by Young, Sage
Victoria was getting to know him well enough, to know that the conversation was over.
After breakfast, Dominic explained to Victoria that he, his siblings and some friends get together on Christmas Eve for an adult celebration.
“So do I need to dress up for this event?”
“Victoria, its not an event, it’s a casual party that we’ve had here for the past couple of years; wear whatever makes you comfortable.”
*****
After taking a nap, Victoria decided to start getting ready for the dinner party. She talked to Dominic about inviting Jacqueline and Monica and he thought it was a great idea. After going through her closet she decided on a black maternity dress. After get dressed she came downstairs to find Dominic standing by the bar with a drink in his hand.
Dominic turned to see Victoria standing in the living room, the sight of her never cease to take his breath away. He closed to gap between them and kissed her gently on the forehead.
“You look beautiful.” He whispered in her ear.
“You clean up nice yourself.” She said jokingly.
“Would you like something to drink?”
“Yes, I'll have a glass of apple juice.” She stared at Dominic as he prepared her drink, admiring his sexy body and loving the relaxed look. He was wearing a pair of low rider Levi jeans with the black button-down shirt that accented his amazing chest and arms. She shivered inwardly at the thought of those arms wrapped around her again. She tried to clear her thoughts as she sat on the sofa and made herself comfortable.
Dominic walked over and handed her a drink. “I have something for you and I wanted to give it to you before everyone arrives.” Dominic pulled a jewelry box from the side table drawer and handed it to Victoria. “This is for you.”
“Nick I didn't realize we were exchanging gifts tonight, your gift is in my room.”
“We're not exchanging gifts now Victoria, this is something special I wanted you to have.” She gave him a quizzical look before opening the box to reveal a beautiful gold charm bracelet. Two beautiful charms hung from the bracelet. The first charm was palm tree and the second one, a Christmas tree. “The first charm symbolizes our vacation together and the second symbolizes our first Christmas together, as we celebrate milestones in our lives and the lives of our children, I will add charms to your bracelet.” Victoria looked at the beautiful bracelet and could not stop the tear that escaped and slid down her face.
“What’s wrong Vic?”
“Nothing's wrong Nick, this is one of the sweetest things anyone has ever done for me.”
Dominic used his thumb to wipe away the tear as he kissed her on her forehead, then softly on her lips. Dominic looked in her eyes, his lips so close to hers; he leaned in to kiss her again when the doorbell rang halting his process. He blew out a frustrated breath; the smell of mint caressed her lips as he pulled back. “I guess I better get that.” He placed a small peck on her lips before getting up.
Within an hour, everyone was there and the celebration was in full swing. Everyone ate, drank and indulged in great conversations. Victoria had a chance to speak with Kevin who she had not seen since the summer. At some point during the evening all the women sat in the living room talking as the men gathered at the bar.
“So where's Miss Bitch this evening? I was sure she would be here.” Francesca said sarcastically referring to Anna.
“I don't know, I thought she would be here too, and can you please try to be cordial Fran.” Victoria pleaded.
“Well, I for one like a woman who tells it like it is.” Monica said as she gave Francesca a high five.
“Maria, Jackie can you please talk to these two?” Victoria was always trying to keep the peace. Both Jackie and Maria turned their heads and sip their drink as they all started laughing while Victoria pouted.
“Ladies if she comes, I really need you to be on your best behavior, she's Dominic's girlfriend, so please be nice, it’s the holidays.” Just as Victoria was finishing her statement the doorbell rang, Dominic answered it to find Anna. She sashayed in wearing a very short, tight black dress with stiletto heels. She kissed Dominic on the lips as she walked into the living room.
“Hi everyone, sorry I'm late.”
“It's fine because no one missed you.” Fran whispered to the other ladies. Victoria cut her eyes at her. Dominic looked over at Victoria and she smiled to indicate everything was fine. He walked back over to the bar. When Anna sat down in a chair next to the sofa, Fran got up, “I need to get another drink, can I get anyone else one?”
