Beau: So, let me get this straight, Louise. You booked two seats on the same flight. Both for you.
Me: Shush, Beau. You don’t have to tell everyone.
Beau: I’m simply trying to understand the logic. Were they side by side?
Me: No. Window seats. Across the aisle from each other.
Beau: Ah.
Me: What?
Beau: I was wondering if you wanted a view from both sides of the airplane.
Me: It was an accident, Beau.
Beau: I see. (Pause.) So you weren’t thinking about me.
Me: Why would I be?
Beau: Excellent question, Louise. One I think my readers would also like answered. Why weren’t you thinking about me?
Me: Because the second seat was a mistake.
Beau: We’ve established that. I’m asking why it had to remain one.
Me: What?
Beau: You had an empty seat. On an airplane. Going to Calgary. Where, if memory serves, several of my closest associates live.
Me: Your closest associates?
Beau: My buds, Louise. Try to keep up.
Me: Beau, I didn’t deliberately book you a seat.
Beau: Again. We’ve established the problem.
Me: What problem?
Beau: You had the perfect opportunity to take me on an adventure and YOU DIDN’T EVEN THINK ABOUT ME.
Me: You don’t have to yell. I can hear you perfectly well.
Beau: I’m not convinced you can.
Me: And what exactly was I supposed to do?
Beau: Change the name on the ticket.
Me: To what?
Beau: Sir Beaumont of Sheepadoodle. Obviously.
Me: Not happening.
Beau: Why not?
Me: For one thing, the airline already cancelled the extra seat and gave me a full refund. A lovely man named Carlos helped me.
Beau: Carlos.
Me: Yes.
Beau: Did Carlos know about me?
Me: No.
Beau: Interesting.
Me: What’s interesting?
Beau: I’m just establishing the facts. Did you ask Carlos if the seat could be transferred to me?
Me: (stalling because I know exactly where this is going) No, Beau. I didn’t.
Beau: Did you mention that you had a highly experienced travelling companion available on short notice?
Me: Highly experienced? You’ve never been on an airplane.
Beau: I’ve had my head out the window at highway speed. How different can it be?
Me: Beau…
Beau: Louise.
Me: The seat has been refunded.
Beau: Yes. I’ve heard enough.
Me: Enough for what?
Beau: To reach a verdict.
Me: There’s a verdict now?
Beau: There was an empty seat. You were going to Calgary. I have buds in Calgary. You didn’t think of me. You didn’t mention me to Carlos. And now you’ve taken the money.
Me: I’ve taken the money?
Beau: I don’t like to use the word betrayal lightly, Louise.
Me: Oh, good grief.
Beau: An apology will suffice.
Me: I’m sorry I didn’t take you to Calgary.
Beau: Thank you. (He turns to leave.)
Me: Where are you going?
Beau: To call Carlos.
Me: Why?
Beau: Someone around here needs representation. He sounds like the right guy to start with.
Me: Start with?
Beau: Just gathering the facts, Louise. That’s all.
(Pause.)
For now.
And off he prances, wearing that smug look that sends my worry meter into overdrive.
As for how I managed to book two seats on the same flight? Don’t ask. My lawyer has advised me not to comment.
Beau: Ahhh, stay silent all you want, Louise. Not even a muzzle can keep the truth from coming out.
(He pauses and looks back.)
Detective Beau Tracey is on the case.
Sir Beaumont, that woe is me look just doesn't cut it. But I do give you A+ for trying! Look at the bright side. Louise has openly admitted she double-booked. A lot of folks would not even think of admitting to doing so. She is letting us know that it is okay to be human, to make mistakes so others can learn from them. After all, life is a continuous learning curve for all - humans and animals. Cheers!
Poor Beau he doesn't understand the airlines do not like dogs to have window seats