A Blast from the Past

Chapter Two: A Blast from the Past

Maya's Pov

As I pushed open the door to the restaurant, a warm glow of golden light spilled out onto the sidewalk, beckoning me inside. The sounds of laughter and lively conversation enveloped me, making my heart sink. This was not what I had planned for our evening.

My eyes scanned the room, searching for Larry. I couldn't seem to find him anywhere. Then I looked out for Brandy, there was no sign of her either. Just then, a Waitress walked up to me, smiling. 

"Good evening ma," She greeted. "Welcome to Freshland restaurant." 

"Thank you." I smiled back at her, my eyes still darting everywhere for Larry.

"You look lost ma, can I help you?" She asked. "Do you have a reservation here or you just came to have dinner by yourself?" 

"I'm here with my husband." I said firmly. "Don't worry, I'll just call him." I walked to an empty table and sat. 

Larry was nowhere to be found and I sat there trying to fight back humiliating tears. After thirty minutes the waitress walked up to me again. 

"Sorry to disturb you ma," She said. "Here is our menu." She handed me the menu. "What would you like to order from us today?" There was a steady smile in her voice. 

I ignored her, exhaling deeply. I dialed Larry's phone, it rang repeatedly but he didn't pick. 

"God damnit..." I muttered beneath my breath. "Damn you Larry... fucking screw you and that bitch." 

"Sorry ma but sitting idle is against company policy." The waitress said firmly. "Is there something I can help you with..." 

I looked up finally, staring at the waitress. "You want to help me? Fine. I am looking for my husband, he said he was here but I can't see him and he is not picking my calls. Can you help me find him?" I asked. 

"Please describe your husband ma." She responded. "If I can't help I'll have the management review our CCTV footages." 

I swallowed hard then began describing Larry and Brandy. When I had finished, I looked at the waitress hopelessly. "So? Have you seen either of them?" 

"Yes ma." The waitress nodded. "They're at the VIP dinning. It's a lounge." 

"Take me there." I demanded. "Please." 

"Follow me ma." 

The waitress took me to the VIP lounge and I spotted Larry immediately, sitting at a table, surrounded by a group of people I'd never met. Brandy sat next to him, smiling and chatting with the others as if she were part of the group. A heavy feeling sank in my chest. I had never met these people before, but I could already tell I didn't belong here.

"Is your husband on the table?" The waitress asked. 

"Yes, thank you." I replied calmly. "That will be all for now."

"Okay ma." She turned and left. 

My heart sank, and I felt a wave of anger wash over me. Who was Brandy really and why was she so entrenched in our lives?

One of the men, with a loud laugh and a boisterous demeanor, clapped Larry on the shoulder. "I can't believe we're seeing you again! To be honest, we all thought you and her—" he nodded toward Brandy, "—would end up together back then."

Another man, with a kinder face, chimed in, "Yeah, you two were the campus couple back in the day! I remember Darey even got into a fight with you over her. Who would've thought things would turn out like this... What happened between you two?"

"Yes, what happened?" A slender blonde sitting beside Brandy asked, smiling widely. "In a twinkle of an eye you guys went AWOL." 

My mind reeled as I processed this new information. Campus couple? So they had a past. Why did Larry keep this from me?

Larry frowned, his tone firm. "We were young and foolish back then. It's all in the past now. Darey and I became close friends. Besides, he's gone now—bringing this up will just upset Brandy."

At this, Brandy's eyes filled with unshed tears, making her appear even more fragile. The man who had spoken earlier quickly apologized, feeling guilty for bringing it up. "Sorry, I didn't mean to stir up bad memories."

The other man sighed. "Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry Brandy." 

Brandy only nodded quietly. 

 The blonde spoke again. "So Larry, are you married now?" 

My thoughts swirled. Married for three years, and yet none of his friends know? Was he in prison or something, keeping it that secret?

I took a deep breath, adjusted my expression, and confidently walked toward the table. No matter what was going on between them, I knew I was his wife. Even if our relationship was on the brink of ending, I had to maintain my composure in front of these strangers.

"Mind if I join you?" I asked, my voice sweet as honey.

Larry noticed my approach and stood up calmly, offering a small smile. His eyes flickered, but I could see the guilt lurking beneath. "Of course not," he said, pulling out a chair for me.

I sat down, my eyes never leaving Larry's face. "So, what's going on?" I asked, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Seems like it's a reunion." 

Brandy smiled, oblivious to the tension. "We were just catching up," she said. "Larry and I have a lot in common."

I raised an eyebrow. "Really?" I said, my voice laced with skepticism. "You sure do have a lot in common." 

Larry shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Maya, let's not do this here," he said.

"We could do it home." I said, smiling. "Or at the camping trip." 

"Maya," Larry whispered into my ears. "I said not here. That's enough." 

He smiled at the others. "Yeah, I am married. I just haven't had a chance to tell you all yet. This is my wife, Maya." Then he looked at me. "Maya, meet my old classmates." 

The group was stunned, eyes turning to me as they took me in. "Wow! Lucky guy, marrying such a beautiful woman!" one of them remarked, admiration clear in their voice.

"Larry, you hit a jackpot!" The blonde smiled at me. 

I smiled politely, nodding in acknowledgment. Before anyone could say more, Brandy cut in smoothly with a soft laugh. "Alright, everyone, let's eat before the food gets cold." 

As we sat down, I couldn't help but feel like an outsider, a stranger in a world that was once familiar. The conversation flowed around me, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was just a spectator, watching a play that I didn't understand.