My dad discovered this restaurant 20+ years ago, when it had just opened, and has built a close relationship with the owner. Close enough that we were invited to both of his daughters weddings, and whenever we go there and pay the bill he always tries to refuse.
Anyways, I was home from college and decided to show my friend this restaurant since the food there is pretty good. I told him I got the bill since he was the one driving. We ordered some appetizers and a main course, which for the both of us amounted to 40ish dollars. I realized I had forgotten my wallet and told the owner I’ll just let my dad know so he can pay it the next time he’s there (he visits at least once a week so he won’t have to wait a long time). The owner was completely chill with it because as I said, his family and I have known each other for a long time, and he knows I’m good for it.
My friend offered to pay, but I just told him it’s all good since he’s already driving us and I said I’d pay so i didn’t want him paying. He accepted, but once we were out of the restaurant he started berating me about walking out without paying, saying that you can’t just not pay a small business owner like that and it’s unethical. I tried explaining to him that the owner and I have known each other my whole life, and that he knew my dad would pay my bill, but he wasn’t hearing it and called me TA. I genuinely don’t think it’s that deep.
AITA?