Angela turned to the window, her thoughts racing. Was this really happening in 2023?
She had faced bias in courtrooms, restaurants, even boardrooms. Now it followed her thirty thousand feet above the ground.
Rebecca moved on, convincing herself it was a trivial choice. But unease prickled. She glanced back. Angela’s calm, steady gaze cut through her composure, and regret flickered.
Half an hour later, the cabin quieted. The man beside Angela enjoyed a second glass of champagne, while Angela’s untouched water sat on the tray. She replayed the refusal in her mind. Angela wasn’t only an attorney—she was a civil rights advocate who had spent her career defending fairness. Staying silent gnawed at her dignity.
She pressed the call button. Rebecca returned with a practiced smile.
“Yes, ma’am?”
Angela’s tone was even. “Why did you refuse me champagne, but served my seatmate without issue?”
Rebecca faltered. “I—I must have misspoken. A mix-up.”
Angela’s eyes narrowed. “A mix-up? You said it wasn’t available. Then you poured his.”
She gestured toward 3B. The man glanced up, uncomfortable.
Rebecca flushed. “I didn’t mean—”
“You didn’t mean to discriminate?” Angela’s voice carried just enough for nearby passengers to hear. “Because that’s exactly how it felt.”
