Choices We Make: The Moretti Brothers Series (16 page)

“How are you feeling Vic?  Jackie called me and I flew in early this morning. Is everything okay with the babies? What are the doctors saying?” 

“I’m fine, but the doctor is putting me on bed rest.” 

“Oh Vic, I should have stayed here with you.” 

“Monica it was just one of those things, I’ll be fine once I get home in my own bed.” 

“I thought I made myself clear, you are going to stay with me.”  Dominic said in a low but stern voice. 

“Nick, I can’t move in with you.  You have a girlfriend and how would that look?  No thank you, I’m going home, I can hire a staff to help me.” 

“Obviously I’m not making myself clear Victoria, you are carrying my babies and the only way I can insure that you and the babies are safe is if I watch over you, and that means you are staying with me.”  Victoria wanted to protest but her heart would not allow her to.  She laid back in the bed and turned her head.  “Do you want something to eat Vic?” he said in a softer voice.

“Yes.” she responded without looking at him.

“Good, I’ll get a menu from the nurse,” he said as he walked out of the room. 

Monica looked at the exchange between Victoria and Dominic and could not believe her ears or eyes.  “All I want to know is, who are you and what have you done with my best friend?  I have never known you to back down from a fight or give in so easy.  What’s up?” 

“Nothing’s up, I’m just tired and I don’t have the energy to fight.”  

“Uh huh…” Monica mumbled under her breath.  Victoria looked at her and rolled her eyes.  “Don’t roll your eyes at me, you’re the one about to move in with the Adonis; girl I ain’t mad at you, his is beautiful.  You never told me he looked like that, if I went away for two weeks with something like that, I would be pregnant too, he is fine.” 

“Don’t start Monica, he has a girlfriend.” 

“So why is he so adamant about you moving in with him, and what does the girlfriend think about all of that?”  She looked at Victoria and could see she was not telling her everything.  “You’re in love with him aren’t you?”  “Don’t be ridicule, I’m not in love with him, he’s the father of my babies, that’s all.”  She lied not wanting anyone to know how she felt about him.

Dominic was about to reenter the room when he heard the entire conversation.  He walked in and their conversation cease.  “Here’s the menu, the nurse said she would call in your order.”  He paused trying to look into Victoria’s eyes but she looked downward at the menu.  “I going to go home and change, I will be back in a few hours.  Make sure she doesn’t get out of this bed.”  He said to Monica.  She gave him a nod.  He walked over to her and kissed her on the forehead and whispered “If you need anything, call me and I will bring it when I come back, okay?”  She nodded and said thank you.  Dominic walked out without looking back. 

Monica looked at Dominic’s back as he exited the room. “Okay if you both can’t admit that you guys are in love with each other then at least admit it to me because from where I’m stand there is so much love sparking off of you two, I was afraid I would get burned.” 

“Whatever, I don’t want to talk about it.” 

“Yeah, I bet you don’t.” Monica said sarcastically.  Victoria gave her an evil look. “Okay, okay we can change the subject.” 

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Dominic sat in his car, replaying what he’d heard, what he already knew, that Victoria didn’t love him, but why would he expect her to, they didn’t have that kind of relationship, hell they wouldn’t have a relationship at all if she hadn’t gotten pregnant.  Dominic put the conversation out of his head and went home, he needed to make the necessary arrangements so that the house would be ready when Victoria was released. 

*****

Three days later, Victoria was released from the hospital and on her way to Dominic’s house.  Victoria had given Monica instructions on what to bring from her condo as well as making sure the maid service cleaned out the perishables in the kitchen and turn down her condo until she returned.  She was anxious about moving in with Dominic but in the end agreed that it was the right thing to do.  Victoria hadn’t seen his mother or sisters in the last two days and was wondering what happened.  The doctor had given explicit instructions for her to remain on strict bed rest only getting up to go to the bathroom and limiting her trips up and down the stairs.  Dominic had spent most of his time in the hospital with her, now he was driving her to his home where she would be for a while.  They pulled into the driveway and Dominic helped her out of the car and into the house.  When she walked into the house everyone shouted “Welcome Home”.  Dominic’s entire family was there, including Jacqueline, Monica and even Anna.  “Wow, thanks everyone,” she said as Dominic walked her over to the sofa. 

She had to admit that it was an enjoyable afternoon.  She stayed on the sofa interacting with everyone as Anna played the perfect girlfriend, which irritated Victoria.  She hoped that her jealousy didn’t show.  Victoria was getting tired and wanted to lie down.  Dominic helped her up the stairs as Monica and Francesca followed.  Once in the bedroom Dominic left them to help her get ready for bed. 

“I don’t know why that bitch is even here, she wasn’t invited.” Francesca said as she pulled back the covers on the bed.

