James and Ashley were in a long-distance relationship for nearly a year. When he visited New York, he picked pricey spots for dinner, but always had excuses to make her pay. On her birthday, after another excuse, Ashley knew she had to teach him a lesson. And oh, what a lesson it was!

Hey everyone! Long-distance relationships can be pretty great, right? Lots of emotional connection, deep conversations, and daydreaming about the future. That’s what I thought when I met James.

We hit it off during a study abroad program in Paris. Instant chemistry, you know!

Fast forward a year, and despite the ocean between us, me in New York, him in London. Although things were though, we kept the flame alive with endless texts, video calls, and virtual dates.

It wasn’t always easy, living on memes and missing those spontaneous handshakes (or maybe that was just wishful thinking?).

But hey, seeing his goofy grin light up my screen every night made it worth it. So, when James said he was visiting me in New York, I was ecstatic! I mean, finally, we were going to have some real-life, face-to-face time. No more laggy video calls or “WYD?” texts at 3 AM!

I counted down the days, planned our outing like a pro (think museums, rooftop bars, the perfect slice of pizza), and even picked out the outfit that screamed “Damn, girl, you look good!” Butterflies, excitement, all of it.

As the day approached, I could barely sleep. I was too busy imagining all the things we’d do together, catching up, exploring the city, maybe even… you know!

When the big day arrived, my heart was practically doing somersaults. I spotted James coming through the arrivals gate at the airport, looking just as handsome as I remembered.

I practically ran to him, and the moment we hugged, it was like the distance never existed.

We spent the day exploring the city, catching up on all the little details that get lost in video calls—those funny quirks you forget your bestie even has! Central Park was our first stop, and James was blown away.

“This city is amazing,” he said, snapping pics like a pro. “Like, ridiculously amazing. I’ve missed being here with you, exploring every hidden corner.”

“Me too,” I said, leaning into him. “There’s so much I WANT to show you!”

As evening rolled around, James had this surprise up his sleeve. “How about we go somewhere “really” special tonight?” he suggested, eyes twinkling. “To celebrate us finally being reunited?”

I was thrilled! We ended up at this gorgeous, upscale restaurant that screamed elegance. Everything was perfect — the ambiance, the food, the company.

“This place is incredible, James. You sure know how to pick them,” I said, looking around in awe.

“I wanted to make tonight special for you, Ash,” he replied, his smile warm and genuine. (Seriously, this dude was charming. Award-winning boyfriend material, or so I thought.)

When the bill arrived, though, James fumbled with his wallet.

“Ashley, I hate to ask, but I don’t have any US dollars on me, and my card’s acting up again. Can you cover this? I promise I’ll pay you back first thing tomorrow.”

I didn’t think much of it at first. I was just happy he was here.

“Sure, no problem,” I said, smiling. “I’d cover the Eiffel Tower for you if it meant spending more time with you.” (Okay, maybe a bit dramatic, but you get the picture?)

We clinked our glasses, toasting to his visit. Little did I know, this “temporary glitch” would turn into a full-blown credit card crisis.

Covering James’s bill once was no big deal. But then it happened again. And again.

Each time we went out, he picked the priciest spots and came up with a different excuse: his card was blocked, he couldn’t reach his bank, and he forgot to exchange currency.

I was starting to feel less “supportive girlfriend” and more like a walking ATM. Duh.

One evening, we were at this chic rooftop bar with a stunning view of the city. As we sipped our cocktails, James sighed dramatically.

“I can’t believe my card still isn’t working. This is so frustrating.”

“Have you called your bank?” I asked, trying to keep my tone light. (But seriously, international calls are expensive! Was this dude even trying?)

“I’ve tried, but the time difference makes it tough. I’ll sort it out soon, I promise,” he assured me.

By the end of the week, I’d spent a small fortune on dining out. I didn’t mind treating him now and then, but this was getting ridiculous. Every time the bill arrived, my stomach tightened a bit more.

One night, as we left yet another fancy restaurant, I couldn’t hold it in anymore. “James, what’s going on with your card? It’s been days,” I asked him.

He gave me that charming smile of his. “I’m really sorry, Ash. Told you it’s just bad timing with the bank and the time zones. I promise I’ll sort it out.”

I sighed, feeling a knot in my chest. “Alright, but this can’t keep happening.”