“I’ll help you.” Monica said
“I need to check on the food, I’ll be right back,” Maria said looking directly at Victoria.
Anna looked at Victoria. “So how are you feeling, I can see the babies are really growing.” she said snidely.
“What the hell is that suppose to mean?” Jackie asked of Anna.
“I didn’t mean anything by it, I can see that Victoria has gained weight, but that’s to be expected right?” She said sarcastically.
“You know what... J'en ai assez de vous” Victoria knew Jacqueline was upset because she always spoke both English and French interchangeably with she was angry.
Victoria cut her off. “Jackie veuillez ne pas prétendre, je veux un règlement pacifique, le théâtre libre nuit sans arguments. Ne laissez pas sa colère vous, et vous êtes parlant anglais et français à nouveau ma chérie.” (Jackie please do not argue, I want a peaceful, drama free night without any arguments. Don’t let her anger you, and you are speaking English and French again sweetie.)” Victoria said with a smile. Jackie returned the smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. Everyone in the room turned to look at Victoria. Soft Christmas music was the only thing that could be heard throughout the entire house. Jackie and Victoria instantly noticed the silence and looked at everyone wondering why they were staring at them, and then it dawned on Victoria that she was speaking French and she never mentioned, to them, that she was fluent in not only French but also two to other languages.
“What the hell was that? You speak another language?” Fran blurted out. Dominic looked in the direction of all three women; there was so much he didn’t know about Victoria, as he stared, his thoughts were of the sexiest woman he had ever met and she was the one carrying his children.
“I was speaking French, and yes Fran, I actually speak three languages.” Victoria said not liking all the attention she was getting. Dominic smiled at her as he directed his attention back to his brother and Kevin and continued their conversation. That was a discussion he would have with her later when they were alone. Slowly, everyone went back to their individual conversations.
“I’m going to see if Maria needs any help in the kitchen.” Jackie walked off. Dominic was talking to Kevin and Marco but also watching the interactions between Anna and Victoria.
“So I guess that leaves me and you.” Anna said to Victoria. “So how much longer do you think you will be on bed rest?
“Not sure, I hoping the doctor will ease up, on the restrictions.”
“And if that happens will you be moving back to your place?”
“Yes I will. Anna if you have something to say, just say it, I don’t like playing games.”
“I’m glad to hear it because neither do I. I don’t like you Victoria, and that thing with speaking another language doesn’t impress me. I think you’re a conniving bitch that set Dominic up with this pregnancy, and I think you are trying to steal my man, but that’s not going to happen, he belongs to me, he loves me, not you. Now you may be having his babies, but that’s all you’re going to get from him, I will make sure of it. You don’t want to battle with me over Dominic because you will lose, I own his heart.” Anna said smugly as she said back and took a sip of her drink.
Victoria was fuming inside, but she would not give Anna the satisfaction of knowing that she was getting to her. She looked at Anna and smiled. “I am so glad we are having this conversation, I prefer to be upfront in ev
erything I do. So listen to me very carefully, I don’t play games and I don’t make idle threats, and given the situation, I will allow you this one chance to lash out, but hear me and hear me well, I’m going to be in Dominic’s life for a very long time, so if you plan to stick around, get use to it. Pretty soon we will bring three beautiful babies into this world and you will have to deal with them also. If I even think that you’re holding any animosity against my babies, or me I will tell Dominic not to allow you around our children and how long do you think you will own his heart after that… huh? Are you willing to take that gamble?” Anna’s stunned look said it all. “I didn’t think so, and if you ever address me as anything other than Victoria, we will go to battle over more than Dominic and trust me you will lose.” Anna eyes opened wider, she didn’t expect that reaction from Victoria. Anna’s phone buzzed as glanced at it, the text message read “I need to see you now.”
Dominic noticed the interaction and body language between the two women and walked over. “Is everything okay?”
