Choices We Make: The Moretti Brothers Series (14 page)

When Dominic arrived at Anna’s home, her mood had totally changed.  She was dressed in a very provocative nightgown, offering him a drink as they walked in.  He looked at her and remembered a time when he would have been so excited at the thought of being inside her that he would have ripped that nightgown off of her and taken her against the wall, but tonight he was just irritated.  “No I don’t want a drink, we need to talk.”  He walked into the living room but didn’t sit. “I don’t want you showing up at my parent’s home unannounced.” 

“Unannounced?!  I’m your girlfriend Nick, I should not have to announced myself, and I should be welcomed without invitation.” 

“You were, don’t you remember, but you decided you didn’t like going to my parents home so you never came over, then you left town.”  Dominic felt his patience dwindling.  “Look, I don’t want you coming over my parents’ house on the days that Victoria is there.  You are welcome to come on the days she’s not.” 

“And why does she get first preference I was in the picture first and longer, Hell we would have been married if….” 

“If what Anna… you didn’t leave, say it Anna, we would be married it if you didn’t leave; but you did leave and now we are here; please don’t push me into making a choice, you may not like the side you land on.”  He started to walk towards the door. 

“Where are you going, I thought you could stay longer so we could talk?” 

“I have to meet my brother, I will call you tomorrow.”  He said as he walked out the door. 

*****

Dominic entered Charlie’s and spotted his brother at a booth.  He slid into the booth on the opposite side of the so that he would be facing his brother. 

“So what did you need to talk to me about?” Dominic asked as he signaled the waiter and ordered a drink.

“How is Victoria, is she okay after today?” 

“Yes she’s good; I always call her before I go to bed to make sure she’s comfortable.” 

“And Anna, is she alright?”

“Yeah, she’s fine, what’s with all the questions?” 

“That’s just it bro, you have two women so I have to ask you what’s going on?” 

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“What I mean is you sent your girlfriend home because the woman carrying you children was there.”

Dominic didn’t answer right away.  His drink arrived and he took a sip.  “Come on Marco you know why I did it, Anna only came there because she knew Victoria would be there.  I didn’t want that kind of drama for Victoria, she doesn’t need to be stressed out.” 

“So why didn’t you let the woman, who I assume you are serious about, and may even propose to, again, stay and you take Victoria home, after all, if Anna is going to be your wife she will have to take precedent over your baby mama.”  Marco could see Dominic anger surfacing, just as he suspected.

“I’m not going to tell you again, don’t call her that.”  Dominic said as his jaws tighten and he spoke through his clinched teeth. 

Marco gave him a half smile. “My bad Nick, but that brings another question to mind, why are you so defensive and protective of Victoria, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you act like that with any other woman, not even when you were madly in love with Anna before she left.”

Dominic took another sip of his drink.  “What’s your point Marc?”

“I’m not trying to make a point, just an observation, tell me, do you love Anna?”

“What a stupid ass question, of course I love her.” 

“Maybe I should have asked, are you IN love with her or has that love found a new home?” 

“Marco, I’m not in the mood for your philosophical bullshit, I’m out.”  He drained the remainder of his drink and stood, “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

Marco looked at his brother as he exited and smiled.
Yeah, big bro, you’ve got it bad and I hope you figure it out before you marry the wrong woman.
Marco thought as took another sip if his drink. 

*****

Dominic thought about what his brother said, as he laid in his bed.  He tossed and turned until he fell into an unrestful sleep.  Over the next week he avoided seeing both women.  He spoke to Victoria twice a day, once in the morning and at night right before he went to bed.  He wanted to make sure everything was okay with her and the babies.  He spoke with Anna a couple of times during the week, but between their two work schedules, they kept missing each other. They were trying to rekindle what they had, but something was different.  When they finally spoke, Anna invited herself to Thanksgiving dinner his parent’s home.  She complained that she was his girlfriend and they should spend the holiday together, Dominic reluctantly agreed.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Victoria looked at the calendar and noticed that Thanksgiving was the following week.  She hadn’t thought about the holidays.  She and her mother would normally cook a huge Thanksgiving dinner and invite guests over.  This year she would be alone.  Jacqueline and Monica both made plans to be out of town, visiting family and had practically begged her to go with them individually, but she refused both, saying that she was not up for traveling.  That was partly true, the other part was that she was not in a festive mood and didn’t want to put a damper on their visits with their families.  Her desk phone buzzed, bringing her out of her daydream

“Yes Liz.”

