After years of waiting tables, you learn to see the truth behind people’s smiles. You can tell when a couple is in love, when they’re pretending, and when one of them has already checked out. That’s exactly what I saw with Jack and Lora — regulars who once glowed with affection but slowly grew distant.
At first, they were the kind of couple that made you smile — sharing desserts, laughing together, always leaving generous tips. But over time, the laughter faded. Jack’s excuses began to pile up, and a pattern emerged that said more than words ever could: every time the bill came, Lora paid.
He always had a reason — “forgot my wallet,” “left my card in the car.” Lora would smile politely, but her eyes told a story of quiet frustration.
Then came the night everything changed.
The restaurant was buzzing with Friday energy when Jack arrived with a large group of friends. Full of confidence, he announced, “Tonight’s on me!” The table erupted in cheers. But I’d heard those words before — and I knew what they usually meant.
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