Next to her, a little boy was fast asleep, his head bowed. He looked about three years old.
I couldn't help my surprise. "You're so young, and you've been married a while?"
"Married?" The woman toyed with the massive diamond on her finger and let out a dry laugh. "That bastard told me he'd give me everything. Everything except a marriage certificate."
"What?"
She rolled her eyes.
"I'm his mistress. Never seen one before? I'm his secretary. He's got a plain little wife back home." She gave me a sidelong look. "About your age, actually. He says she's about as exciting as a plank of wood. The thought of sleeping with her makes him sick."
"Anyway, are you traveling for work?"
"No," I said, forcing a weak smile. "It's my husband's birthday. I wanted to surprise him."
"What a coincidence. My boss's birthday is today too. He told his wife he was on a business trip, but really he booked tickets to the Disneyland in Harbor City. Insisted I bring our son along."
The child stirred awake just then, rubbing his eyes and whining for something to drink.
The woman pursed her glossy red lips and waved to the flight attendant. "Orange juice for my son, please."