Though Victoria had originally planned to beg for Missy’s understanding, she realized she’d get better results if she faced her rival as an equal, not a subordinate. “I turned in my notice yesterday afternoon. But I’m sure June will do a good job. Providing she can find a new caterer.”
“Youwere supposed to find another caterer.”
“Sadly, I had no luck.” Victoria ambled over to the coffee maker. “Can I offer you some coffee?”
“I can’t drink coffee, you petty bitch. It’s not good for the baby. And that June woman is a joke. When I called her this morning, she didn’t have a replacement for Tres Hermanos yet.”
“Well, it might be a challenge, seeing as how the wedding’s tomorrow.” Victoria shook her head as if to chastise Missy. “Ben never should have fired Rafael.”
“Seriously? Ben had every right to fire that bastard. Rafaelthreatenedhim.”
Despite her fury at Ben’s lies, Victoria kept her cool. “That’s not what happened. When Ben showed up on Wednesday night, he was drunk. He pushed me up against the wall and tried to kiss me. All Rafael did was tell him to leave.”
Missy circled around her, like she was playing the role of a TV detective. “Now we have it. Therealreason you quit. You’re so desperate to get Ben back you’ll do anything to sabotage the wedding. It’s not going to happen. He doesn’t love you. He never did.”
Victoria no longer cared what her ex thought of her. All she wanted to do was make things right for Rafael. “You’re right. He doesn’t love me. But his actions bordered on harassment. If you don’t believe me, we can check the security footage from Wednesday night.” At Missy’s shocked look, Victoria gave her a sly smile. “You think we didn’t have security cameras? That’s a 1920s ballroom in pristine architectural condition.”
Missy took a step back and smoothed her hands over her stomach. “Ben had too much to drink, that’s all. He’s been under a lot of stress, what with the baby coming. It doesn’t mean he wants you back.”
Why did Missy keep pushing this agenda? “I don’t want him back either. I’m involved with Rafael.”
If Missy was surprised by her confession, she didn’t show it. She let out a snort. “And you fed me all that bullshit about being professional.”
Victoria gnawed on her lip, genuinely contrite at the lies she’d spun. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have lied to you.” Not only to Missy, but to everyone. “But my love life is none of your business. Nor is it any concern of Ben’s. But on Wednesday night, when he found out, he got so upset he fired Rafael. Which means he screwed over everyone at Tres Hermanos. They didn’t deserve that after all the work they’ve done. That’s why I quit.”
If Missy had any semblance of a heart, she’d realize the damage Ben had done. But on the off chance shedidn’thave a heart, Victoria had another card left to play.
“Another thing. All those craft projects you had us do? Since you never paid the Sanchez family for their labor, you won’t get to use them.” Victoria gave a wistful sigh. “Maybe we’ll donate the gingerbread houses to charity. They turned out beautifully.”
Missy gritted her teeth. “That’s a shitty move, and you know it.”
As much as Victoria enjoyed playing the role of a heartless villain, goading Missy served no purpose other than sheer, vindictive pleasure. And she needed to wrap this shit up. She dropped the cool facade and tried to engage Missy like an actual human being.
“I’m going to be honest. I didn’t want to coordinate your wedding, and you haven’t made it easy for me. But after all the work I’ve put in, I want it to be a success. I’mnottrying to sabotage anything. I’m in love with Rafael.”
Had she just said that? Rolled over and showed her underbelly to the one person who’d delight in taking her down?
She expected Missy to laugh at her, but her nemesis only gave a wry smile. “Not exactly the height of good judgment. But understandable. The man is smoking hot.”
“And he’s sweet, talented, and incredibly thoughtful. I just want him to get his job back.”
Missy let out her breath and looked up at the ceiling. But when she met Victoria’s eyes, she shook her head. “That’s not possible. I could ask Ben if he’d agree to use Tres Hermanos, but he won’t want Rafael there.”
Victoria stepped closer, getting up in Missy’s personal space. “Do you always let Ben call the shots?”
For that, she got one of Missy’s death glares. “No. Not always. I’m the one who picked Tres Hermanos in the first place. Up until now, I’ve made all the decisions about the wedding. It hasn’t been easy. You have no idea how many hours I spent on Pinterest researching Christmas wedding favors.”
Believe me, I do.
“Doesn’t bother you that Ben undid all your hard work with one drunken meltdown?” Baiting Missy was a risky game, but Victoria was willing to chance it. “If I was in your place, I’d be pissed.”
For a brief moment, an agonized expression crossed Missy’s face, but she quickly replaced it with an icy stare. “I see what you’re doing, and it’s not going to work. You’re not tricking me into crossing Ben on the day before our wedding.”
Damn. It was worth a try.
Rather than admit defeat, Victoria didn’t break. Instead, she gave a casual shrug, as if Missy’s refusal hadn’t affected her in the slightest. “Then I guess we’re done.”
“What?”
