Martin rubbed his chin. He had the calculating look he often got when he was working through a tricky staffing situation. “You really think Victoria’s going to find another caterer? The wedding’s the day after tomorrow, and it’s less than a week before Christmas. Who the hell is going to be able to cater a sit-down dinner for two hundred people on such short notice?”
“I’m sure Victoria will find someone.” Rafael’s brothers hadn’t seen her in full organization mode. By now, she would have pulled off a last-minute save.
And moved on completely.
“I’m not so sure,” Martin said. “For now, we keep going as if the wedding’s still on.”
Rafael shook his head. They had hours of work left. “But…”
“Trust me,” Martin said. “Because if Ben comes crawling back, we want to be ready. The guy might be an asshole, but I’d rather not take the financial hit.”
Rafael had no desire to help Ben out, but he’d do whatever his brothers asked, pride be damned. This was what family was about. They loved and supported you, no matter what.
“Thanks. I owe you one,” he said.
“You’ll repay me eventually,” Martin said. “Now, let’s get to work.”
Chapter 27
Victoria woke on Thursday to a pounding head, a queasy stomach, and a feeling of existential dread. She didn’t want it to be morning. Not if it meant she’d have to face the day.
Last night had been a disaster of epic proportions. She’d ruined things with Rafael. She let Ben push her around. And then, after she returned home from Blackwood Manor, she compounded her misery by drinking half a bottle of red wine and sobbing until her eyes were raw. By the time she fell asleep, she was a woozy, miserable mess.
As she sat up in bed, the horrible incident with Ben played on a loop, filling her with a tangled mix of emotions. Fury at Ben. Guilt at the way she’d treated Rafael. Sorrow at the thought of losing him. And sheer panic when she contemplated the reality of finding a decent caterer with two days to go.
A few times last night, she’d been tempted to call Rafael and apologize profusely. But what good was an apology if she couldn’t back it up?
When her phone pinged on the nightstand, she lunged for it, hoping Rafael was checking in on her.
Instead, Missy had sent her a message filled with heart-eye emojis.The trees look amazing!!!
If Victoria had to guess, she’d assume Ben hadn’t informed Missy of the catering issue. He’d probably gone back to his condo and slept off the booze.
She needed to call Missy and tell her what had happened. Any goodwill she’d built up with the demanding bride-to-be would instantly evaporate.
But before dealing with Missy, she had to clear her head. She changed into her running gear and hit the road, putting in six grueling, sweaty miles. An extra one to make up for the pepperoni pizza she’d eaten at the tree-decorating party. After she showered and dressed, she forced herself to call Missy.
The call went straight to voicemail.
She was about to try again until she remembered their last conversation. Missy had mentioned something about spending the day at Glen Ivy Hot Springs. Which gave Victoria a little breathing room. On the chance she could find another caterer before Missy’s spa day ended, she might be able to avoid a huge blowup. She ended the call without leaving a message.
After filling a tumbler with coffee, she drove to Blackwood Manor and sequestered herself inside her office. The first caterer she called responded with enthusiasm.
“I’d love to do it,” the woman said. “A Christmas wedding at the manor sounds delightful. But can I wait until January to meet with the couple? We’re slammed.”
“Actually, I meant December 22 of this year,” Victoria said.
“As in, this Saturday? Is this a joke?”
The woman was still laughing when Victoria hung up.
By one thirty, she’d worked her way through five more names, all of whom were too busy with other events or too understaffed to prepare for a wedding of this size. When Ben sent her a text, demanding an update, she ignored it. Same with his next two texts. Arguing with him would only waste time.
But when her phone pinged a half hour later, she forced herself to look at the screen. Her father had messaged her.
My office. Now.
Ben must have alerted him. She could only hope he hadn’t told her fathereverything.
