So, I just did a restaurant mystery shopping, everything went well and normal until the end JUST before I received my check. My server started chatting with me as I was finishing the beer I was required to order as part of my assignment (not drinking on the job unnecessarily).
And by the end of our relatively short conversation, as he was starting to cash me out, he told me he would buy my drink for me. I thanked him, assuming that would be fine since I'd order two 8ozers, assuming at least one would still be on my bill.
But then, as he continued punching away on the register, he said that actually, he would just COVER MY WHOLE MEAL!
I asked him if he was sure... I tried to politely insist I pay myself a couple of times, and he cashed me out quickly, saying he would just give me his shift meal for that day.
I didn't know what to do without being suspiciously and rudely insistent that he reverse the process, and so I thanked him and left.
But now I have no receipt!
I'm going to write up my report, and explain, but I'm not sure what more to do! I also feel incredibly bad that my report could potentially get him in trouble for his kind gesture, even though he essentially paid for the meal himself.
Any advice would be appreciated! What I can do now, to hopefully still get paid for this assignment. AND if you think I SHOULD have done something differently given the circumstances.
Hoping to shop and learn! Thanks so much!