“Hi there,” he said, flashing a grin. “I’m Torin. I hate to ask, but could you switch seats with my wife? We just got married, and, well… you know.”

I gave him my warmest smile. “Congratulations, Torin! That’s wonderful. Where’s your wife sitting?”

He pointed to the back of the plane, his smile fading. “That’s Vespera, back in economy.”

I’m no stranger to love, but I’d paid extra for this seat, and my old bones needed the comfort. “Torin,” I said kindly, “I understand, but I paid a lot for this seat because I need the space. If you’d like to cover the difference—about a thousand Australian dollars—I’d be happy to switch.”

Torin’s face darkened. “A thousand dollars? You’re joking.”

I shook my head. “I’m sorry, dear. That’s the deal. Otherwise, I’m staying here.”

As I popped in my earbuds, I caught Torin’s glare. If looks could kill, I’d have been gone right then.