My name’s Emma, and my husband Derek recently pulled a stunt so selfish, so jaw-droppingly tone-deaf, that I still can’t believe it actually happened. But don’t worry—I didn’t let it slide. What he thought would be a luxurious escape turned into a turbulent ride he won’t forget.
Let me set the scene: Derek is one of those hyper-focused, workaholic types. He’s glued to his phone, always chasing deadlines, and believes that just because he earns the bigger paycheck, he’s automatically entitled to more… everything.
Last month, we planned a trip to visit his family across the country. It was supposed to be relaxing—family time, new memories with the kids, the whole warm-and-fuzzy package.
Derek kindly volunteered to book the flights. I was juggling a million things at home, so I gratefully let him handle it.
Big mistake.
At the airport, I’m lugging a car seat, a stroller, and trying to stop our toddler from licking the check-in counter when I casually ask, “Hey, where are our seats?”
Without even looking up from his phone, Derek mumbles, “Oh yeah… about that.”
Immediately, my stomach dropped. “What do you mean, about that?”
He glanced up and offered me that sheepish half-smile—the one that usually precedes something awful.
“Well,” he began, “I booked first class for Mom and me. You know how long flights bother her back. And I need to be rested when we land. You and the kids are in economy. It’s only a few hours.”
I blinked. “You… did what?”
“You’ll be fine,” he said, already turning away. “Don’t make a big deal out of it.”
Before I could speak, his mother—Helen, always dressed like she’s attending a royal garden party—swept in beside him. “Darling, are we all set? I do hope there’s champagne onboard.”
And off they went, strutting toward first class like a scene from a luxury travel commercial. I stood there holding a wriggling toddler and two economy boarding passes, steam practically coming out of my ears.
Fine, Derek. Have your precious first class.
But don’t expect it to be smooth sailing.
Once onboard, I managed to calm the kids and stash our bags, glancing up just in time to see Derek reclining with a drink in hand. That’s when I remembered: his wallet. I’d slipped it out of his bag earlier at security when he was too busy gabbing with Helen to notice.
Let the games begin.
Two hours into the flight, the kids were asleep, and I finally relaxed—until I spotted a flight attendant bringing out an elaborate meal cart to first class. I watched Derek order what looked like a five-course tasting menu, followed by a round of pricey whiskey.
I smiled to myself, sipping my cup of lukewarm water in economy. The show was about to start.
Sure enough, twenty minutes later, I saw him patting his jacket, his expression turning from relaxed to frantic. He waved the attendant over, clearly trying to explain something.
Soon, he was back in economy, crouching beside me like a man on the run.
“Emma,” he whispered. “I can’t find my wallet. Do you have any cash or a card I can use? They need payment for the meal.”
I raised my brows. “Wow, that sounds rough. How much do you need?”
“About… $1500.”
I stared. “You’re joking. What did you order, foie gras made of unicorn tears?”
“This isn’t funny, Emma.”
“Oh, I know,” I said sweetly. “Let me check what I have.” I slowly rummaged through my bag. “Here’s $100 and a Target gift card. That help?”
Derek looked like he might cry. “This is serious.”
“Why not ask your mom?” I added helpfully. “I’m sure Helen brought her platinum card.”
His eyes widened in horror. He knew asking her would mean admitting he’d messed up. That was worse than the bill.
The rest of the flight? Deliciously awkward. Derek and Helen sat in frosty silence, while I stretched out in economy with a smug sense of justice.
As we landed and passengers started disembarking, Derek shuffled over again.
“Emma. Please tell me you’ve seen my wallet.”
I looked him straight in the eyes. “Hmm. Maybe you left it at home. You know, between all the resting you needed and the luxury planning you did.”
He sighed, defeated. “This trip is cursed.”
I patted his arm. “Well, at least you got that first-class experience, right?”
Later, in the airport bathroom, I checked my purse. Yep—his wallet was still there. I’d give it back eventually… maybe after I bought myself something really nice.
Let this be a reminder to anyone with a partner who thinks they can coast through life while you shoulder all the real work: sometimes, justice comes at 30,000 feet—served with a complimentary bag of peanuts.
