Page 30 of White Wedding
Victoria’s hand trembled as she reached for her wineglass. Seeing it was empty, she set it aside. She should have brought the whole damn bottle into the craft room. “What are you talking about? I don’t want him back.”
Maybe she had at first. And maybe—just maybe—she’d been a little too weepy when she told her mother that Ben had broken off their engagement. But by now, Victoria realized she was better off without him.
“It’s all right,” her mother said. “I know the truth. Brian told me.”
“He told you what?” Alarm bells went off in Victoria’s head.
“That you begged him for the chance to coordinate Ben’s wedding. That you still wanted to be involved in his life, even as an onlooker. I understand your feelings. But you’d be better off making a clean break.”
Son of a bitch.
Victoria opened her mouth, prepared to tell her mother the truth, then thought better of it. No matter how despicably her father behaved, her mother took his side. She rarely said or did anything to upset him, even at the expense of her children’s feelings.
“The wedding’s less than three weeks away,” Victoria said. “Once it’s done, I doubt I’ll see much of Ben. Maybe at the occasional party or fund-raiser, but that’s it.” Ornot, judging by her non-invitation to Chip Robinson’s holiday bash.
“I hope so. Next year has to be better, right?” Her mother pointed to the gingerbread house. “That wall seems to be sagging. You might want to prop it up.”
“Shit.” When her mother frowned, Victoria winced. “Sorry.” She straightened the wall, then added more frosting to the joints.
“If you want to land a new beau, you’ll have to watch the foul language. Men don’t appreciate that kind of behavior from a lady.”
Some men don’t mind. Victoria had a quick flash of memory, recalling the enthusiastic way Rafael had responded the first time she’d begged him to fuck her. Prim little Victoria had said the word “fuck.”And it had feltsogood. As had the actual fucking.
Nope, not going there.She cleared her mind of wicked thoughts. “Sorry. I’ll try to be more careful.”
“Good girl. I stopped by to remind you I’m leaving for New York on Wednesday for my annual visit. I’ll be gone until December 21, but I’ll be back in time for the big wedding.” She blinked and looked away, as if trying to maintain her composure. “I still wish it wasyourwedding.”
A month ago, Victoria might have agreed with her. But after weeks of taking orders from Ben, she’d lost any desire to be his wife. “I’m fine. Really. And if Ben and Missy are happy together, then I wish them the best.”
“You’re putting up a brave front, dear. As a lady should.” Her mother stood. “Are you sure your father can’t ask someone else to coordinate this wedding? Then you could join me in New York.”
A tempting offer. Victoria had accompanied her mother twice before, and she’d enjoyed both visits immensely. New York during the holidays was a magical place. Plus, the visits allowed her to spend time with her glamorous Aunt Becca, who took great pride in showing off her city. But her father would never let her abandon ship.
Besides, if she bailed on the wedding, she’d still owe him. And she’d miss the chance to work with Rafael.
“Maybe next year. Right now, I have too much going on. Even though I’m not in charge of the Holiday Open House, Dad wants me there for the entire weekend.”
“I understand. Make sure to take some time for yourself.”
“I’m going up to Big Bear for New Year’s Eve. With Connor and Jess. And Brody’s coming with April. It should be a lot of fun.” Even if she’d be a fifth wheel, she loved the thought of escaping to the mountains. Days on the slopes and cozy nights by the fire. The trip also gave her a legitimate excuse not to coordinate the Blackwood Cellars New Year’s bash.
Her mother went rigid. “But you’ll be here for Christmas, right?”
“Where else would I go? Ilivehere.”
“I’m worried Connor won’t be coming because your father’s still mad at him for starting that little winery.”
Then stand up for him, damn it.
Victoria hated the fact that her brother wasn’t allowed home to visit, even though he only lived fifteen minutes away. But her father still hadn’t forgiven him for betraying the family by leaving Blackwood Cellars. And her mother had been too intimidated to speak out on Connor’s behalf.
Her mother gave a lengthy sigh. “It’s going to be so much quieter without Connor or Darren around.”
“Wait. Why isn’t Darren coming for Christmas?” Victoria’s older brother, Darren, was such a kiss-ass that he never missed a family event. He relished the chance to brag about his accomplishments as the most favored child.
“Didn’t he tell you? He and Melanie are joining her parents for a tropical vacation. They’re leaving for the Caribbean on Christmas Eve.” She gave a weak smile. “But he’ll be back in time for New Year’s.”
All the more reason to be gone.
