Emily looked up from her beautifully marinated scallop to observe a large bearded gentleman in morning suit stride across the room. She noted, with distaste, his swagger as well as his huge crooked grin.
On reaching his destination he slapped his dining companions on the back and embraced them all. His loud booming voice filled the quiet sanctuary and as she returned to her starter Emily continued to observe him discreetly.
Sporadic laughter continued. The focus of the table was on him and yet Emily noticed some disquiet among his fellow diners as he spoke. Some seemed to find his topics distasteful from their pained expression and yet no-one seemed able to move their focus away from him. Over time his mannerisms became more exaggerated, his complexion ruddier and his larger than life persona was attracting the stares of other diners.
Suddenly with gusto he stood up, bowed to his companions and with great purpose walked out of the dining room.
Relieved Emily took a sip of wine only to notice a tiny slip of a girl entering the room. She looked ill at ease and appeared to be looking for some-one. Emily hoped it wasn’t the man who had just left.
The waiter approached and they appeared to exchange a few whispered words as he led her to a table directly in front of Emily.
She sat looking at the door pensively coiling and uncoiling her golden hair between her slender fingers. Emily resisted the temptation to ask if she was ok but became mesmerised by the rhythmic movements of the girl’s hands.
There was something fragile about this girl as if at any moment she would flee and yet Emily sensed there was an air of steely determination below the anxious exterior. She seemed completely unaware of her surroundings, occasionally biting her lip, as she waited. The door opened and a quiet gasp escaped from her lips.
Emily couldn’t resist turning to look as a couple entered the room. They were a picture of complete togetherness. The woman was draped over the man’s arm as he looked deep into her eyes with an expression of complete adoration. In return the woman’s face reflected sheer radiant beauty and happiness.
They made their way slowly to a table at the opposite end of the room. Emily noticed the hushed silence as everyone watched this beautiful couple. He pulled out her chair and the woman giggled in appreciation. She sat down still maintaining finger tip contact with her companion as he moved to sit opposite her. Smiles lit up their faces as they continued their flirtatious conversation with their hands held across the table. Still holding each other’s gaze they ordered from the waiter. Emily felt a warm glow in her heart as she watched.
Only then as she turned back to her food did she notice the blonde haired girl had completely disappeared.
