Ms. Fairmont. Mr. Morrison, welcome aboard. Your seats are ready in first class. Thank you, Ashley. How's the weather looking for our departure?
A bit of a delay, I'm afraid, but nothing that should impact your connections. Isabella and Blake settled into their seats. Blake immediately called for a whiskey. Isabella opened a financial magazine and began reading. When Victoria reached the aircraft door 10 minutes later, Ashley's smile was noticeably less warm.
Boarding pass. Victoria showed her phone. Seat 1A. Ashley's tone suggested this was somehow inappropriate. That's right.
And you're traveling alone? I am. Ashley hesitated. Well, the first class cabin is just to your left. Please keep your bag under the seat in front of you.
The overhead bins are reserved for our premium frequent flyers. Victoria paused. I am a premium frequent flyer. Of course, I just meant The bins fill up quickly. Victoria walked into the first class cabin.
16 seats arranged in a 22 configuration, wide leather recliners, each with its own entertainment screen and power outlets. She'd flown this route dozens of times, but usually in her private jet. Today, she wanted the commercial experience. She found row one and stopped. Blake Morrison sat in seat 1A, typing on his tablet with the confidence of a man who belonged everywhere he chose to be.
"Excuse me," Victoria said politely. Blake held up one finger without looking up. He finished typing a sentence, then another. Victoria waited around them. Other passengers settled into their seats.
Finally, Blake glanced up, his eyes swept over Victoria's casual clothes with obvious disdain. Can I help you? I think you're in my seat. Blake laughed. It wasn't a pleasant sound.
I don't think so, sweetheart. I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. According to my boarding pass, I'm in seat 1A. According to my status with this airline, I always sit in 1A. Blake turned back to his tablet.
Economy seating is that way. Victoria checked her phone. Seat 1A, United Airlines Flight 847. No mistake, sir. I've been flying this route for years.
I specifically requested this seat and I specifically hold Platinum Diamond status with this airline, which means I get upgraded automatically. But I purchased this seat 3 weeks ago. Blake sighed dramatically. Listen, honey. I don't know how you ended up with first class boarding passes.