“Ms. Hart, Ms. Francesca Moretti is here to see you.” 

I forgot Fran was coming by.
She really didn’t feel like socializing and Francesca was high maintenance when it came to everything she did, but they had rescheduled their lunch date three times already.
“Thanks Liz, send her in.” 

Francesca walked in looking around in amazement.  “Wow Vic, the is a sweet office.” 

Victoria rounded her desk to greet her, “Thanks Fran and I have to apologize, I forgot about our lunch date.” 

“No problem I saw a nice restaurant across the street we can go there.” 

“You mean Philip’s, okay, their food is great and I’m hungry or should I say your nieces and or nephews are hungry.”

Francesca looked at Victoria with concern.  “You sure, is it normal to gain that much weigh that fast and your ankles look a little swollen.  Maybe we should order in, I don’t want you doing any unnecessary walking, because if anything happened to you, on my watch, Nick would kill me.” She said with a concerned smile. 

“I’m sure your brother has other things to worry about other than me, like his business and his girlfriend.  Now come on, I may be fat but I’m not an crippled.” Victoria said as she hooked her arm into Francesca and they walked out the door. 

They were seated immediately despite the crowd, Victoria knew the owner well and he had instructed his staff that she was to be seated immediately whenever she dined with them.  “Wow you must really have pull here, how did we get seated ahead of all those other people?” 

“The owner is a friend of mine.”  Victoria said nonchalantly.

“I need to hang out with you more often.”  Francesca said smiling.  They ordered their lunch and the waiter placed water on the table.  “So what’s up with you and my brother?”  Francesca asked as she sipped her water.  “Are you in love with him?”

Victoria was about to take a sip of her water when Francesca question caused her to freeze momentarily.  “Why would you ask a question like that?”

“I’m not blind Victoria and neither is my family, we all see how you look at each other and how he is so protective of you.  So why are you guys trying to keep it a secret?” 

Victoria looked at Francesca totally stunned. “What are you talking about, your brother and I are having these babies together, that’s it, and in case you haven’t notice, he has a girlfriend.” 

“That bitch doesn’t care about my brother; only what he can do for her.  If she cared she wouldn’t have left him the first time, supposedly for a better job, but I think that whore was following her boss.” 

“Fran I don’t think this is a conversation I want to hear.  I’m not one who tolerates gossip.”

“It’s not gossip Vic.  I really wanted to scratch her eyes out when she came back like nothing happened, and while Nick won’t admit it, I know she hurt him terribly.”

Victoria looked at Francesca and wondered if her feelings for Dominic had been that obvious from the start.  “The fact remains that they are together now and I don’t want the arrangement we have to cause a riff in their relationship.  Victoria felt herself getting emotional.  “He didn’t ask to be a father, but he has not faltered in his obligation and has done everything to make sure that I’m supported and he will play an active part in our children’s lives.  That’s all I can ask of him.  Now how is your lunch, isn’t the food here is amazing?” Victoria quickly changed the subject to avoid any more discussion about her feelings for Dominic. 

“Real smooth Victoria, real smooth.  I’ll let it go for now but we will talk about this again and yes this food is amazing, I could eat here every day.  So did I tell you I have a new boyfriend…” For the remainder of the meal, they talked about Francesca’s inability to hold on to a man, shopping and the upcoming holidays. 

“I know you’re coming to mom and dads for Thanksgiving dinner.” 

