Chapter 8
Aaron gasped in shock,
his head snapping up quickly,
and the water glasses rattled loudly on the silver tray,
threatening to tip over completely.
His wide eyes met mine,
and all the color drained instantly from his pale face,
leaving him looking like a terrified ghost,
caught in the bright headlights.
Dad,
he breathed out softly,
his voice barely a hoarse whisper,
trembling with sudden emotion,
and deep disbelief.
Keep your voice down,
I hissed viciously through my clenched teeth,
my fingers digging deeper into his thin arm,
ignoring the pain I was causing him.
Turn around right now,
and walk back into that kitchen,
before I make a massive scene,
and have you thrown out by security.
He hesitated for a split second,
his eyes darting desperately toward our table,
trying to catch a glimpse of his mother,
who was sitting blissfully unaware,
just thirty feet away.
Don't you dare look at her,
I commanded him fiercely,
giving his arm a harsh,
and violent yank.
Move,
I ordered him quietly.
He lowered his head in total defeat,
and he turned around clumsily,
carrying the tray back through the swinging doors,
with me following closely,
and aggressively behind him.
We entered the chaotic,
and brightly lit hotel kitchen,
surrounded by yelling chefs,
and rushing staff members,
but I dragged him toward a quiet back hallway,
away from the prying eyes of the busy workers.
I shoved him roughly against the concrete wall,
the silver tray clattering loudly to the hard floor,
and the water spilling in a massive puddle,
soaking our polished leather shoes.
What are you doing here,
I demanded furiously,
my voice a low,
and dangerous growl.
I told you to leave this state,
and never come back.
I needed a job,
he stammered out quickly,
his chest heaving with rapid breaths,
and tears welling up in his dark eyes.
The hotel agency hired me yesterday,
I swear to God, Dad,
I didn't know you would be at this gala,
I was just trying to earn some honest money.
You are a pathological liar,
I spat back at him with pure disgust,
you found out we were attending this event,
and you infiltrated the catering staff,
just to force a dramatic confrontation.
No,
he cried out softly,
shaking his head back and forth,
I swear it was just a coincidence,
I just want to work,
and pay my own rent.
I don't care about your pathetic excuses,
I told him coldly,
leaning in close to his terrified face,
so he could smell the mint on my breath.
You are going to take off that uniform,
walk out the back door of this hotel,
and you will never come near us again.
If I see you in this town tomorrow,
I will call your parole officer,
and I will tell him you threatened me,
and you will go straight back to your cell.
He closed his eyes tightly,
a single tear escaping and rolling down his cheek,
and he nodded his head slowly,
accepting my cruel,
and unyielding ultimatum.
I turned my back on him without another word,
leaving him crying silently in the cold hallway,
and I walked back into the beautiful ballroom,
adjusting my bow tie,
and returning to my loving wife.
I slipped back into my assigned seat,
picking up my heavy silver spoon,
and diving into the warm lobster bisque,
as if nothing terrible had just happened.
Diane turned to me with a bright smile,
her eyes sparkling in the chandelier light,
and she placed her hand gently over mine.
Are you feeling alright,
she asked with genuine concern,
you look a little pale,
and your hands are completely freezing.
I am perfectly fine,
I lied smoothly,
taking a slow sip of the rich soup,
the hotel air conditioning is just a bit strong,
that is all.
She accepted my simple excuse,
and returning her attention to the stage,
where a local band had started playing soft jazz,
filling the room with a pleasant,
and relaxing melody.
I ate my expensive meal in total silence,
my stomach churning with intense anxiety,
and my mind constantly replaying the encounter,
with my broken,
and desperate son.
I had seen the deep pain in his eyes,
and the absolute terror when I threatened him,
but I refused to let it soften my hard heart,
reminding myself of the immense destruction,
he had caused our family five years ago.
I kept a watchful eye on the kitchen doors,
for the rest of the long evening,
half expecting him to burst into the room,
and cause a massive public scandal,
but the doors remained firmly closed,
and he did not reappear.
Another waiter took over his assigned section,
serving the main courses,
and pouring the red wine,
and Diane never noticed the sudden change,
in the catering staff.
When the gala finally ended near midnight,
we walked out into the cool night air,
waiting for the valet to bring our luxury car,
while the city lights glittered around us.
I scanned the dark shadows of the parking lot,
looking for any sign of a lingering figure,
but the streets were completely empty,
and the night was peaceful,
and remarkably quiet.
We drove home in a comfortable silence,
Diane resting her tired head against the window,
and I gripping the steering wheel tightly,
my knuckles turning completely white.
I had protected her tonight,
I had successfully defended our fragile peace,
but the victory felt strangely hollow,
and a bitter taste lingered in my dry mouth.
I parked the car in our secure garage,
and we walked into the dark,
and silent house,
the security system beeping softly to greet us.
I locked the heavy front door,
engaging the deadbolts,
and setting the complex alarm,
building my protective fortress,
higher and stronger than ever before.
Diane went upstairs to remove her beautiful makeup,
while I stayed down in the dark kitchen,
pouring myself a very large glass of scotch,
and drinking it quickly,
letting the strong alcohol burn my throat,
and numb my racing thoughts.
I had won the battle tonight,
but I knew deep down in my weary soul,
that the terrible war was far from over,
May you like
and Aaron would not disappear,
so easily.
