Grandma wanted a modest birthday dinner, but our family insisted on going all out. She was kidnapped on her birthday and left at the table when the bill arrived!
My grandmother always bakes cookies for birthdays. She had the best birthday dinner.
Her 85th birthday is a big deal. Happy evening with her favorite folks and nice food? Done.
“Grandma deserves something spectacular,” Aunt Linda added.
“Not some boring little dinner.”
The family insisted on taking Grandma to the best restaurant in town.
“Seriously, Jade won’t say no,” Katie muttered. She works in banking! Loaded, she. Lives alone. No kids. What else is she buying?
Mark snorted. “Exactly. We must relax till the bill arrives. We’ll play dumb and she’ll learn.”
I froze. So that was the tough plan.
Expand Grandma’s birthday supper and let me pay while they stared in confusion.
“What about Grandma?” Mark asks.
Should we tell her to bring her wallet? As backup?
Katie chuckled. “Please. She’ll demand payment. She always does. But cousin dearest will save the day since she’s so heroic.”
I drove Grandma to the greatest res in town that night.
The rest pretended we were at a celebrity afterparty. Katie snapped photos with every drink and appetizer “for the aesthetic.”
Mark publicly declared himself a “connoisseur” of every pricey whiskey on the menu, earning our server Miguel a medal for patience.
Aunt Linda loudly recommended the most expensive options to everyone.
Grandma laughed throughout.
“This is lovely,” she muttered. “I never expected this fuss.”
“I’m glad you’re having fun, Grandma.” I grinned and squeezed her hand.
I witnessed my family order wine bottles, not glasses, the most costly meat, and every side dish.
I mentally calculated their scheme as the bill rose with each order. I ordered a basic filet and house wine. Grandma followed suit.
“Is that all you want?” Uncle Joe pressed. The occasion is special! Live a little!”
A tight smile. “This suits me.”
The check arrived.
Aunt Linda responded, “Ohhhh wow,” staring at the bill like it was written in another language.
Check out that total… I would help, but we’re still paying off that two-summer time-share.”
Jade, we assumed you’d cover this. You’re almost done paying off your house? You have the best job among us. You can accomplish things. We will provide emotional support.
Aunt Linda boldly added a guilt trip.
“Come on… For Grandma. It’s her big day. We may not have many more of these.”
I said, “Let me take care of something real quick and we’ll get back to this discussion.”
I knew they wouldn’t pay the bill, but to abandon Grandma on her birthday! That was mean.
Are you okay, Grandma? As I sat down, I inquired.
“There you are!” Grandma said,
“Are we okay, Jade? Is everything paid? I can cover some if necessary, dear. Although I have little, I have been saving up…”
“Don’t worry, Grandma. Everything’s under control.”
Grandma looked upset, but I assured her all was well.
“But what about the others?” she said as I drove her home under the stars.
“They had somewhere else to be, I guess,” I answered lightly. Grandma, it’s a shame, but I’m delighted I got you to myself for most of the evening. You had a good birthday dinner?
She nodded, but I could tell she ached. That enraged me.
Uncle Joe wondered if the restaurant was joking since it was threatening legal action. Fix it now!
Ah, yes. I forgot to introduce.
My old college friend Eric manages the eatery. I made sure Eric got their contact details. Full names, numbers, addresses.
He only charged me for my and Grandma’s lunch. The rest? Oh yes. He collects directly from them with interest if they dodge him.
Later, Grandma called to thank me for the night out.
