Choices We Make: The Moretti Brothers Series (18 page)

“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-F
OUR

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. 

“How have you been feeling?” Rafael asked. 

“I’ve been feeling really good and I’m enjoying this Christmas with your family.” 

“I know I haven’t been the most pleasant person lately but I wanted to let you know that I consider you a part of this family and if you need anything you can call me.”  He said giving her eye contact. 

“Thank you Rafael, that really means a lot to me.” She started to speak but hesitated not knowing if she should ask.  “Rafael, how are you and the kids doing?  I know this must be a difficult time for the kids, not being with their mom on Christmas.” She said hoping she wasn’t over stepping her bounds by asking. 

He gave her a smiled “They kids are great and I’m getting there.” He gave her a faint smile and she knew he wasn’t ready to talk about his situation with his wife.  “I better see what my kids are doing, they are too quiet.”  He said as he went in search of them. 

Later that evening, Annette sat next to the Christmas tree.  “Okay everybody, it’s gift giving time.”  She put on her glasses so that she could call out the names.  She went through name after name, giving out gift after gift until she was almost finished.  The only ones left were the gifts that Victoria had purchased for Dominic.  They were last after everyone put their gifts under the tree, pushing theirs to the back.  His mother called the names of the three grandchildren.  They opened their gifts and all three jumped up and down with joy, they had each gotten IPads with age appropriate educational applications. 

Dominic leaned in and whispered in Victoria’s ear.  “You know you are in trouble, I can see this is going to be a long expensive night.”  He kissed her cheek before looking forward again. She blushed but didn’t give him eye contact.  Fran opened her gift to find the Michael Kors pocketbook she had been eyeing but was unable to afford it.  She screamed before she jumped up to hug Dominic.  She looked at Victoria and gave her a big hug and whispered thank you in her ear.  She knew Victoria had to have told him because he didn’t know designers handbags. 

“Wow, I know that bag cost…” Maria was cut off by Victoria’s actions.  She leaned back, out of Dominic’s range of sight and shook her head indicating not to say anything else. She looked at her with a raised brow but said nothing else. 

“What were you going to say Maria?”  Dominic asked.

“Uhh, I was going to say it cost you new soles on your shoes because I know you walked forever to find that exact bag that she wanted.  Dominic gave Victoria a knowing look. 

“Okay everyone as you probably already figured out, Victoria did my shopping this year, so you can thank her too, since she seems to have figured out what everyone likes.”  Francesco was the next to open his gift.  He was given the latest android phone.  “Wow thanks big bro and Victoria, it’s just what I needed.  Marco received new navigation system for his car. “Now maybe you can be on time when you have to pick me up.” Dominic said with a smirk.  Annette was overjoyed with the new coat she had her eye on and Maria received the sewing machine she had been looking at, she started a sewing class and really wanted that machine.  Rafael received a new laptop so that he was able to monitor what his little ones were doing on their IPads.  The last person to open their gift was Lorenzo.  He was the hardest to buy for and the one she was most nervous about.  The only thing he ever did when she was over was watch TV, but she did notice there was one show in particular that he liked to watch and she was hoping he would like his gift.  He ripped the paper off the gift, stared at it momentarily before wiping a tear away from his eye before anyone notice, he sat the gift down and walked into the kitchen, Annette was concerned and followed him. 

“Did I do something wrong?” she asked Dominic. 

“I don’t know what’s going on, I don’t think I’ve ever seen my father shed a tear before.  What’s in the box?”  Everyone was surprised at his reaction. 

“Every time I was over your parent’s house I noticed that he was watching…” before she could finish his mother and father returned.  Lorenzo walked over to Victoria and kissed her on the cheek.  “Thank you for the gift young lady, it means more to me than you will ever know.” 

“What’s in the freakin box?” Fran yelled unable to contain her nosiness. 

“It’s a fishing rod.”  Victoria said as everyone in the room looked really confused. 

“A fishing rod, but you don’t fish.”  Francesco said not understanding. 

“I don’t fish now, but when I was younger, it was my most favorite thing in the world.  My brother and I loved to do it.  I stopped fishing when you died.  I have been thinking about him lately and how much I would love to go fishing again. 

“How in the world did you know?”  Dominic whispered to her. The feeling of his breath on her neck caused her heart to pound.   This gesture by Victoria was just one more thing that caused his heart to open up more for her. 

“I didn’t know it would affect him so much, but every time I came over, he was watching mostly sports but I noticed he would always turn to the fishing channel on commercials and during breaks in the games.  There was always a look he had when he was watching it so I figured it was something he enjoyed.”  He looked at her with a new admiration.  Even though his father treated her badly, she still took special care in making sure she found him the perfect gift.  “Thank you.  You made this Christmas perfect.” He whispered in her ear as he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer to him.

“Get a room you two,” Fran said smiling.

“Shut up Fran.”  Dominic said as he kissed Victoria’s forehead, stood and walked over to the bar where Marco stood making a drink. 

“So where is your girlfriend?”  Marco asked after looking at the interaction between him and Victoria.

Dominic hadn’t thought about her all evening.  “I don’t know, actually hadn’t thought about her,” he said nonchalantly. 

