The younger attendant stepped aside.
The senior woman reached for the glass.
Her hand moved abruptly.
Ginger ale spilled across the tray table, splashing onto the CEO's white hoodie and the paperback novel resting beside his phone.
Ice scattered into the seat.
The CEO instinctively moved the book away.
Cold liquid soaked through the fabric covering his chest.
The senior attendant looked down.
“Oops.”
For a moment, he stared at her.
Then he reached for a napkin.
“Could I have some towels, please?”
She shrugged.
“I'll see what I can find.”
She walked away.
He watched her disappear into the galley.
The younger attendant hurried forward with clean towels.
“I'm so sorry, sir.”
He accepted them.
“Thank you.”
“Did it get on your phone?”
“Not much.”
“Your clothing?”
“Quite a bit.”
She looked distressed.
“Can I bring another hoodie or a blanket while yours dries?”
He smiled faintly.
“A blanket would help.”
“Of course.”
She began wiping the table.
The CEO helped her gather the melting ice.
His novel had absorbed most of the drink along one edge.
He examined the pages.
The book was an old copy his father had given him when he graduated from college.
Its cover was worn, and several pages contained handwritten notes.
The monetary value was insignificant.
The sentimental value was not.
He pressed the pages carefully between clean towels.
The younger attendant noticed.
“Is that book important?”
He nodded.
“It was a gift.”
Her expression softened.
“I'm very sorry.”
He looked at her.
“You didn't spill the drink.”
She hesitated.
Then she said quietly, “Still. You deserve better service.”
He appreciated the honesty.
He looked toward the galley.
“Does she always behave that way?”
The junior attendant's expression changed.
She seemed to search for a safe answer.
Finally, she said, “She can be difficult when she's under pressure.”
The CEO nodded slowly.
“Understood.”
He did not press her.
But he made another note.
Later, when meal service began, the contrast became unmistakable.
The senior attendant greeted a businessman seated across the aisle with exaggerated enthusiasm.
She remembered that he preferred sparkling water without ice.
She brought him an additional appetizer.
She asked whether he would like the chicken or beef entrée and recommended the filet mignon.
He chose beef.
The attendant smiled.
“Excellent choice.”
She then approached another passenger, a middle-aged woman traveling with her husband.
The couple received warm bread, fresh salad, and a carefully presented meal.
The senior attendant adjusted their table settings and asked whether the temperature of the food was satisfactory.
The CEO watched quietly.