Chapter 3 - The Changed Reservation
One week before the birthday dinner, the restaurant called Sophie.
“Ms. Bennett, we’re confirming the revised menu for twenty-four guests.”
Sophie nearly dropped her phone.
“Twenty-four?”
“Yes. The private room, premium wine package, seafood course, floral upgrade, and custom cake.”
“I approved none of that.”
The employee paused.
“The changes were made by Carol Bennett. She said you had authorized her to manage the event.”
Sophie requested a copy of the updated agreement.
When it arrived, her stomach tightened.
Carol had upgraded almost everything. The estimated total was between four and five thousand dollars. At the bottom of the agreement, Sophie’s card was still listed as the payment method.
She called Carol immediately.
“You changed the reservation.”
“It’s my sixtieth birthday.”
“You said twelve people paying separately.”
“I didn’t expect you to take every word so literally.”
“I’m removing my card.”
Carol’s voice hardened.
“You can’t. The deposit is nonrefundable.”
“What deposit?”
Carol had authorized a $1,500 payment using the card Sophie had provided.
“You used my card without permission.”
“You gave the restaurant your card.”
“For a reservation hold, not for upgrades.”
“You always make everything sound criminal.”
Sophie contacted the restaurant manager, Mr. Alvarez. She explained the situation and requested that her card be removed from the final bill.
Mr. Alvarez agreed to document that she had not approved the changes. Sophie also disputed the deposit with her bank.
She considered canceling the entire reservation.
Then Evan texted her.
Please don’t ruin Mom’s birthday. Just come. We’ll work everything out afterward.
Sophie recognized the pattern.
Carol created the crisis, and everyone pressured Sophie to absorb it.
This time, Sophie decided to attend.
May you like
Not because she planned to pay.
She wanted to discover who already knew about the trap.