“I hadn’t thought about it, but yes, I guess I can come by.” 

“Are you still driving in your condition?” 

“What are you talking about I’m only five months pregnant, you act like I’m due next week.”  Francesca gave her with a devilish look, “and if you say it, you will be paying for lunch, and this place is not cheap.”  Victoria chastised.  Francesca smiled and put her hands to her lips indicating a locking motion.  They both laughed and continued eating.  After lunch Victoria went back to the office and work an additional four hours before calling it a night. 

Over the next week Victoria’s mood had brightened.  She even decided to bake her mother’s famous sweet potato pies to take with her over the Morettis.  Although Dominic continued to talk to Victoria twice a day, he decided not to tell her that Anna was coming for Thanksgiving dinner for fear that she might back out.

*****

Thanksgiving Day was a cold and rainy day, Dominic arrived at Victoria’s at one o’clock in the afternoon and she was waiting.

“I have something for you.” Victoria said as she held the two pies.

“You shouldn’t have, I can’t possibly eat two pies,” he said smiling. 

“Be serious, I have these for you,” she handed him a set of keys. “These are the keys to my home.  You’re here almost as much as I am, and when the babies arrive… it just makes since that you have a set,” she said as turned away from him. 

He turned her around to face him and used his index finger to lift her chin so that she was looking at him.  “Thank you, this means a lot.” he then kissed her on her forehead.  “You ready to go?”

“Yes, let me grab my purse.” Dominic looked at Victoria as she walked across the room.  Even with the weight gain, she was still looked amazing.

“You look so beautiful,” he said as she approached him.

“Yeah right, for a whale.” 

“Stop it, you don’t look like a whale, you look like a beautiful woman who is pregnant with triplets.” 

“Okay, if you say so.”

“Yes, I say so.”  He said in a soft, deep, masculine voice.

When they arrived, Maria and her family and Rafael and his kids were there.  Maria greeted Victoria with a big hug and encouraged her to join her and her mother in the kitchen and she agreed.  When Victoria walked into the kitchen Annette gave her a kiss on both cheeks “Look at you, you look beautiful and how are my grandbabies treating you?”

“We’re behaving today.” 

“Sit, sit, I don’t want you over exerting yourself.” 

“I’m fine Mrs. Moretti, I…” 

“Baby, why don’t you call me mom?  You’re family now and you are about to have my grandbabies.” 

Victoria looked at Annette and smiled “Okay Mom, what can I help you with?” 

“Nothing, just sit here and talk to me, I like the company and thanks for the pies, and I can’t wait to taste them.”  As Maria and Victoria walked from the kitchen to the family room, Victoria noticed that Marco, Francesca and Francesco had arrived. 

Francesca jumped from her sit and gave Victoria a hug, “They didn’t tell me you were here?” 

“If you had bothered to come to the kitchen to help you would’ve known.” Victoria said jokingly. 

“You know I don’t like going in there, unless I absolutely have to.  How are my nieces and nephews?” she asked while rubbing her stomach. 

“They’re fine, hungry as usual.” 

Marco walked up to her, gave her a kiss on the cheek “How are you feeling today?” 

“I’m good, just expanding,” she said with a smile. 

“Well it’s my understanding that’s what suppose to happen.”  He said with a smirk.  She looked at him with a raised brow and he smiled, “but you still look beautiful.”  

“Thank you, I think,” she responded. 

“Hey Victoria,” Francesco said from across the room as he played with his nieces and nephews.  She smiled and nodded when she noticed Anna was sitting next to Dominic. 

Anna studied the interaction between Victoria and Dominic’s sibling and felt extreme jealously.  They never greeted her that way, but they were all practically falling over themselves to say hello to Victoria.  She stood and walked over to Victoria.  “I don’t think we were properly introduced I’m Anna, Dominic’s fiancée.” 

