The Night We Met
by Abby Jimenez
Contents
13: Chris
Overview
Late at night, Chris rescues Mike after Mike’s card is declined at an expensive steakhouse with Larissa and her mother. Chris pays the bill, but discovers Mike has been drinking heavily and intends to drive. When Chris intervenes, Mike shoves him and runs off, leaving his truck and keys.
The moment exposes Mike’s financial strain and deteriorating judgment, escalating stakes for his relationship with Larissa and straining his bond with Chris.
Summary
Near midnight, Chris wakes to a call from Mike, who panickedly asks for $300 after his card is declined at an expensive Arbor Lakes steakhouse. Chris rushes over, self-conscious about his appearance, noting his concern about seeing Larissa. At the restaurant, Mike says Larissa and her mother have already left in their own car.
Mike blames the outing on Larissa’s mother choosing the priciest place and admits he hoped an overdraft would cover the bill. Chris pays with his Visa and tries to gauge how much Larissa knows. Mike, embarrassed, minimizes the situation and orders another bourbon, revealing he’s already had several.
When the bar closes, Mike insists on driving home to avoid paying for a rideshare. Chris refuses to let him leave intoxicated and offers to drive him or retrieve the truck later. Mike ignores him and heads for the exit, forcing Chris to chase him down and grab his keys.
In a shocking break from their history, Mike shoves Chris—lightly but decisively—then freezes at what he’s done. Overwhelmed, Mike bolts toward home on foot, leaving Chris standing in the lot with Mike’s keys and truck, the incident underscoring Mike’s spiraling finances, drinking, and fraying relationships.
Who Appears
- ChrisNarrator who answers Mike’s late-night call, pays the bill, prevents drunk driving, and is shocked when Mike shoves him.
- MikeEmbarrassed after a declined card, drinks heavily, refuses a ride, tries to drive, then shoves Chris and runs off.
- LarissaLeaves the restaurant earlier with her mother; her presence heightens Mike’s embarrassment and Chris’s conflicted feelings.
- Larissa’s momInsists on the expensive steakhouse, contributing to the unaffordable bill and Mike’s financial strain.