Chapter 15
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,
May you like
adjusting my bow tie,
and returning to my loving wife.