“Hi, I know who you are, I just wasn’t aware that you two were engaged.” she said as she looked at Dominic.  He moved to Victoria’s side and spoke in a low tone “We are not engaged; not anymore, now how about we head to the dining room, dinner is ready.”  They started to walk to towards the dining room when Dominic grabbed Anna by the arm, halting her progress as everyone else walked ahead.  “I don’t want you saying anything to Victoria to upset her, do you understand?” 

“I understand that you treat her like she’s your woman.  Is she your woman Dominic?  Because I don’t do threesomes.”  It angered Anna that Dominic was always so quick to protect Victoria.  “Am I at least your girlfriend?  Because if I am, I would like some of that concern for me.”  She yanked away from his grasp and walked towards the dining room. 

Everyone was already seated at the table when they walked in, Victoria purposely didn’t sit in the seat next to Dominic, and she didn’t want to cause any additional strain on their relationship.  Everyone could feel the tension in the air, but they chose to continue with their individual conversations.  Anna was irritated throughout dinner and Francesca took every opportunity to piss Anna off more.  “So Victoria and Dominic are you guys going to find out the sexes of the babies?  It would be nice to know what to buy beforehand.”  Victoria looked at Dominic for a response.

“We haven’t talked about that, I want to be surprised,” she said still looking at Dominic. 

“It really doesn’t matter to me, I just want my babies to be healthy.” Dominic said as he looked at Victoria and smiled.  Anna was ready to explode “Marco could you pass me the bread?” Anna said a little louder than was necessary as she tried to change the subject.  Francesca ignored her comment and continued “I can’t wait until the little munchkins are born, I…” 

“Okay, out of respect for me, the girlfriend, can we please not talk about the babies my boyfriend is having with another woman.” 

Francesca looked at Anna and spoke “I know you’re not …” 

Dominic interrupted her “That’s enough Fran!” 

“She right, we can change the subject, let talk about who is the flavor of the week Fran, who is it?  Brian, John, Timothy or the on again off again Ricardo?”  Victoria said smiling at Francesca.  Everyone at the table laughed and Francesca playfully pouted.  It irritated Anna even more that Victoria was able to communicate with his family so easy.  After dinner everyone headed to the family room.  Victoria decided to go home because she could see how uncomfortable Anna was having her there. 

“I think I’m going to head home, I’m feeling a little tired.” 

“Come on Vic, it’s still early, you can hang out a little while longer.”  Francesca said not wanting her to leave. 

“I’m really tired and besides I need to get my strength up to keep up with you when we go shopping this weekend,” Victoria said with a smile. 

“Are you sure you want to leave?  You can rest in one of the bedrooms,” Dominic said also not wanting her to leave. 

“If she’s tired then maybe she would be more comfortable in her own home,” Anna said, happy that she was leaving. 

“First of all…” Francesca started saying when Victoria squeezed her hand and whispered in her ear, “be nice please.”  She looked at Victoria and gave her a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. 

“Give me a second, I have to get our coats, then I’ll be ready to take you home.” Dominic turned to retrieve the coats.

“That won’t be necessary, I’m sure Francesca would love to take me home.”  Victoria said squeezing her hand again. 

“Ouch!” she said loudly looking at Victoria.

“Alright, alright you don’t have to twist my arm,” she said jokingly. 

“If it’s alright with you Victoria, I can take you home, I have to make a run close to where you live.” Marco spoke up.  Victoria gladly accepted his invitation.  She gave everyone a hug and said her goodbyes as she walked out the door with Marco. Victoria stood in front of his sports car and though maybe it would have been better to ride with someone who had a larger vehicle.  Marco must have noticed her reaction, “It looks small, but it’s very roomy inside.” 

“Good, I was going to ask, if you had a crowbar, because it may have been necessary.”

Marco laughed out loud.  “You’ll be fine, I promise.” He opened the car door and she got in.  Victoria was pleasantly surprised.  She sank in the comfortable sit as they cruised through the city. 

“So how are you really feeling?  Are you really tired or just couldn’t stand to be around Anna?”