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

They had met during a study abroad program in Paris and kept their relationship alive with texts and video calls. When James finally visited New York, Ashley was thrilled and planned a special evening at an upscale restaurant. However, when the bill arrived, James claimed his card wasn’t working again.

“I’m so embarrassed, Ashley, but my account is frozen. Can you handle this?” he asked. Ashley agreed but had had enough. She whispered to the waiter, then told James he’d have to work in the kitchen to cover his half of the bill.

“No more excuses, James. This charade has gone on long enough,” she said, leaving him to wash dishes.

The relationship ended, but the story of how Ashley turned the tables on her “financially challenged” ex became legendary among her friends.