So when she mentioned she'd love to have "just a small dinner out this year," I was all in.

She's 85 this year, and it's a big deal. A quiet evening with good food and her favorite people? Done. But of course, the rest of the family had other plans.

"Grandma deserves something spectacular," Aunt Linda had announced on our family group chat. "Not some boring little dinner."

The rest of the family insisted on taking Grandma to the nicest restaurant in town, which might've seemed like a nice gesture if they hadn't made it all about themselves.

Our weekly Sunday was a circus. I stepped outside to escape for a while, and that's when I overheard my cousin Katie scheming with her brother, Mark.

"Seriously, Jade won't say no," Katie whispered. "She works at a bank! She's loaded. Lives alone. No kids. What else is she spending money on?"

Mark snorted. "Exactly. We just gotta keep it chill until the bill comes. Then we'll play dumb, and she'll pick it up."

I froze in place. Oh, so that was the plan. Blow up Grandma's birthday dinner into a huge event and let me foot the bill while they sat there acting clueless.

"What about Grandma?" Mark asked. "Should we tell her to bring her wallet too? You know, as backup?"

Katie laughed. "Please. She'll insist on paying anyway. She always does. But cousin dearest will jump in to save the day because she's such a hero."

I felt my face flush hot with anger. Using Grandma like that? On her birthday?

I would've happily paid to give Grandma the night of her dreams. But getting played like some open wallet? Absolutely not.

Fine. Let's see how that plays out, I thought as I retreated inside.

I picked Grandma up on the night, and we drove to the nicest steakhouse in town. Grandma clutched her little purse and smiled like it was the best day of her year.

Meanwhile, the rest of them acted like we were at a celebrity afterparty. Katie took nonstop photos "for the aesthetic," posing with every drink and appetizer.

Mark sampled every overpriced whiskey on the menu, loudly proclaiming himself a "connoisseur" to our server Miguel, who deserved a medal for his patience.

Aunt Linda kept loudly recommending the most premium options to anyone who'd listen. Through it all, Grandma beamed.

"This is lovely," she whispered to me. "I never expected all this fuss."

"I'm glad you're having a good time, Grandma." I smiled and gave her hand a brief squeeze. I hoped the joy she felt now might somehow make up for the betrayal I knew was coming.

Meanwhile, I watched as my family ordered wine bottles, not glasses, the most expensive cuts of meat, and every side dish on the menu.

I watched the bill climbing with each order, mentally calculating their scheme. I ordered modestly, a simple filet and a glass of house wine. Grandma did the same.

"Are you sure that's all you want?" Uncle Joe pressed. "It's a special occasion! Live a little!"

I smiled tightly. "This is perfect for me."

Then the check came.

Grandma had just gone to the restroom, and right on cue, the act began.

"Ohhhh wow," Aunt Linda said, staring at the bill like it was written in a foreign language. "Look at that total... I'd help, but you know, we're still paying off that time-share from two summers ago."

Katie shook her head, suddenly fascinated by her manicure. "I spent all my savings on concert tickets. You know how important live music is for my mental health."

Mark sighed dramatically, like he was auditioning for a soap opera. "My dog has been having stomach issues and the vet bills have been insane. I'm practically broke.

Uncle Joe stretched his arms out and grinned, his gold watch catching the light as he did so.

"We all just figured you'd cover this one, Jade. You're almost done paying off your house, right? And you've got the best job out of all of us. You know how to make things happen. We'll support you... emotionally."

And then Aunt Linda had the audacity to throw in a guilt trip.

"And come on... it's for Grandma. It's her big day. We might not have many more of these left, you know."