Mom's voice broke. I swallowed my pride and begged Colin over and over.
"Please. I'm begging you. This is the only flight that'll get me there in time."
"Scarlett Simmons can catch the next game. My father is dying."
His voice went cold.
"Elise Henson, Scarlett's been waiting four years for this game. How can you be so selfish?"
"Besides, doctors always exaggerate to scare families. Stop scaring yourself—and stop trying to guilt-trip me."
I started to explain, but then I heard Scarlett's voice in the background, bored and dismissive.
"Oh, Colin. Is Elise doing that thing where she cries and throws a fit? I told you—women are exhausting."
"If she really wants the seat, she can have it. I'm just an outsider, after all."
Colin rushed to reassure her.
I choked back the urge to scream.
"Colin Matthews, everything you have—my dad helped you get it—"
He cut me off.
"Stop dragging up the past! I'm the captain now. I have to avoid impropriety!"
"If I bump Scarlett for you and she complains, people will say I abused my position! If the company investigates, my career is over!"
"Enough. Take the train. Stop making a scene."
The line went dead.
Outside the terminal windows, the plane pulled away from the gate.