Usually it happens after they’ve been useful too many times, stayed quiet too many times, said thank you too many times.

I reached for our tickets.

“These seats belong to us,” I said.

“I paid for them.” He gave me the polished, professional smile that holds no warmth at all.

“I understand, sir.

Please don’t make this more difficult than it needs to be.” Nia’s fingers tightened around mine.