The excitement for our girls’ weekend getaway quickly turned into anger and frustration when my so-called friends tried to dodge paying their share of the $2,000 cabin rental. But what they didn’t know was that I had a clever plan to make sure they didn’t get away with it.
Every year, we planned a girls-only trip. We rotated turns, and this year, it was mine. I was so excited. I searched for weeks until I found the perfect spot: a cozy wooden cabin sitting right beside a sparkling lake.
When I sent them the pictures, the group chat exploded.
“OH MY GOD, Sarah, this looks like a movie!” Ella typed.
“This is insane! That hot tub?? Count me in!” added Brittany.
Even quiet Lisa sent a rare message: “Wow… this is amazing.”
The cabin looked like it was straight from a magazine: a stone fireplace, a deck overlooking the lake, giant windows with stunning views, and yes, a hot tub bubbling under the stars.
The total was $2,000 for three nights. Split between eight of us, it was only $250 each—a steal for something so beautiful.
I explained clearly:
“Since I went ahead and booked the cabin, I covered the full amount. But I’d really appreciate it if everyone could send me their share before the trip. That way, everything’s squared away.”
The replies came fast and smooth, everyone agreeing.
“Sounds perfect, Sarah!” Mary said right away. “Thanks for taking care of it.”
“Absolutely, no problem at all,” Ella echoed.
“Yep, works for me!” Brittany chimed in.
One by one, they all confirmed.
“No worries, I’ll send mine.”
“Yeah, I’ll pay you this week.”
I felt relieved. It seemed easy. Everyone promised. What could go wrong?
Well, apparently… everything.
At first, it was just Mary. She called, cheerful as always.
“Hey Sarah! So, um, my car needs new brakes. Total nightmare! Can I pay you next week instead?”
I sighed but agreed. “Fine, just don’t forget, okay?”
Then Brittany came with her excuse.
“Ugh, my student loans hit me hard this month. Can I wait until payday?”
“Sure…” I muttered, though my patience was slipping.
Melissa followed soon after. “I just need to wait until my next paycheck, promise.”
And then came silence.
Ella? Quiet.
Dana? Quiet.
Lisa, who I thought was reliable? Dead silent too.
By the week before the trip, I had covered the entire $2,000 with no reimbursements. Not a dime back.
I felt used. I kept asking myself, Why are they doing this? Did I do something wrong? Were they just testing me?
The anger built inside me until I finally decided—if they wanted to play games, I’d play better.
The night before the trip, I faked excitement in the group chat.
“Can’t wait to see you all tomorrow at the cabin! It’s gonna be PERFECT!” I typed with extra emojis.
Meanwhile, I was crafting my plan.
The next morning, I woke up early and drove to the grocery store. I loaded my cart with fresh fruit, gourmet cheese, chips, chocolate, marshmallows, and enough drinks for a mini party. I even grabbed a few bottles of fancy wine.
By the time I reached the cabin, the sun was glittering over the lake, and I couldn’t believe how gorgeous the place looked in person. I stocked the fridge, set up snacks, even prepared a bonfire spot with blankets and marshmallows.
The place was paradise.
But then, I locked everything up, grabbed the keys and garage opener, and drove off.
Before leaving, I texted them:
“Hey! Had to run a quick errand, but I’ll be there when you arrive.”
Oh, the irony. They trusted me, just like I had trusted them with paying their share.
By noon, the calls started.
“Uh, Sarah? We’re here but… the doors are locked.” Ella’s voice was a mix of confusion and annoyance.
“Did you forget the keys or something?” Mary asked.
I texted back sweetly:
“Oh no! I think I left the keys at home. Don’t worry, I’m on my way back now!”
Except… I wasn’t. I was sitting at a nearby café, sipping my iced latte, watching their desperate texts roll in.
After a while, they started getting mad.
Lisa: “Seriously, Sarah? You had ONE job.”
Dana: “I can’t believe we’re just standing here. This is ridiculous.”
Finally, I dropped the bomb:
“Listen, I’ll be happy to come back and let you all in—but only once everyone has sent me their share of the cabin cost.”
Silence.
Then chaos.
My phone exploded with notifications. Venmo. PayPal. Zelle. One by one, every single excuse vanished when faced with the thought of losing their luxury weekend.
Within an hour, I had every penny back in my account.
I smirked, grabbed my keys, and finally drove back to the cabin.
As soon as they saw my car, they rushed over like I was a celebrity.
“Sarah! FINALLY!” Mary exclaimed, half-relieved, half-guilty.
I got out slowly, dangling the keys. “Oh, so now I’m finally here? That’s funny.”
The group went quiet, guilt spreading across their faces.
Brittany stepped forward, nervously. “Look, Sarah, I’m sorry. I really did have money problems, but—”
I cut her off. “No, Brittany. You all had excuses. I trusted you, and you took advantage of me.”
Lisa, always the peacemaker, tried to calm things down. “Sarah, we messed up. Can we just put this behind us and enjoy the weekend?”
“Enjoy the weekend?” I snapped. “You all made me feel like a fool. I practically had to blackmail you to get what was already owed to me.”
Ella spoke softly, almost whispering. “We didn’t realize how serious this was.”
“Didn’t realize?” I shot back. “Two thousand dollars is serious. Friendships are serious. Respect is serious.”
The weight of my words hung heavy in the air. For a moment, I thought they’d pack up and leave.
Then Mary walked forward and hugged me tightly. “Sarah, I’m sorry. You were right to be angry.”
“Yeah… me too,” Brittany admitted. “We all messed up. We’re sorry.”
One by one, they all apologized.
I sighed, letting my anger cool a little. “I’m glad you finally understand. But don’t forget—respect goes both ways.”
That weekend wasn’t the relaxing getaway I had planned, but it sure was unforgettable.
And one thing was certain: none of them would ever try dodging payment with me again.
Sometimes, the best lessons come with frustration, determination, and a little bit of payback.