1 (27M) has been a member of a small friend group consisting of approximately 8 persons since college. To provide any context, two members of the group, Susan and Greg, are total leeches. Going out to lunch? Expect them to order the most costly item on the menu, share a sob tale about their financial situation, and then pass half the bill on to you.

Last weekend, Dan, one of the group members, told me about a casual supper. I informed him that if Susan or Greg were present, I would be unable to attend. He tells me they’ll be there, but I should simply put my opinions aside and come once. This is where I might be a bad guy. I agreed with him and said I’d be there. I show up, and we all start talking.

Everyone began placing their orders, with the majority of them spending around $40. There were only approximately six persons present. When it comes to Susan and Greg, they each order pricey dishes totaling roughly $200. When it was my turn to order, everyone glanced at me, but I simply picked up the menu, pointed to the $4 drink, and sent the waiter away.

When Dan inquired why I hadn’t ordered anything, I simply explained that I had lost my appetite. The other two companions got up to cancel their orders and have drinks instead. I noticed Susan and Greg eating their dinner after the main courses were served. The waiter then delivers the check. Greg immediately grabs the waiter and begs him to split the check six ways. I stand up and correct him, explaining the check will be split three ways.

Greg looks at me puzzled, asking why we “always” split the bill. I told him that the three of us had not eaten anything, so we would only be paying for our beverages. So, at the conclusion of the night, Dan, who most likely only ate about $50 in food, was left with a $146.98 bill. (I remember the precise number.) I think I saw his jaw drop when he took up the receipt.

I slid a $10 toward the tab, waved farewell to everyone, and walked out. The next morning, I found my phone full of texts from Greg and Susan telling me I was a nasty guy for not ordering lunch and causing them to pay more than they had anticipated. I smiled since the steaks were more expensive than they paid, but to each their own, right? Dan also sent me a number of messages suggesting that I could have simply not been up instead of pulling that stunt and leaving him with an expensive cost.