She smiled sarcastically.
"Of course you did."
Several nearby passengers looked toward us.
I felt the first hint of irritation.
But I kept my voice calm.
"Ma'am, I'm not arguing about who deserves the seat. I'm asking for the airline to verify the assignment."
She looked toward the front galley.
"Flight attendant!"
The senior cabin attendant approached.
Her name was Marianne Harlow.
She was forty-three, white, with neatly styled brown hair and a professional beige-and-navy uniform. She had worked for Crestline for sixteen years and was known for providing attentive service to corporate travelers.
I would later learn that she also had a reputation for giving influential passengers whatever they requested, even when the request created problems for someone else.
Marianne stopped beside Caroline.
"Mrs. Prescott. Good morning."
Caroline smiled.
"Finally. Someone competent."
She pointed at me.
"This gentleman is in my seat."
The attendant looked toward me.
Then toward the boarding pass on my phone.
For a moment, she hesitated.
"Sir, may I see your ticket?"
I handed her the phone.
She examined the screen.
Then glanced toward a small handheld device.
Her expression changed slightly.
"One moment."
She entered something.
Waited.
Then looked toward Caroline.
"Mrs. Prescott, I believe the gate may have processed a seating adjustment."
I frowned.
"What adjustment?"
Marianne turned toward me.
"Sir, your reservation may have been reassigned."
I stared.
"Reassigned after I boarded?"
She looked uncomfortable.
"We're still confirming the details."
I nodded.
"Then please confirm them before asking me to move."
Caroline laughed.
"Are we really doing this?"
The attendant lowered her voice.
"Mrs. Prescott, please give us a moment."
Caroline looked toward her.
"You told me this was handled."
Marianne glanced toward the aisle.
For a moment, I saw the two women exchange a look.
Then the attendant turned back to me.
"Sir, would you consider taking another seat while we resolve the issue?"
I looked toward the empty seat across the aisle.
Then back at her.
"Which seat?"
She hesitated.
"There's an available seat in the main cabin."
I stared.
"Economy?"
She smiled nervously.
"Only temporarily."
I took a breath.
"With respect, I paid for this seat. My boarding pass was accepted at the gate, and I've already boarded. I'm willing to cooperate with a legitimate operational change, but I need an explanation."
Caroline rolled her eyes.
"Oh, please. He just wants an upgrade refund."
I looked toward her.
"I didn't receive an upgrade."
She laughed.
"People like you always have a story."
The words landed heavily.
I had heard versions of them before.
In business meetings.
At expensive restaurants.