“Yes,” I said. “Please keep it.”
Curtis nodded.
Lucas stood silently.
Then he muttered, “You could’ve just asked nicely.”
Curtis nodded.
I stared at him.
I’d asked nicely several times.
He’d ignored me every time.
I didn’t owe him another explanation.
Lucas followed Curtis down the aisle.
I stared at him.
***
At the next station, two passengers got off.
Curtis returned a few minutes later.
“I’ve found Lucas another seat farther down the train. You’re welcome to stay here.”
“Thank you. I’d prefer that.”
“Are you comfortable now?”
Two passengers got off.
“Much more comfortable than I was earlier.”
He smiled.
“If you need anything else, let me know.”
I settled back against the window.
The air-conditioning still wasn’t working.
I settled back.
The carriage was still hot.
But at least nobody was leaning against me.
The woman across the aisle caught my eye.
