Date Gone Wrong: How My Brother’s Friend Lured Me into a Trap

I Went on a Date with My Brother’s Friend – Turned out It Was a Trap

I went on a terrible date with Stewart, my brother’s friend, thanks to my brother’s latest setup, and we ended myself stuck at a fancy restaurant with an outstanding bill. I was left wondering how we were going to get out as things got more and more tense and the manager threatened to call the police.

Adam remarked, beaming like he had just figured out the key to perpetual youth, “Jess, you gotta meet this guy.” He was relaxing on my sofa, changing the TV.

“Who’s this guy?” Without taking my eyes off my laptop, I asked.

“Stewart. functions with me. True gentleman. Good job, lovely vehicle, everything.”

I rolled my eyes. “Another one of your brilliant setups?”

“No, really! He is unique. You will enjoy him. He has also been inquiring about you.

I exhaled. Adam had a terrible history of setting me up, but there was something about the way he talked about Stewart that intrigued me. “All right. I won’t be listening to you again, though, if he proves to be another failure.”

Adam grinned. “Agree. Later on, you’ll thank me.”

Despite my worries, I methodically spent the next two hours getting ready in order to create a good impression. My apartment appeared to be a battle zone of clothing and makeup by the time I was finished. Even though I was nervous, Adam’s support helped me stay focused.

Stewart brought me up in an immaculate automobile that appeared to have recently left the dealership. I could not help but notice the faint hum of the engine and the clean, leathery fragrance as I climbed into the passenger seat.

“Hey, Jess, right?” he asked, his smile seeming sincere.

Yes, it is who I am. Stewart, it’s nice to meet you.”

Similarly. You look fantastic, incidentally.”

I reddened and relaxed a little. “I’m grateful. Where are we going now?”

“I thought I would show you this new location downtown. Elegant, but the cuisine is amazing.”

“It sounds good,” I said, attempting to conceal my astonishment. It was not like me to go on such fancy outings.

The restaurant exuded elegance and had a nice, understated design that made it seem like something from a movie. Even with my carefully picked clothing, I felt underdressed. But Stewart led me to our table and struck up a conversation with the host with such ease that I felt totally at home.

I exclaimed, “This place is amazing,” as I took in my surroundings.

“Only the best,” he winked in response. “Order whatever you like.”

My eyes grew wide at the menu. Despite the exorbitant cost of everything, Stewart dismissed my concerns. “Don’t worry, it’s on me.”

With gratitude and flatterment, I grinned. Our discourse was easy to follow. Stewart was witty, wise, and endearing. I started laughing more than I had for some weeks.

Everything about the night was great until the bill came. Still in the middle of a joke, Stewart confidently flourished and gave over his card. The waitress reappeared with a nervous expression.

“I’m sorry, sir, but your card was declined.”

Stewart’s expression fell. That isn’t possible. Give it another go.”

Yes, she did. More than thrice, with the same outcome. Stewart’s charisma vanished and was replaced by a frown. “This is absurd. “Are you even familiar with operating the machine?” he yelled.

Other diners started to look in our direction. Embarrassment burned in my face. “Stewart, there might be an issue with the card. Is there another one you have?” In an attempt to diffuse the tension, I proposed.

Gesturing at the waitress, he looked at me. “I promise that this never occurs. It must have been a mistake made by someone.”

Stewart asked, “Do you have any cash on you?” with an embarrassed glance in my direction.

It surprised me. “I told you that I couldn’t afford this location. This is not the kind of money I have!”

Stewart had a spark of rage in his eyes. Do you believe I had this planned? Just pay the money, please, Jess.”

I stood firmly, crossing my arms. “Not at all. I lack the necessary funds. You came up with this concept. And mine, too, I should say. He added, “You led a luxurious life and had a good job.”

There was a lot of tension at the table. The manager was now by the waitress’s side, and I could see her shifting uneasily.

Stewart’s expression curled with annoyance. “Unbelievable.”

I was embarrassed and furious. I whispered, taking a time to gather myself before saying, “I’m going to the bathroom.”

I went inside and leaned against the sink, breathing deeply. In my handbag, my phone beeped. Adam texted me, “How’s it going?”

I debated whether to respond while I looked at the screen. How would I describe this catastrophe? I sprayed my face with water to calm myself down. I had to confront the music by going back outside.

Returning to the dining room, I saw Stewart and the waitress still at odds. Now that the manager was involved, the tension was evident. With my heart racing, I made my way back to the table.

“Everything alright now?” My voice more steady than my emotions, I asked.

Stewart turned to face me, barely controlling his rage. “They claim that my card is invalid. Is this really true?”

