"Yes, Charles. We're ready."
Olivia stopped beside the galley.
Richard continued.
"Just bring your people to the terminal. I'll sort out the paperwork."
She frowned.
Charles?
That name wasn't on the passenger list.
Richard turned and noticed her.
He ended the call.
"What?"
Olivia hesitated.
"Captain, operations lists a single passenger."
He sighed.
"I know what the paperwork says."
"Then should we wait for the additional passenger authorization?"
Richard stared.
"Do you need me to explain everything I do?"
Olivia flushed.
"No, sir."
"Good. Then finish preparing the cabin."
She returned to her work.
But her unease remained.
Twenty minutes later, Naomi arrived.
She was accompanied to the aircraft by a ground service representative who had verified the appropriate booking and identity information.
Naomi thanked the representative.
Then greeted Olivia with a warm smile.
"Good afternoon."
Olivia smiled back.
"Welcome aboard."
"My name is Naomi."
"Olivia Bennett. I'll be looking after the cabin today."
Naomi nodded.
"Lovely to meet you."
She stepped inside.
Looked around appreciatively.
Then approached the forward cream leather seat.
Olivia followed.
"May I offer you something to drink?"
"Water would be wonderful, thank you."
"Still or sparkling?"
"Still."
Olivia smiled.
"Of course."
Naomi placed her handbag beside the seat.
Then sat.
For several minutes, everything was normal.
She checked her phone.
Reviewed the Columbus meeting agenda.
And sent a brief message to her chief of staff.
Then Richard entered.
He saw Naomi sitting in the forward seat.
His expression immediately hardened.
"Excuse me."
Naomi looked up.
He approached.
Then delivered the sentence that would change the entire afternoon.
"Hey, waitress. Get out of that seat."
Olivia froze near the galley.
Her first thought was that Richard had made a terrible mistake.
Her second was that she needed to intervene.
But Richard had already begun raising his voice.
And Olivia, who had watched him dismiss questions before, hesitated.
She hated that hesitation afterward.
She wondered whether speaking sooner might have prevented the confrontation.
But when Richard ordered Naomi toward the galley, Olivia finally stepped forward.
She tried to explain.
He cut her off.
Then Naomi stood.
Made the phone call.
And everything changed.