“Damn girl, how do you really feel?  Vic, did I tell you how much I like Fran?” Monica said as she helped Francesca with the bed while Victoria changed her clothes.

“Please be nice Fran, she is your brother’s choice and you stop instigating the situation.”  Victoria said staring at Monica.  

“Whatever.   Why don’t you tell him how you feel?” Victoria looked at Francesca then at Monica

“What are you talking about Fran?  I care about your brother, he is the father of my babies, but he is practically engaged, so let’s just drop it.” 

“That’s not what I meant and you know it.” 

“Fran I said drop it!”  Victoria said sternly. 

Francesca looked at Monica and Monica shrugged her shoulders.  “Okay I’ll drop it for now.”  They helped Victoria in the bed and both laid across and continued their conversation about everything but Dominic and Anna. 

Dominic knocked on the door, they had been in there almost an hour and he wanted to make sure Victoria was comfortable.  Francesca opened the door. 

“Is everything alright, you ladies took so long I was getting worried.” He said with a smile as you looked over at Victoria. 

“Everything’s fine Nick, we were just talking.”  Victoria said not trying to give him eye contact.

“Everyone’s about to leave, they wanted to know it they could say goodbye before they left. 

“Sure, they are welcome to come up.” 

Everyone came to the room to say their goodbyes except for Anna.  It started to get late and Dominic checked in on Victoria one last time before going to bed. 

“Dominic stop worrying about me and get some rest.  Is Anna she still here?”

“No, Anna left shortly after you came up stairs.  She had another appointment.”

“Ohh… well I’m comfortable, so get some rest.” 

“Okay but yell if you need anything, I’m right next door.”  He gave her a kiss on her forehead and walked out the room.  Victoria laid in the bed thinking about Nick and how much easier everything would be if he loved her too. 

*****

Over the next month Victoria and Dominic were able to create a schedule that worked for them.  Dominic worked mostly at home and Victoria was able to get most of her work done from bed.  Dominic had set up a mini office in the bedroom, only after she promised she would not work more than four hours a day and take several breaks.  Christmas was fast approaching and The Moretti family decided to do something they had never done before, Annette decided that since Victoria was on bed rest that Christmas dinner would be at Dominic’s home. 

Between taking care of Victoria and trying to run his business he really didn’t have time for Christmas shopping or even decorating the house.  Victoria decided to surprise Dominic by having a professional service to come and completely decorate the house inside and out, she also took care his gift buying.  She knew his family really well now and thanks to the power of the Internet, she was able to purchase everyone’s Christmas gifts.  Luckily Dominic had to go out of town overnight and they were able to complete the decorating in less than forty-eight hours.  Monica and Francesca were there to make sure the service did as instructed.  Victoria was feeling stronger and decided to be down stairs when Nick came home.  She wanted to see the look on his face when he entered the house.  Monica, Francesca and Victoria sat in the living room waiting for him to arrive. 

*****

Dominic stood in the airport waiting for Marco.  He could afford to hire a driver and briefly thought about it, but in the end he wanted to keep his life as simple as possible for as long as he could.  Because his millions came from software development, not many people were unaware of his financial stature. 

Many things were running through his mind, Christmas was a week away and he had only purchased one gift.  He wanted to make this Christmas to be special for Victoria because he knew it was her first one without her mother.  He had intended to purchase new Christmas decorations to make the house more festive. Now that the business deal he was working on, for the better part of a month, was finally complete, he could focus on Christmas; he still had to buy gifts, decorate and have his maid service prepare the house for Christmas dinner.  This was going to be a busy week for him.  He though about Victoria and wondered how she was feeling today.  Thinking about her caused him to smile.  She continued to be bothered by the weight gain, but she looked beautiful. 

“So, what’s the stupid grin for?”   Dominic looked up to see Marco.

“Not for your late ass.  Can you ever be on time for anything?” 

Marco looked at his brother and smiled, “How was your trip, do you think they will accept your proposal?” 

“I’ll know in a few days,” he said as he slid on the passenger’s side of Marco’s sports car.  Dominic laid his head on the headrest and closed his eyes as Marco sped down the highway. 

“You look tired bro, you really need to get more rest.” 

“Yeah well, when you figure out how to put more hours in a day then I will get more rest.  Between this business, making sure Victoria is taking it easy and trying to maintain a relationship with Anna there’s not much time for sleep.” 

“So why don’t you let Victoria go back in her condo and you can hire staff to take care of her?” 

“Marco what the fuck are you talking about, why would I ask Victoria to move out of my house, she is having….”

Marco interrupted him “Yeah, yeah she the having your babies and what does that mean, what’s the real reason you feel like you and only you can take care of her?” 

“What the hell are you talking about Marco?”  

“What I’m talking about, big bro is, you being honest with yourself and Victoria.  You love her and that’s the reason she’s there, and the reason that you and only you can take care of her.  Just admit it.”  Dominic was silent for a few seconds. 