He nodded, looking genuinely apologetic. “I know, and I appreciate you being so understanding. It’ll be fixed soon.”

Little did I know, things were about to get even more interesting. (Spoiler alert: it involved a bill that could rival the national debt!)

My birthday rolled around, and James insisted on taking me to an exclusive restaurant downtown. “I’m going to spoil you rotten tonight!” he promised, winking like a cheesy rom-com protagonist. (Though, in hindsight, maybe that wink should’ve been a red flag.)

I dressed in my best outfit, excited for what I hoped would be a memorable evening.

The restaurant was absolutely stunning—crystal chandeliers that sparkled like fallen stars, live music that sent shivers down my spine, and a menu that looked like it belonged in a fantasy novel, not my bank account. Seriously, some of these dishes cost more than my week’s worth of takeout!

“This place is incredible,” I said, my eyes wide with wonder. (Maybe a little too wide, considering the upcoming bill.)

“Only the best for you, birthday girl,” James replied, taking my hand across the table. His smile could’ve melted glaciers, but then again, maybe that was just the strategically placed twinkle lights.

We had an amazing meal, the kind that makes you forget about all your worries (including the ever-growing bill mountain.)

And as the night drew to a close, James leaned in with a big smile, “Happy Birthday, Ashley. Tonight is all about you.”

I felt so special, like I was floating on a cloud. The night was perfect. But when the bill arrived, I noticed James shifting in his seat, his smile faltering for a brief, almost imperceptible moment.

He reached for his wallet with a pained look.

“Ashley, I’m so embarrassed, but my government has frozen my account. There’s been a mix-up, and I need to sort it out with the embassy. Can you handle this one? I’ll pay you back as soon as I can access my funds.”

My heart sank. On my birthday, no less. But this time, I was done.

This elaborate story about a frozen account? Please. I’d seen him strut out of a fancy watch store the day before, swiping a different card that worked PERFECTLY FINE.

Dude was smoother than a greased doorknob, but not smooth enough to fool me this time.

With a calm smile, I said, “Oh, James, I completely understand. These international banking snafus can be a nightmare. But you know what? I have a solution that might save us both a trip to the embassy.” (Emphasis on the ‘both’ there. Because honey, this little game of yours was about to end.)

I called the waiter over and leaned in, whispering something in his ear. The waiter’s eyes widened slightly, then he nodded and walked away, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. Maybe I wasn’t the only one who saw through James’s act.

James looked relieved, a touch too quickly. “Thanks, Ashley. You’re a lifesaver.”

I took a sip of my drink, my smile unwavering. “Don’t mention it. Birthdays are all about celebrating the people you love, right?”

Right, but apparently love doesn’t come with a price tag. That’s when I knew I had to teach this cunning fox a lesson he wouldn’t soon forget.

As the waiter walked away, I turned to James with a calm smile. “James, there’s something I need to tell you.”

He looked confused. I leaned in, my eyes sparkling with mischief.

“I paid for my part of the bill,” I said. “But since you seem to be walking a financial crisis zone, the waiter agreed to let you earn your dinner. They’re offering a complimentary shift in the kitchen to cover your half. They’re expecting you now to wash the dishes, ‘Chef James!'”

James’s face turned pale. “But Ashley, I—”

I held up my hand, a steely glint in my eyes. “No more excuses, James. This charade has gone on long enough.”

His jaw clenched, and he looked around helplessly, like a lost puppy caught with a slipper.

I stood up, my posture radiating calm confidence. “I’m truly sorry you can’t join me for the rest of my birthday celebration with friends. But I hope this little dishwashing detour gives you ample time to reflect on your recent… shall we say, creative accounting techniques?”

I gathered my things, feeling a surge of satisfaction mixed with a pang of disappointment. James sat there, his face etched with anger and embarrassment—a rather fetching look for someone who just got busted trying to freeload on his girlfriend’s birthday dinner.

As I walked out, I glanced back one last time. “Enjoy your evening, James,” I said, my voice laced with a hint of finality. “Because honey, this party is over!”

It was a tough lesson, but one he clearly needed to learn. The long-distance relationship didn’t survive, but the story of how I turned the tables on my “financially challenged” ex became a legend I shared with friends for years to come, a reminder to never underestimate the power of a quick wit and a well-timed dishwashing offer.