“When I was sixteen, my mother took me into a department store to buy a jacket for a school interview. She'd saved money for weeks. She wasn't wealthy, but she wanted me to have something decent to wear.”
He didn't look at Margaret as he spoke.
“A sales assistant followed us around the store. She kept suggesting we look at cheaper items. My mother finally asked to see a jacket in the front display, and the assistant told her it was probably outside our budget.”
Margaret shifted uncomfortably.
Ethan continued.
“My mother bought a different jacket that day. Not because she couldn't afford the first one, but because she didn't want to spend another minute being made to feel unwelcome.”
He paused.
“I never forgot how she looked when we walked out.”
Margaret's arms slowly loosened.
“I'm sorry that happened,” she said, though the words sounded automatic.
Ethan finally turned toward her.
“So am I.”
His voice remained quiet.
“That's why I promised myself that if I ever built something successful, people wouldn't have to dress a certain way or know the right person just to receive basic respect.”
Margaret swallowed.
“And you think I did that to you?”
“I don't have to think about it. I was standing here when you did it.”
For once, she had no comeback.
Chapter 3: The Call That Changed Everything
Sophia returned several minutes later.
“Mr. Hayes, the captain has been informed. We can depart once you're satisfied that the incident has been properly recorded.”
Ethan nodded.
“Thank you.”
Sophia glanced at Margaret.
“Ma'am, would you like to provide your account of what happened?”
Margaret looked startled.
“My account?”
“Yes. We want the report to be accurate and complete.”
Margaret hesitated. She could deny what she'd said, but Sophia had been present for the exchange, and the cabin's security recording system had captured the incident in accordance with the aircraft's operating procedures.
Finally, she exhaled sharply.
“I was concerned about the seating arrangements,” she said.
Ethan waited.
“And I expressed that concern in an inappropriate way.”
Sophia entered the statement.
“Thank you, ma'am.”
Margaret looked at Ethan.
“There. Is that enough?”
“It's a start.”
Her face tightened again, but she seemed too exhausted to resume the argument.
Sophia excused herself to update the captain.
Margaret remained standing for another moment before reluctantly returning to her seat across the aisle from Ethan.
She adjusted her jacket, put her sunglasses on the small table, and stared at the floor.
Ethan returned to his phone.
For several minutes, the cabin was quiet.
Then Margaret's phone vibrated.
She glanced at the screen and answered.
“Richard, thank goodness. I need you to call me back as soon as you can.”
She listened.
“No, it's not about the meeting. Something ridiculous has happened on the plane.”
Another pause.
“A young man is making an issue out of a conversation. Apparently, he thinks he's important because he has some sort of executive card.”
Ethan didn't look up.
Margaret lowered her voice.
“I may need you to contact someone at Executive Airline. I want this dealt with before we land.”
She listened again.
Then her expression changed.