The Ghost of the Past

The Ghost of the Past
It was impossible to overlook the abrupt change in the intimate atmosphere of the restaurant. The courteous muttering had given way to a group gasp and a flurry of animated muttering that quickly spread like wildfire throughout the room.
Just a few moments ago my conversation with Ava was fluid and easy but it faltered. Naturally my eyes which were usually fixed on her darted around the room in an attempt to identify the source of the disturbance. Then I saw them.
The entrance of a man and a woman commands the attention of everyone in the room. There was an aura of unquestionable privilege and power around them as they moved with an almost haughty grace.
The man had a strong defined jawline dark hair slicked back and a tall sharp almost predatory appearance. Not only was his suit pricey but it was also a masterpiece of custom tailoring with the fabric fitting his toned body like a liquid. Every slight movement of the diamond watch that glinted on his wrist caught the light.
An almost tangible sense of wealth and a confidence that verged on arrogance emanated from him. She was as striking as he was if not more so. Her dress a glistening waterfall of emerald green silk appeared to be dripping cash. At her wrists and throat diamonds glistened absorbing the light with dazzling radiance.
Her flawlessly waved blond hair framed an unquestionably lovely face but there was a hardness in her eyes that concealed the charming smile she gave the admiring looks. With a possessive stance and every move intended to highlight their shared façade of luxury and prestige she held onto the mans arm.
They exuded an air of immense wealth a combination of designer perfume high-end cologne and the subtle intangible aroma of power. I was staring at the man though. A sharp and unwanted sense of recognition struck me causing a cold knot to tighten in my stomach.
Liam.
The name a ghost from Avas past struck a startlingly clear chord in my head. Avas former husband. Her entire world had been upended by the man who had hurt her so much. An instant visceral surge of anger and a protective instinct erupted within me at the sight of him right here and now.
Unconsciously I clenched my jaw and made a fist out of my right hand which was resting under the table. As a physical representation of the rage that suddenly flooded my veins the knuckles pressed firmly against my palm.
Unaware of my inner turmoil Ava turned to face me with a gentle question on her lips and wide curious eyes.
The innocent joy of our date was still present in her soft murmur “Alexander whats happening? Who are they?”
I kept my gaze on Liam as he and the woman were led to a private table in a prominent spot their presence still eliciting whispers and adoring looks. They took their seats with ease and assurance resembling kings and queens assuming their thrones.
Even as he sat Liams suit seemed to sway with subtle strength each stitch indicating a high cost. The womans diamonds flashed as she crossed her legs with a lazy grace while wearing her emerald silk.
They were the quintessential members of the citys elite effortlessly projecting the kind of wealth that not only bought luxury but also power. I had to pull myself away from them and look back at Ava. I tried to speak in a calm controlled manner but the anger was still burning in my stomach.
“Ava” I said quietly “I think we should go.”
Her eyes flickered with confusion and her brow furrowed slightly. “Why leave? We just finished our main course.”
In an attempt to communicate the urgency without frightening her I pleaded “Just trust me” in a firm voice. “We have other options. Anywhere you like.”
But Ava insisted with that quiet stubbornness I was starting to realize was a part of her. Despite her curiosity there was a glimmer of knowledge in her eyes.
“No Alexander. I think I am aware of what is going on. Someone mentioned Liam and fiancee. . Is it. . . is it him?” she asked softly but the question lingered in the air like a burden of unspoken history.
I was trying to control my anger but it started to simmer hotter. It was nearly more painful for her to know to quietly accept the possibility than to be shocked outright.
As she reached for her water glass I noticed the slight tremor in her hand and the vulnerability in her eyes. That she had to see him and that a ghost from her past was ruining this lovely evening bothered me.
I lowered my voice to a low almost guttural tone full of a protective rage and leaned closer. I confirmed “Yes Ava” with each word purposeful and tinged with a controlled venom. “That guy is Liam. Your ex husband.”
My eyes strayed to the woman next to him whose bright smile now seemed to be a mean jeer. “Becca is the woman he is currently dating and will soon marry. He cheated on you with the same woman.”
The harsh and stark words lingered in the air. Her eyes those lovely expressive eyes began to slowly fill with tears as I watched. They glistened in the gentle light reflecting the agony that had just been irresponsibly reopened. Her breath caught her lips quivered and she let out a quiet stifled sound.
Slowly turning her head she looked back at Liam and Becca her eyes now brimming with a deep devastating sadness. My desire to protect her from this new suffering was sparked by the sight of her suffering which was so obvious and unfiltered.
In an attempt to console her I reached across the table and put my hand firmly around hers entwining my fingers with hers. Her hand was icy and shook a little in mine.
“Ava” I said my voice urgent and full of ferocious resolve. “We are leaving. Now. We are not required to remain here for this.”
I began pushing back my chair in preparation for getting up and sweeping her from this location and the agonizing reminder of his treachery. But Ava abruptly took her hand away from mine before I could even stand up.
Her body tensed up after sagging in desperation. Something new something piercing and rebellious flickered in her eyes and sliced through the tears. The sound of her abruptly scraping back her own chair seemed to reverberate throughout the silent room.
She moved quickly and decisively driven by a wave of unfiltered unadulterated emotion. She rose her crimson gown billowing about her a striking burst of color in the otherwise muted eatery.
Her eyes had changed from being solely sad to having a menacing gleam and a fierce determination that astounded me. With a sudden terrifying purpose she turned to face the private area where Liam and Becca were sitting rather than the leave.
“Liam!”She half called half yelled her voice like a knife piercing the classy diners hum.
The sound was a combination of an angry challenge and a frantic plea. The impact was instantaneous and irreversible. Every head in the room jerked in her direction.
The whispered chatter abruptly ended. There was no more clinking of silverware. It seemed as though the classical music vanished into thin air. Everyone went cold.
Having been laughing quietly with Becca Liam paused in the middle of his sentence slowly turning his head and his eyes widening in surprise. The whole lavish restaurant fell into a frightful
silence as everyone waited breathlessly to see what would happen next.