Frank was known for his clever giveaway tactics, but a high-end restaurant foiled him. A quiet supper became a public spectacle when karma caught up with him and taught him a lesson he never saw coming.
Frank, my father-in-law, has always been a con artist.
I’ve seen him do it many times, but I never thought his techniques would backfire so dramatically, leaving him red-faced and racing for an exit.
About nine years ago, I met Frank. Ethan introduced us over dinner at a restaurant after we started dating. I never saw Frank scam a restaurant before.
The servers brought our dinner, and we ate. Ethan got a sandwich, Frank got sesame chicken rice, and I got noodles.
“The chicken is delicious!” Enjoying his lunch, Frank said.
“Yeah, even this sandwich tastes great,” Ethan said.
Frank was enjoying the restaurant’s food and service, I thought. But no. Frank had another plan, and what he did next surprised me.
He responded, “Let me show you how to get more of the same meal for free!” and called a server to our table.
“How can I help you, sir?” the waiter gently asked.
‘This chicken tastes awful!’ Frank yelled and shook his head. I can’t believe you provide bland food. The flavor is dull and poorly cooked.”
“I’m so sorry, sir,” the waiter said. “I’ll replace immediately.”
“Please hurry!” Frank snapped. “I have no time to waste. Return with something well cooked!”
The waiter panicked and apologized as if at blame. The half-eaten lunch Frank feigned to despise was taken away and promised to return in five minutes.
After the waiter went, Frank smiled evilly like he had accomplished something.
Frank lied to earn another free meal, so I wanted to ask why. He wasn’t starving or broke.
His actions were so cheap, but I didn’t think I could convince him.
Later that night, I asked Ethan why his father did it.
“He’s always been like this,” Ethan moaned. “He finds it funny and ignores our warnings. I promise we tried a million times.”
But didn’t you notice that waiter’s pain? I argued that he thought your dad didn’t enjoy the food. “Ethan, this is wrong. So unfair.”
When we started dating, I decided not to argue since Ethan advised me to let it go.
I could have persuaded Ethan that Frank’s actions were wrong, but I didn’t want anything so petty to harm our relationship.
Looking back, I wish I had told Ethan to stop his dad’s habit.
Since Ethan and I married the following year, I’ve seen Frank’s cheapness. I was appalled by his tricks to gain free food, hotel amenities, and anything else!
I attempted to explain to Ethan how bad his father’s behavior was in our first year of marriage, but we argued. Ethan said he had no control on Frank, but I urged he talk to his dad.
That night, I stopped meddling in Frank’s business since it was pointless. I had no idea karma would teach Frank a lifelong lesson.
This began when Frank contacted Ethan last weekend.
He said, “There’s a new restaurant near my workplace.” I wanted you and Bella to join me. I want to check if the cuisine is worth the price as I’ve heard it’s expensive.”
“Sure, Dad,” Ethan said. “We’ll attend.”
Frank joined us at the restaurant two days later. It was one of those posh restaurants with little plates, high pricing, and a reservation requirement.
“This place looks nice,” I observed, skimming the menu. “Wow, it’s expensive.”
“Yeah, it’s super expensive,” Ethan said. “I think I’ll stick with simple pasta.”
“Me too,” I agreed. “White sauce pasta for me. Frank, what about you?
Frank was studying the menu, pointing to the priciest item.
“I’ll have the lobster,” he smiled.
A lobster? Really Dad? Ethan asks. “You’ve never ordered one.”
“I know you’d say this,” Frank said. “But isn’t it nice to try new things?”
Before calling the waiter, Ethan said, “You’re right, Dad.”
We placed our orders, but I could see Frank was planning another prank.
We started eating as our food arrived. Frank was staring at his lobster midway through supper. I didn’t comprehend till he put a hair from my head on his dish.
Frank did that with nerve. I was too shocked to speak.
He summoned the waiter, looking disgusted.
“There’s a hair in my food,” Frank shouted, moving his seat away from the table as if the hair might fly to him. This is intolerable! I shouldn’t pay for this garbage!”
What the heck? My thoughts. Can he even consider it?
Ethan looked furious, and I felt ashamed.
“I’m sorry, sir,” the waiter said. “I’ll inform the manager.”
Then karma struck.
A few seconds later, the manager approached our table.
“We’re so sorry for the inconvenience, sir,” he said.
I suppose he was ready to offer a free supper when another waiter whispered in the manager’s ear.
The manager’s expression went from remorseful to dead serious. He breathed deeply and said, “Sir, I need to ask you to leave.”
“What? Why leave? Frank objected. I found hair in my food, and you sent me out? Do you treat consumers this way?
“Sir, I’m asking you to leave because we believe you put the hair in the dish yourself,” the manager remarked calmly.
Frank’s expression will always stay with me. He argued while being shocked, outraged, and surprised.
“How dare you accuse me of that!” he shouted at the management. “I’ll do your job!”
Now the whole diner was watching.
“Sir,” the manager continued, “one of our staff members recognized you from another restaurant where you pulled the same stunt. Our company takes food safety seriously and won’t accept defamation. Please go or we’ll call the police.”
People around us whispered and laughed. I looked at Ethan, wishing we hadn’t committed to this supper.
But there was more.
Frank was speechless and realized he couldn’t convince the manager. He stood up and grabbed his coat to depart.
“And one more thing, sir,” the manager said. “We’re sharing your photo and details with several local high-end restaurants. All of them will no longer welcome you.”
Frank paled when he comprehended what the manager stated.
He was more upset because the entire restaurant heard him and laughed at him. He realized he could no longer get free food with cheap tricks.
Karma defeated him.
Frank left the restaurant without saying a word while Ethan and I remained silently. After the shock subsided, I laughed at what happened.
“I never thought I’d see today!” Still laughing, I said. “Frank finally got his own medicine, and it wasn’t free.”
Ethan laughed, shaking his head. “Maybe he’ll realize that cheating at life always costs.”
That night, I grasped karma. Karma sometimes waits until the right moment, I thought. That moment may be when you’re eating a pricey lobster.
