My husband and I had been dreaming of a holiday for ages, but something always came up. Finallymiracle of miracles!we managed to carve out a few days. We booked our plane tickets last minute, so our seats ended up apart. I didnt mind muchwhat mattered was wed be together by the seaside soon. A couple of hours apart on the flight? No big deal.
I walked down the aisle, spotting my husband as I passed. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed his seatmate: a young woman, no older than twenty, in denim shorts so short they barely counted, bright red lipstick, and lashes like fans.
Not one for jealousy, I shrugged it off. *Fine, let her sit there.*
But halfway through the flight, her behaviour took a turn. She giggled at every word my husband muttered, leaned in to whisper, and accidentally brushed his handasking for help with her water, her bag, anything.
My husband stayed polite but distant. Then she stretched her legs onto the seatback in front of herright in his line of sight, as if posing.
Thats when Id had enough.
I rose, strolled down the aisle with a plastic cup of tea in hand, and stopped by their row. Smiling sweetly, I kissed my husbands cheekwhile accidentally tipping the cup.
Oh dear, Im *so* sorry, I murmured as the hot liquid splashed onto her thigh.
She leapt up. Are you *mad*? she shrieked, drawing stares. These are brand-new shorts!
Still smiling, I replied, Oh, I noticed. Youve been showing them off all flight. Maybe now youll sit properly?
With a huff, she snatched some joggers from her bag and stormed off to change.
My husband shot me a look that said, *Youre impossible.* I just settled into my seat and finally opened my magazine in peace.
Sometimes, a little teaand a little nerveteaches the right lesson.
