But for the first time that afternoon, I felt proud of myself.
I’d told the truth.
And I hadn’t apologized for it.
For the next thirty minutes, I enjoyed something that had seemed impossible earlier.
Peace.
My hip still ached a little.
But I could move my legs.
I finished two chapters of my book.
I even ate the small packet of pretzels I’d been saving.
Then a shadow appeared beside my row.
I looked up.
Josh.
He stood in the aisle with an expression that was supposed to look apologetic.
“Listen, Celeste,” he began. “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”
I studied him.
“All right.”
He glanced toward the flight attendant.
“So we’re good now?”
I didn’t answer immediately.
He continued.
“Because I really don’t want this turning into some official complaint.”
There it was.
He wasn’t asking whether my hip felt better.
He wasn’t concerned about the discomfort he’d caused.
He was worried about himself.
I closed my book.
“I haven’t decided whether I’ll report the incident.”
His expression hardened.
“Seriously?”
“Yes.”
He lowered his voice.
“I travel for work all the time. I can’t have some complaint attached to my name over something this stupid.”
I looked at him calmly.
“Then perhaps you should have listened when I first asked you to move.”
He rubbed his forehead.
“You’re really going to create trouble for me over a crowded airplane seat?”
I shook my head.
“You were the one who decided my space belonged to you.”
He glanced away.
Then tried again.
“Just promise me you won’t file anything.”
I held his gaze.
“I’m not making that promise.”
He stared at me.
Then muttered, “Unbelievable,” and walked away.
I reopened my book.
My hands were steady now.
Josh hadn’t once asked whether I was feeling better.
He simply wanted me to protect him from the consequences of his behavior.
And I was finished doing that.
After the plane landed, I made my way through the terminal with my handbag over my shoulder.
Marianne and Rose were waiting somewhere beyond baggage claim.
I couldn’t wait to see them.
But as I approached the gate area, I remembered Josh’s reaction.
His insistence that I promise not to report him.
His complete lack of concern for how uncomfortable he’d made the flight.
