They were not there for that.
Airport security arrived.
The businessman was escorted from the plane.
He stopped beside Simone before leaving.
One officer immediately positioned himself between them.
The businessman looked at her.
“I’m sorry.”
Simone studied him.
The apology came now.
After Daniel.
After federal officers.
After removal.
After consequences.
She asked:
“For what?”
The businessman froze.
Simone waited.
He looked at the champagne stain.
“For spilling the drink.”
She shook her head.
“You didn’t spill it.”
The businessman looked away.
Then left.
The aircraft door closed.
Nobody applauded.
Simone appreciated that.
The flight attendant approached.
“Ms. Warren.”
“Yes?”
“We can delay departure while you change.”
Simone looked down at the ivory dress.
Ruined.
She had another outfit in her carry-on.
“No delay.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
The attendant hesitated.
Then:
“I’m sorry.”
Simone looked at her.
“You didn’t pour it.”
“No.”
“But I should have stopped him earlier.”
Simone said nothing.
The woman continued.
“When he gave his name, I knew his account.”
“I’ve seen complaints from him.”
“Crew members talk.”
Simone looked toward Daniel.
He understood immediately.
“That’s something we need to examine.”
The attendant looked frightened again.
Daniel corrected himself.
“Not you.”
“The system.”
Her shoulders lowered slightly.
Daniel looked toward one of the federal officers.
“Do you need anything else from Simone now?”
“Not immediately.”
Daniel nodded.
He leaned toward his wife.
“I was supposed to meet you after landing.”
“I know.”
“I came because compliance wanted signatures before pushback.”
Simone looked at the officers.
“Unrelated?”
“Yes.”
She sighed.
“What?”
Daniel asked.
“Your timing is terrible.”
He smiled faintly.
“Apparently excellent.”
She looked at her dress.
He stopped smiling.
“Sorry.”
Simone touched his hand.
“I’m fine.”
He lowered his voice.
“You don’t have to be fine just because you’re not injured.”
She looked at him.
That was one reason she loved him.
Daniel did not confuse resilience with absence of harm.
The captain announced a short delay.
Simone changed clothes in the lavatory.
Black trousers.
Cream blouse.
No hat.