Her Most Expensive Tab Chapter 2

I took the phone from her hands.

There I was, trending across the local metro feeds and TikTok.

Renee had posted our security footage—the thirty seconds where I took the call, grabbed my laptop bag, and hurried out the door. Her caption was meticulously crafted for outrage:

[My supposed "high-earning corporate executive" friend came into my small diner today, ordered lunch, and walked out without paying her fifteen-dollar tab. I called the cops. People might call me harsh, but as a single mother working fourteen-hour days from dawn to dusk, every dollar counts. If your wealthy friends think they can treat your small business like a free buffet, they aren’t your friends. Pay your tabs.]

The comment section was an open sewer:

"Good for the owner! That handbag the girl is carrying is a Celine—costs at least four grand! Dressed like high society and can’t even drop a twenty for lunch? Throw the book at her!"

"Fifteen dollars is fifteen dollars. Theft is theft. Charge her!"

"I hate these toxic, entitled friends who expect small business owners to subsidize their lifestyle. Let the cops teach her some manners."

"I actually work at her firm. Word is she got fired this afternoon. Karma moves fast!"

Reading the comments, a chill settled deep in my bones. My hands shook so violently I nearly dropped the phone. What hurt the most, cutting through the shock like a dull blade, was Renee’s pinned comment thanking strangers for their "overwhelming support."

Why? Why would she post this?

Did she honestly not understand what public humiliation like this would do to someone in my industry?

My job was gone. Now, she was tearing down whatever was left of my life.

My mother’s tears finally spilled over, her voice hitching in her throat. "How can strangers say such vile things about you? And Renee... why would she post that video? She’s trying to destroy you!"

I handed the phone back, grabbed my car keys, and turned for the door.

I needed to hear the truth from her own mouth.