My brother’s just… unbelievable.”

When Adam finally arrived, his smug expression made my blood boil. “What’s the issue here? Something wrong with the bill?”

I shot him a glare. “This isn’t funny, Adam. You crossed the line. Was this some kind of joke to you? You set us up for your own amusement, and it’s completely unacceptable.”

He waved me off, as if it were nothing. “Okay, okay, I’ll handle it. Calm down, will you?”

Stewart looked between the two of us, clearly uncomfortable. “Jess, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know this would happen.”

“It’s not your fault, Stewart,” I said firmly, giving Adam another sharp look.

We stood outside in the chilly night air, the weight of the situation pressing down. Stewart shifted uneasily. “I hope you can forgive me, Jess. I really want to make it up to you.”

I exhaled slowly, my frustration softening just a little. “Maybe. I just need some time to think it over.”

There was a brief silence, a mutual understanding of the disappointment hanging between us. As we prepared to go our separate ways, I felt a pang of sadness.

“Goodnight, Jess,” Stewart said quietly, his voice laced with regret.

“Goodnight, Stewart,” I replied, my tone weary.

As I walked home, the cold night felt heavier than before. I realized it was time to reevaluate the trust I placed in those closest to me. Adam’s antics had gone too far, and I needed to set some firm boundaries—not just for him, but for myself.