Ruth nodded.
“For years.”
Dad stared at Mom.
“You told me the insurance covered everything.”
She didn’t answer.
For the
first time that evening, the conversation wasn’t about Camille’s generosity.
It was about all the things I’d quietly done.
Daniel politely interrupted.
“I’m sorry, but the restaurant does need to settle the outstanding amount tonight.”
Camille opened her silver handbag.
She took out a credit card.
“Here. Use this.”
Daniel took it to the payment station.
When he returned, he looked uncomfortable.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. The transaction was declined.”
Camille’s face turned red.
“Try this card.”
He tried again.
Declined.
Mom offered her own card.
But it didn’t have a sufficient available limit.
By then, several nearby guests were openly watching.
Finally, Dad stood.
He removed an old credit card from his wallet.
It was a card he’d kept for emergencies.
