After boarding, passengers took their seats and the flight took off. The first time Debbie and her children flew business class, the kids started chirping as the plane took off. Stacey called her mother “Mom!” Finally, we’re flying! Yay!”
Stacey’s innocence made several airline passengers grin, but Louis was contemptuous. He turned to Debbie and whispered, “Listen.” “Can you please calm your kids? I’m attending a meeting here after missing my trip. I want no disruption.”
“I’m sorry,” Debbie said nicely, motioning for the kids to be quiet. Louis’s meeting lasted virtually the entire flight, and Debbie assumed he was a businessman who specialized in materials because he referenced fabrics often and had a design guide.
Debbie approached Louis after his meeting and asked, “Do you mind if I ask you a question?”
Despite not wanting to talk to her, Louis was delighted with his meeting and the investors’ agreement to the plan, so he let go of his arrogance. “Umm… Yes, go ahead.”
“I saw your fabric sample and design handbook. Have you worked in clothing?
“Uhhh… You could say that. My apparel company is in New York. The deal closed. It worked despite my doubts.”
Oh, how nice. Congratulations! Actually, I run a modest Texas boutique. More family-oriented. My New York in-laws started it. Our Texas unit debuted recently. Your designs were impressive.”
Louis chuckled sarcastically. “Thanks, lady! My company hires the best designers and just signed a partnership with the best design company in the world, therefore our designs are not local or family boutique. Seriously? A BOUTIQUE! While smirking, he loudly remarked to Miss Debbie.
“Oh, well,” Debbie said, embarrassed by his comment but kept her cool. Yes, I understand. It must be huge for you.”
Something huge? Lou grinned, shaking his head. “A poor woman like you would never understand, but it was a million-dollar deal! Following a pause, he repeated his request. “I saw your tickets and everything. Although you’re flying business class with us, you don’t appear like a worthy guest! Maybe try economy next time and find boutique owners like you?”
Debbie was losing her temper. “Listen, sir,” she admonished. “I know it’s my first time flying business class, and I had trouble with check-in, but don’t you think you’re getting ahead of yourself? Although my husband is on the aircraft with us,…
Before Debbie could continue her remark, the intercom announced their arrival at JFK. Captain Tyler Brown continued following his announcement, not turning off the intercom.
I also want to thank everyone on this journey, especially my wife Debbie Brown, who is flying with us today. Your support means so much to me, Debbie.”
When Louis learned Debbie’s husband was a pilot on the trip, his heart raced and he blushed.
I was worried about my first A-class flight. Thanks to my wife, who reassured me and flew with me despite her dread of flying to relieve my concern. Today is my first day back at work after a long unemployment. Debbie has never complained about her condition, even though my wife and I have experienced many hardships. I’d like to propose to my wife again on this trip on the day we met, which I think she forgot. Debbie, honey, I love you!”
Tyler proposed to Debbie on his knees outside the pilot’s cabin, breaking regulations. “Would you like to spend your life with me again, Mrs. Debbie Brown?”
Everyone on the plane was staring at Debbie and her children, who looked like the most gorgeous family. Debbie nodded yes, tearfully, and the passengers applauded, but Louis was confused and ashamed. Debbie would not let him off the hook. She whispered to Louis before exiting the plane, “A materialistic man like you, who only thinks about money, would never understand how it feels to have a loved one around you. My husband and I are humble, but proud of it!”