Then Henry spoke.
“She did ask you.”
Everyone turned.
Henry still had his paperback open.
“I heard her ask more than once.”
Josh frowned.
“Stay out of it.”
Henry looked completely unimpressed.
“I was sitting right here.”
That ended that.
I turned toward the flight attendant.
“I’m not asking for anything special.”
I paused.
“I just wanted to sit comfortably in the seat I paid for.”
She nodded.
“You’re welcome to remain in your new seat.”
Josh made an irritated sound.
The attendant faced him.
“Sir, I’ve asked you twice to return to your seat.”
He stared at her.
“Please don’t make me ask again.”
Josh looked around.
Noticed everyone watching.
Then sat down.
I opened my book.
My hands were shaking.
But something inside me felt strangely calm.
For once, I had told the truth without apologizing for it.
For the next half hour, I enjoyed every inch of my new seat.
