I was on a date, and he was so sweet. When the bill came, the waitress looked at him and said, “Sir, your card was declined.” He turned pale. I smiled and paid. As we left, the waitress grabbed my arm and whispered…..

stepped forward, closing the distance instantly.She grabbed Clara’s forearm. The grip was firm, urgent, and anything but friendly. Clara gasped, turning to face her, but Maya was already whispering, her face inches from Clara’s.

“I lied.”

The words hit Clara like a physical blow. The simple confession was absurd. What? The osso buco spun in her stomach.”I… I don’t understand. Why would you—”

But Maya wasn’t explaining. With her other hand, she slipped a folded restaurant receipt into Clara’s palm and squeezed it closed. “Get out of here.