She turned, waving the paper at me like a verdict.
"I've covered everyone's share. Except yours."
"Forty thousand. Cash or card?"
Chester stepped forward quickly, clearing his throat. "Miss, about tonight's bill—"
I raised a hand, gently pulling him behind me, and leaned in close to Alberta.
"You're really set on making this difficult, aren't you?"
She tilted her chin up, eyes glittering with malice. "Absolutely."
"I was trying to be generous. For old times' sake. Letting you taste how the other half lives." Her lip curled. "But you just couldn't help yourself, could you? Had to act like you belonged."
She stepped closer, her perfume cloying.
"So now I'm going to teach you a lesson. Make you understand exactly what you are."
I didn't flinch. Didn't raise my voice.
I laughed.
"Sorry to disappoint you, Alberta, but we're nothing alike. I know exactly where I stand." I met her gaze, letting the smile fade. "You're the one who's confused."
The table erupted.
"Mike, seriously? You're still running your mouth?" One of the guys shook his head in disgust. "Looking down on Alberta? If you had any real money, you think she would've dumped your dead weight?"