Back at the table, I told Jack we had double-booked the table for a VIP party. His friends started leaving, grumbling. Then Lora stood, gasped, and said she had a client meeting—then bolted.

One by one, his friends abandoned him. Jack was left alone—with the full $827 tab. “You can’t expect me to pay for all this!” he stammered. “But the reservation’s in your name,” I replied. Fuming, he handed over his card. I swiped it—with satisfaction. The next day, Lora came back to thank me. “What’ll you do with all the money you saved?” I asked. She smiled. “Spa day.” Jack lost a free ride. Lora gained her freedom. And I? I got to watch karma do its job.