Lara said, "Kayode, you are too much. The poor girl has run around this lounge ten times for you already tonight."
Kayode lifted his glass toward the table, demanding attention as if he were about to announce a gift. Folake went toward the bar for the champagne he requested, conscious of the musicians slowing their song and the laughter rising again behind her. When she returned with the bottle, he took it from her hand. For one bewildered second she thought he was going to fill his own glass. Instead, he raised it above her, wearing a smile that promised he intended the entire room to watch what happened next.
Kayode demanded, "Lara, relax. She is paid to run, and tonight she runs only for my pleasure. Enough of this cheap drink. Bring me the finest champagne on this ship, the most expensive bottle you have!
There! Now you look like a real party girl—shining and wet from head to toe on this beautiful night!"
Champagne ran across Folake's hair and soaked the collar of her uniform. It fell onto the floor in bright drops while guests sat frozen with shock, too slow or too frightened to protest. The expression on Kayode's face told her that none of this had been an accident. A nearby glass stopped halfway to someone's mouth. Even the musicians seemed unsure whether they were expected to continue.
Lara answered, "Kayode, what have you done? Everybody is watching, and the whole lounge has gone completely silent right now."
Folake murmured, "A uniform does not decide a person's worth, sir. One day you will understand that truth very well."
Folake said, "I will not cry in front of these people. I will hold my tears until I am alone tonight."
Kayode said, "Did you hear her big grammar, my friends? A common waitress is now teaching me about life tonight!"
Chief said, "I see how this guest acts crude tonight, and my heart is not happy with his proud behavior."
Kayode said, "Music! More wine! Let this ship dance until the sea itself grows tired of my celebration tonight! Lift your glass, my people. The sun will shine again. Celebrate with me tonight. God done do one for me, oh yeah! We celebrate tonight, oh yes we do, with love and laughter, me and you! Raise your glasses high, let's sing along! Celebration in the air, yeah!"
The service corridor smelled faintly of citrus cleaner and fresh bread from the galley. Beneath its fluorescent lights, the champagne marks looked almost harmless, which only made the memory sharper. Folake removed her wet jacket and pressed the fabric between her fingers, unable to understand why a man surrounded by every comfort had felt a need to make a stranger miserable. Tayo, another crew member who had seen the incident, found her beside the linen shelves. He did not offer easy reassurance, because he had seen how the whole room had remained quiet.
Folake answered, "He poured shame on me before the whole world tonight. One day, this sea will pour his back."