“No, it’s not Dominic, I think maybe I should leave, I don’t feel welcomed in your house.” Anna said as she tried to force fake tears.
“What are you talking about?” He asked as Anna looked over at Victoria then back at Dominic, making sure he could see the tears in her eyes.
“Anna, what’s going on?” Dominic asked again, frustrated with her dramatics.
“Why don’t you ask the mother of your children?” She said looking over at Victoria. “I will talk to you tomorrow.” She kissed Dominic on the lips before walking out the door. “I don’t want to ruin your party, so I’m going home.” Anna walked towards the door, grabbing her coat on the way out, as she left without saying goodbye to anyone.
Dominic walked over to Victoria, “What happened, are you alright?” Victoria was about to speak when the Maria and Jackie entered with trays of food.
“We’ll talk later.” Victoria said as she gripped his hand and gave it a quick squeeze before releasing it. He felt a bolt of energy shoot through his body from her touch. He looked at her, as the rest of the group gathered to get food. He really loved this woman.
*****
Anna got into her car and dialed her phone. “So have you come to your senses? Where are you? Okay I’ll meet you there.” She smiled as she drove off.
*****
At the end of the evening, Marco was the last to leave. Dominic had gone into the kitchen to make sure everything was put away. Marco sat on the sofa beside Victoria. “How are you feeling, I know tonight was a long evening.”
“I feel good, I plan to talk to the doctor about lighten up on the restrictions.”
“And have you thought about our last conversation?” She looked around to see it Dominic had returned before directing her attention back to Marco.
“As much as I dislike Anna, I am not going to disrupt their relationship.” She whispered, refusing to give Marco eye contact.
“I would never tell Dominic this, but I don’t like Anna for him. You on the other hand, I think you two would be great together. You have to go after what you want Victoria, sometimes you have to snatch your happiness.” Marco said.
“We’ll see.” She said as she looked towards the kitchen. “Hey Marco, I do need to talk to you about something, can we talk after Christmas?”
“Sure I will come by later in the week.”
“Thank you.” She said as Dominic walked in and saw the two talking.
“What are you two talking about?” Marco looked at Victoria then at Dominic. “I just wanted to know how she was feeling, it’s been a long evening, just wanted to make sure my nieces and nephews are treating her okay.” He got up and kissed Victoria on the cheek and said goodbye to both of them.
“Relax Nick, I will let myself out. See you both tomorrow. Marco looked at his watch “I guess I should say later today.” Dominic sat beside Victoria; she began to rub her legs.
“Do they hurt?” He asked concerned.
“I’ve been sitting so long, I think they fell asleep.” Dominic smiled as he pulled her legs onto his lap and began to rub them. Victoria laid her head back and sighed. “That feels so good Nick.” He continued to rub legs, then moved to her feet. “You’re almost as good at this as you are at….” Victoria realized what she was saying and lifted her head.
“At what, Victoria?” He asked smiling.
“Forget I said it.” She said slightly embarrassed but couldn’t stop the smile that formed on her face.
“I’m not going to forget it, but I will leave it alone for now. So what was going on between you and Anna?”
“Nothing you need to concern yourself with, just two women coming to understanding.”
He raised one eyebrow. “I don’t want you stressing over bullshit.”
“Do I look stressed?” She put both her feet onto the floor. “I’m going to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“I going to turn in too, you need anything?”
“No I’m good. She hesitated, hey Nick, thanks for the beautiful gift and everything you do for me.”
He stood in front of her and wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a tight embrace. He stood there for a few seconds holding her. His arms felt so good; she melted into his embrace. He pulled back and looked her in the eyes. “You’re welcome.” He wanted to tell her how happy he was that she was in his life, how excited he was that she was having his babies and that he loved her, but he didn’t want to confuse the situation. He kissed her on her forehead and walked towards the bar.
“Good night Nick.”
“Good night Victoria.” Victoria went up stairs as Dominic made himself another drink. He remembered that he hadn’t spoken to Anna. He called, but her phone went to voice mail. “Anna this is Nick, call me.”