“Why would you when you have that beautiful women over there, who is carrying your babies, and obviously cares about you.” 

“Yes, but she doesn’t love me.” 

“How do you know, did you ask?”  He looked at his brother and took a gulp of his drink without responding. 

It was in the wee hours of the morning.  Victoria had gone up stairs about two hours ago.  His brothers, Kevin and Richard stayed late to drink, play cards and smoke cigars in a room he converted into his personal den with special vents, so that the smoke would stay in that room only. Maria agreed to take her children and nephews to her house so that Rafael and her husband could stay. 

“So what’s really going on between you and Victoria?” Richard asked.  Everyone looked at him and laughed because Richard almost never spoke. 

“Now if Richard noticed that something’s going on between you two, it’s blatantly obvious to everyone else.”  Francesco said.  “No offense Rich, but you never comment on anything.” 

“None taken, I’m having a hard time figuring out why Anna is still in the picture, I see the way you look at Victoria, I’m just surprised you two aren’t married yet.  Richard said with a smile.  All eyes were on Dominic for a response.  “Are we playing cards or not?” Dominic asked as he took a gulp of his drink.  They all began to laugh, but didn’t not comment further as they played cards.

After locking up, Dominic checked in on Victoria.  He tapped on the door softly before opening it.  He could here soft whimpers.  Victoria, what’s wrong?  Are you in pain?” he asked with concern written all over his face. 

“No, I was just thinking about my mom.  I miss her so much, and now I’m turning into such a crybaby.” she said as the tears started again. 

“Don’t cry Vic.”  He sat on the bed and pulled her into his lap.  He cradled her as he rubbed her back, “It’s going to be okay, lay down.” she did as instructed and he too off his shirt, toed out of his shoes and laid on the bed beside her, wrapping his arms around her.  “If you need to cry, then cry.  I will be here with you.”  He pulled her into a spooning position as he rubbed her stomach.  The tingling feeling spreading throughout her body began to feel like a calming blanket that warmed her heart.  The tears eventually stopped and the relaxing motion of his hands caused her to drift off to sleep. 

After about twenty minutes he could hear light snoring.  He started to get up and go to his room, but decided against it, he liked laying there with her, comforting her, being close to her; he loved her, he loved this woman.  He kissed her on her neck gently and continued to caress her gently until he also drifted off to sleep.

Victoria woke up feeling an arm around her stomach, she thought she had dreamt last night, but there he was so beautiful and asleep.  She tried to get up without waking him but as soon as she moved he opened his eyes “You okay baby?”  She froze and he knew instantly he had made a mistake, because while he mentally he had several affectionate names for her, he never vocalized them. 
He called me baby.
“I’m fine Nick, I have to go to the bathroom.”  He moved his arm and watched as she walked into the bathroom.  He sat up, planting both feet on the ground, mentally smacking himself for making such a mistake. 

“Victoria I’m going to take and shower and make breakfast, is there anything special you would like?”  He yelled to her.

“No, whatever you make is fine.”

“Okay, I will see you down stairs.” 

*****

After breakfast Dominic went into his home office to work while Victoria relaxed in the family room with her laptop answering emails, when she heard the doorbell.  She didn’t hear movement from Dominic’s office, so she answered it. 

“Good morning.  Did I miss breakfast?”  Marco said as he kissed her on the cheek. 

“As a matter of fact you did, but I did want to talk to you.”  She looked around to make sure that Dominic was not coming.  “Come in the family room with me.”  They both walk into the other room. 

“So what up, Vic?” He asked. 

“I need to ask you something and I need you to be honest with me.”  Marco nodded “I know the deal Dominic was working on fell through, was that deal going to move his company into the next phase?”

Marco nodded, “You need to talk to Dominic about this.” 

“Marco I want to help him but I know he won’t accept money from me, so I was thinking, what it I became a silent investor.  Marco looked at her with a raised brow.  “He doesn’t have to know where to money is coming.  I really believe in his company and I know he’s going to make huge impact in the computer field.” 

Marco was silent for several seconds.  “Vic, I know you love him and if you two ever get around to starting a relationship, you don’t want it based on deception.”  Victoria looked at him strangely. 

“I never said I loved Dominic.” 

“You didn’t have to.”  He said with a smile.

“Ohh and you are the expert?” 

“As a matter of fact, I am very intuitive.” 

Victoria decided not to challenge him on the issue; she also didn’t address it any further.  “I believe in him Marco and I don’t want his business to fail, will you help me?” 

He stared at Victoria, she had no idea how rich Dominic was, and the deal that didn’t go through was a hundred million dollar deal that was going to take his company global.  “I’m sorry Victoria I wish I could help you, but you really need to talk to Nick.” 

She looked dejected, but gave him a knowing nod, after all it was his brother and she couldn’t expect him to betray his confidence.  She would have to hire another attorney to handle it. 

“Now where is my brother…wait, let me guess, in his office?” 

Victoria nodded as Marco walked towards the office.   Victoria knew she was taking a huge chance.  If it backfired, it may eliminate her chances of every being with Dominic, but it was a chance she was willing to take.  She loved him and she believed in him, and knew if given the opportunity his business would succeed.