What Happens on the Cruise

90. Tell Me Why

"I don't understand how this works," Norman repeated again, looking puzzled.

"It's okay. If we can't figure it out, one of the flight attendants can help," Tim assured him. "What seat number is on your boarding pass?"

Norman peered at the pass. "12... C?"

"Okay, that's just a couple rows back from us. Come on."

Austin plopped into his seat to wait while Tim got their fellow traveler settled.

"Do you want me to put this up in the overhead compartment?"

"Oh, yes, please. Thank you."

"No problem." Tim returned to their seats, stowing their carry-ons. "You sticking with the window seat?"

"If you don't mind."

"Fine with me." Tim sat down next to Austin and took his hand, happy to sit quietly together.

Soon enough more people came aboard. "Oh, you've got to be kidding me!" a voice exclaimed.

They both looked over to see the businessman from earlier standing in the aisle next to their row. Tim raised an eyebrow. "Is something wrong?"

"This is my seat," the man answered, gesturing toward the unoccupied aisle seat.

Tim nodded. "Okay. It's open. There's still room in the overhead."

"But it's you."

"Yeah. Surprise, you have to share the plane with the disabled guy you accused of having AIDS, and his husband."

The man's face turned red. He angrily stuffed his luggage into the compartment and slumped into the seat.

Tim turned away from the man and squeezed Austin's hand. "You doing okay, hon?"

"My ankle's hurting some. I know, I know, but it still hurts."

"Do painkillers help at all?"

"A little. It's probably in my head just like the pain."

Tim shrugged. "If it helps, it helps. Excuse me," he called as a flight attendant passed.

"Yes sir?"

"I know you're busy with the pre-flight and all, but when everything is settled, could my husband get some water? He needs to take some medication."

"Of course, sir. We'll get to it as soon as we're airborne."

Tim gave her a smile. "We appreciate it."

Their row mate rolled his eyes, but didn't say anything.

Tim ignored it, as the flight attendant he'd just spoken to called for everyone's attention to the pre-flight safety speech.

***

"So after my mother died in childbirth with my sister, my dad's 'confirmed bachelor' friend moved in with us, and it was the two of them who raised my sister and I."

"That's amazing," Austin commented.

"And people didn't suspect anything?" Tim asked.

"Oh, I expect everyone knew, but they also knew to mind their own business."

The three of them paused their conversation as the businessman stormed past them headed for his next flight.

"That man was an asshole. Pardon my French," Norman said.

"I kinda feel sorry for him," Austin opined. "The amount of energy he invests in being so prickly would just be exhausting."

"Hey, there he is!" Tim exclaimed.