*****
Anna looked at her buzzing phone, saw that Dominic was calling, and decided to ignore it as she continued to get dressed. Her former boss and lover Mark Dylan walked out of the bathroom of their hotel room. He leaned down and kissed her neck. “We need to talk.”
“About what, baby?”
“I’ll be coming back to Philly to work permanently. My father wants me to work with a local consulting firm on a few new acquisitions.” He said as he straightened his tie in the mirror.
“That’s great baby, now we can be together again.”
“That’s what we need to talk about, I just found out my wife is pregnant again, so I can’t leave her now. I’ve been thinking about this and I think we need to end this permanently. We’ve had a great time together but I need to commit to my wife.” He really could care less about his wife; he had his sights on a brown beauty, who was the head of the consulting firm they hired. She was the one pregnant, but that was a minor detail, once she comes back to work, he will tell her how he feels and they will be together.
Anna swung her head to face him. “What the fuck are you talking about Mark? I quit my job and took another one making less money so that we could work together. Then you fired me because your wife suspected that we were having an affair. Did I complain? Hell no, I came back to Philly because you said you would be back here soon. I left my fiancée for you, I turned my whole life upside down for you and now you tell me we’ve had fun. Let’s see how much fun we have when I tell your pregnant wife what she suspected was true, and that you left her on Christmas Eve to come fuck me.”
Mark grabbed Anna by the neck and swung her into the wall. “You will never, ever speak to my wife, do you understand me?” He said in a low venomous tone. “Do you understand me?” His blue eyes bore down on her. Anna nodded her head so scare, not knowing what to think. He had never raised a hand to her before. He released the tight hold he had around her neck and pulled her face into a rough kiss. “What we had was fun, but now it’s over.” He walked over to the chair and retrieved his jacket. “Take care of yourself Anna.” He said as he walked out the door.
Anna laid across the bed as the tears streamed down her face.
She sat up and wiped the tears from her face. Plan B now in effect, she thought as she choked back tears. Plan B was to get Dominic to fall back in love with her. Although that did come with some complications, none of which she couldn’t handle. When given a choice, she was sure that Dominic would choose her over Victoria. She just needed to reveal that bitch for the gold-digger she was. She walked out of the hotel room with a new resolve. Dominic was going to be hers. She walked away from him because she thought Mark was going to give her the world, but two abortions later, all he gave her was his ass to kiss. How could she have been so stupid, she had a good thing with Dominic and she gave it all up for the promise of a better life.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Christmas day was very loud and festive. Dominic’s family raved over how beautiful the house decorated. When he was complimented, he would smile and give Victoria the credit. The Christmas tree was laden with gifts. Chatter and laughter could be heard in all four corners of the house. The atmosphere was jovial as everyone was mingling all over the house. Victoria sat, restricted mostly to the sofa. Dominic periodically looked at Victoria to make sure she was comfortable. He could see that she was happy, constantly engaged in conversations with various members of his family. All of this happened because of her. Christmas dinner was held at his house because his family loved her and wanted her to be a part of their family celebration. She made sure the house was decorated so that his family would feel Christmas when they entered his house.
While everyone was milling, Victoria occasionally glanced at Dominic and when she caught him staring, he would merely smile. She noticed that on one had touched their gifts under the tree. She asked Fran why no one had opened their gifts and she explained that it was a Christmas tradition to exchange gifts after dinner. The entire family gathered in the dining room to give thanks for the family and the food. The food was set up buffet style and everyone made his or her plates. Lorenzo, Annette, Victoria, Rafael, Maria and Richard sat at the table while the rest of the family made their way to other parts of the house to eat. Some on the men were in the family room watching sports while other members were in the living room chatting as they ate. After dinner Rafael sat next to Victoria on the sofa. Dominic saw Rafael and walked over the sofa but stopped in his tracks when he looked into Victoria’s eyes as she gave him a smile indicating that everything was okay.