My brother’s latest setup landed me on a disastrous date with his friend Stewart at a swanky restaurant, ending with an unpaid bill. As tensions escalated and the manager threatened to call the police, I realized how far Adam had gone.

“Jess, you gotta meet this guy,” Adam said. “Stewart. Works with me. Real stand-up guy.” Skeptical but curious, I agreed. Stewart picked me up in a shiny sedan, and we headed to a fancy downtown restaurant. “Order whatever you like,” he said, and I was charmed.

The evening was perfect until the bill arrived. Stewart’s card was declined multiple times. “This is ridiculous,” he snapped at the waitress. Embarrassed, I suggested, “Do you have another one?” but he didn’t. “Do you have any cash on you?” he asked. “I told you I can’t afford this place,” I replied, feeling trapped.

Outside, I called Adam. “What the heck did you do? Stewart can’t pay the bill!” He chuckled. “Relax, Jess. Use your card if you have to.” Furious, I demanded he come fix it. When he arrived, still laughing, he paid the bill but shrugged off the incident. “Lighten up, Jess. It was just a prank.”

Stewart apologized, looking miserable. “I’m really sorry, Jess. I didn’t know he’d pull something like this.” I nodded, feeling betrayed by my brother. As I walked home, I realized I needed to reassess my trust in those around me. Adam’s pranks had gone too far, and it was time to set some boundaries.