She decided to act on it. That backyard barbecue was the moment her habit of taking without giving finally caught up with her, though I couldn’t have predicted how far she’d push it, or how it would end.
The Birthday Barbecue Takes a Turn
For my husband’s birthday, I was up at five in the morning making around ten dishes for the backyard party. Guests were still mingling, some playing ball, others by the grill, when I spotted Linda pulling containers out of her bags.
She, Jessica, and Nicole started transferring food off the table before the party had even wound down. When I asked what she was doing, she said plainly that she and her daughters needed something to eat tomorrow, and that I wouldn’t need the leftovers anyway.
Packing Up Every Last Dish
I tried to reason with her, pointing out the party wasn’t over and other guests might still want more. She called me stingy, said she was taking the food regardless, and told anyone still hungry to just make more themselves. My husband stayed quiet, avoiding a scene in front of guests.
Reaching my limit, I smiled at Linda and said, “You know what? You’re absolutely right. Just wait here; I’ll grab another dessert from the kitchen for you to take home as well.” Her grin vanished as she opened the container. Her face went pale upon discovering what was inside. Oh, it was certainly not a dessert!