remove my boss because of a seating dispute?"
The officers stumbled backward, stammering apologies. Maya finally
uncrossed her hands.
"Officers, you may leave," Maya said calmly. "Your supervisor will be
hearing from my legal team regarding your protocols." The men
scrambled off the plane as fast as they could.
She then turned to Richard, who was sweating profusely. "Mr.
Sterling, was it? Since you are so particular about your seating
arrangements, I believe you'll find the terminal much more
accommodating. You will not be flying on this aircraft today."
Richard didn't argue. He grabbed his monogrammed bag and fled
down the aisle, his face crimson with shame.
Finally, Maya looked at the flight attendant, Brenda, who was
practically shaking. "We will have a long discussion about customer
service and implicit bias training when I reach Seattle, Brenda. For now,
I would like a sparkling water with lime. And please, close the boarding
door. We are delayed."
As the flight attendant scrambled to fetch the water, the cabin
erupted into spontaneous applause. Maya smiled softly, pulled a file
from her briefcase, and finally got to work in the peace and quiet of seat
2A.