Well you can’t be in love by yourself.  She doesn’t feel the same way.” 

“How do you know, have you asked her?” 

“I don’t need to ask her, I overheard her tell her girlfriend that she didn’t love me.” 

“You know the bad thing about overhearing things?” 

Marco looked over at his brother. “I’m sure you are going to tell me.”

“The bad thing about overhearing shit is most of the time you only hear part of the story and what you hear is what they want that person to hear.  Most of the time it’s not factual.  You need to talk to her, tell her how you feel and let the chips fall.”  Dominic looked at his brother but did not respond. 

When Marco pulled in front of Dominic’s house, it was about 8 o’clock at night and they both did a double take.  “Is this my house?”  Dominic asked, unable to believe his eyes.  His house was the brightest house on the block.  Every window was trimmed with clear lights and a wreath with a red bow.  The shrubs on the front lawn also had clear lights, giving the house a rich, Christmas festive feel.  The columns and doorway were trimmed with garland and clear lights accented with red bows.  Everything about the way it was decorated screamed classy. 
Victoria.
He thought as he and Marco walked through the door. Dominic didn’t recognize his own house. The inside was more festive than the outside. “Wow, who knew your place could look this good.” 

“Shut up!” Dominic said smiling as they walked into the living room.  The ladies heard them coming in and turned around.  “The house looks amazing.  How did you get all if this done?” 

“Don’t look at me!  You know menial work is not my thing, you have to talk to your house guest.”  Francesca said with a smile and pointed to Victoria.  Dominic looked at Victoria, “I knew you were really busy with that business deal, and you’ve opened up your house to me, it was the least I could do.” 

“Victoria, you are on bed rest, you shouldn’t be over exerting yourself.  I can’t believe you two allowed her to work like this.”  Dominic said directing his attention to Monica and Francesca.

“Calm down Nick.  We had a service come in and do the decorations.  The only work I did was move from the bedroom to the living room to make sure they did as I instructed.  Do you honestly believe with these two would let me lift a finger?” she said as she smiled at Francesca and Monica. 

Dominic instantly relaxed.  “The place looks beautiful Victoria,” Marco said as he kissed the three ladies on there cheeks.  “I have to head out, but I will see you all on Christmas Eve.” 

“Okay Marc and thanks for the ride.” 

“Any time,” Marco said as he walked out the door. 

“Well I have to head out too, Vic call me if you need anything.” Monica kissed her as she followed Marco out the door. 

“I’m heading out too, see you guys” Francesca said as she walked out the door behind Monica. 

Dominic walked over the sofa and sat beside Victoria.  “You didn’t have to do this Vic, you are suppose to be relaxing.” 

“I am relaxing, and I could see how stressed you’ve been, I just wanted to help.” 

He kissed her on her forehead and looked around.  “The house looks incredible, thank you.” 

“Well I also took the initiative to do something else and I hope you won’t be angry.”  “I will only be angry if you disobeyed the doctor’s instructions. I don’t want you overexerting yourself, Victoria.” 

“I promise I didn’t, but I may have overstepped my bounds in another area.” 

He looked at her, “I don’t understand, you have free reign in this house.  Whatever you want to do is fine and long as you’re relaxing.” 

“Oh, I was very relaxed doing this, actually I really enjoyed doing it.” 

He gave her a peculiar look” “Okay now I’m totally confused, what are you talking about?” 

“I know that you’ve been stretched pretty thin over the last month, between your business, trying to maintain your relationship with Anna and taking care of me, I figured you didn’t have time or the energy to do your Christmas shopping.” 

“It’s fine, I will get it done this tomorrow.” 

“Well you don’t have to because I did your Christmas shopping for you.”  She paused to gauge he response. 

“What do you mean you did my shopping?” 

“I made a list of your entire family.  I’m really good at reading people, I have to be in my business, anyway, I think I was able to match gifts with personalities.”  “He looked at her and appeared to be frustrated. 

“You shouldn’t have done that Victoria.  I can take care of my own responsibilities, including doing my own Christmas shopping.  You are here to relax, not take care of me.  I’m supposed to take care of you and make sure that your comfortable until the babies are born.” 

“So you’re saying that I can accept help from you but I can’t reciprocate?  You need to bring that Alpha male bullshit down a peg.  I care about you and I was trying to relieve some of the stress you’ve been under, and if spending a little money relieves your stress and makes me feel like I’m not being a leach, then I will spend the money.  If you want me to send the gifts back then I will, but I will also go back to my own home, because I’m not going to stay here, if you won’t let me contribute in ways that I am able.” 

Dominic stood and walked over to the bar but decided against a drink and got bottled water instead.  “Do you want me to help you to your bedroom?”