I forcefully gulped. “Maybe we should just leave.”

“What? He whispered, “Just run out without paying the bill?” “That is not something we can accomplish. Have a look at their security guard; he will definitely capture us. Furthermore, it appears that this is the kind of establishment that will file accusations to humiliate us.”

I gave a headshake. “Then we’re stuck.”

The supervisor intervened. “Sir, this needs to be resolved. Do you have an other payment method?

Stewart gave me a desperate look as he glanced at me. I firmly shook my head.

With all of his confidence gone, he said, “I guess we’ll have to figure something out.”

The impression that the night was far from over—and not in a nice way—persisted in my mind. As expected, Stewart walked over and provoked a furious altercation with the security guard at the restaurant. With every word, Stewart’s voice rose and his face flushed.

I informed you that there was an issue with my card! If necessary, give my bank a call.”

“Sir, we’ll have to involve the authorities if you can’t pay,” the swarthy security guard menacingly said.

My heart fell. “Stewart, what are you going to do?”

With despair in his eyes, he turned to face me. I didn’t anticipate this, Jess. Could you please assist? only once, please?”

“I am unable to. “I told you already that I don’t have that kind of money,” I answered, feeling embarrassed and stuck.

Just like clockwork, my phone beeped. “How’s the date going there, Sister? ;)” is Adam’s message.

I became quite angry. I read the message to Stewart. “Did Adam know that you couldn’t afford all this?”

Stewart appeared truly perplexed. “Well, I’m not sure. He only positioned us. However — “

“So, what’s wrong with the car? How are you going to pay for it? To drive a car like that, you must have excellent credit.”

He appeared defeated as he sighed. “I rented the automobile from Adam. claimed it would astound you. In addition, he promised to deposit money into my bank account to cover the cost of the date, but it appears that he never did.”

I faced the security officer. “Sir, could we kindly move outside so that we don’t bother the other diners any more? I’ll give someone a call to arrange for payment to be made.”

The night air outside the restaurant was sharp and cold. The security officer trailed behind us, keeping a distance of a few feet to make sure we didn’t flee. With barely control over my anger, I called Adam.

“Jess! “How is today’s date going?”

“What in the world did Adam do? Stewart’s bill is unpaid! It’s enormous. He was good for it, as you mentioned. How could you subject me to this?”

He laughed. “Calm down, Jess. Just a little spice to your life. If necessary, use your card.”

“Are you serious? Come on down and clean this mess up. Right now.”

“All right, all right. Avoid popping a gasket. He continued to laugh and responded, “I’m on my way.”

I hung up, furious. “He’s approaching. Let’s hold off.”

Stewart leaned dejectedly against the wall. “I truly apologize, Jess. I had no idea he would do something like this.”

I shrugged, frustrated and drained. “You’re not to blame. My sibling is a fool.”

Adam appeared, and I wanted to scream at his smug smile. “Hey everyone. Is there a problem with the bill?

I gave him a fierce look. “Adam, this isn’t funny. You overreached yourselves. You laid this trap for us, but why? For your own entertainment? It is completely intolerable.

His hand was waved off dismissively. “All right, all right. I will cover the cost. Unwind.”

Adam strolled in and came out a few moments later with a receipt. “There. Everything is set. Joyful at this point?”

“You believe this to be a joke? You made me feel ashamed,” I yelled.

Adam gave a shrug. “Jess, brighten up. It was all in good fun. I wanted to add a little fun and spice to your life.”

Stewart glanced first at Adam and then at me. “I really apologize. I was ignorant of this.”

“Stewart, don’t worry. I shot a glare at my brother and replied, “This isn’t on you.”

As we stood outside the eatery, the night had grown chilly and thick. The security man kept a careful eye on us. Stewart moved uncomfortably. “Jess, I really hope you can pardon me. I want to give you something back.”

I slowly nodded. “Possibly. All I need is some time to reflect.”

Adam smiled, still playingfully punching me on the arm. “Go on, Jess. It wasn’t too horrible.

I gave a headshake. Adam, you just don’t get it. You’ve gone too far.

I turned to Stewart as Adam whistling went out of sight. “I apologize for tonight. I had not anticipated any of this.

Silently, “It’s okay,” he said. “I get it.”

We acknowledged our mutual disappointment in silence and had a moment of understanding. I felt deceived by my brother as we said our goodbyes. Stewart watched me depart, still apologizing.

“Goodnight, Jess,” he called my name after me.

“Goodnight, Stewart,” I said, regretting what I had done.

I came to the realization that I needed to reevaluate my faith in my brother and others around me as I made my way home. It was time to establish some boundaries because Adam’s antics had become excessive.

How would you have responded in that situation?