Damn.Rafael tried to repress the smile crossing his face, but it was impossible.
Araceli approached them, carrying a wicker basket filled with white glass ornaments. “We okay over here?”
Ben stepped back and rubbed his hands over his face. “Fuck you, Victoria. I can’t wait for this shit show to be over.”
With that, he left, cursing under his breath as he stumbled out of the room.
Araceli turned to Victoria. “Did I hear that right? Did you just tell Ben Macalister he has a tiny prick?”
Victoria grinned. “The tiniest.” She met Araceli’s hand for a high five.
Rafael could not have been prouder.
Chapter 33
Victoria took refuge behind one of the glittering Christmas trees and discreetly wiped the sweat from her forehead. What she wouldn’t have given for a tissue or a lace handkerchief. As flattering as her cocktail dress was, it needed pockets.
She wassoready to be done with this wedding. By now, her feet were killing her. Her head was pounding. And she’d been wearing a fake smile for so long her cheeks ached. But the physical discomfort was worth it. Because, despite all the stress leading to the big day, the Cavendish-Macalister extravaganza was a rousing success.
Too bad she couldn’t enjoy it properly.
Though she’d had a cranberry mojito earlier, the alcohol hadn’t taken the edge off. Nor had she been able to savor the delicious food, because her appetite had vanished out of sheer anxiety. But she could still take pride in the way the wedding had come together.
The ballroom could have been the set piece for a Christmas-themed movie. The appetizers and entrees had received rave reviews from the guests. And the hot chocolate bar had proved so popular that she’d asked a few of the servers to help manage the flow of people. The only unpleasant moment had come during the garter toss, when Ben was so drunk he’d fallen over himself while pawing at Missy’s thigh.
Victoria emerged from her hiding place and circled the room slowly, making sure nothing was amiss. As she was finishing up her inspection, she stopped to talk to her mother, who was seated by herself, nursing a glass of wine. Victoria slipped into the seat next to her. “Hi, Mom. Are you doing all right?”
“I’m fine. Brian’s out there, sharing a cigar with Mac or one of his cronies.” She waved her hand toward the outdoor terrace of the ballroom—the only place smoking was permitted. “He can be so crass.”
“He hasn’t spoken to me all night. Are you sure he’s okay with me moving back home next week?” Victoria had been surprised when her mother called earlier that morning and extended the offer. “Otherwise, I can keep staying with Connor.”
“I want you home for Christmas.Please.And you don’t have to move out anytime soon, no matter what Brian says.”
Though she was grateful for the support, Victoria was done living under the same roof as her father. “Thanks, but it’s time for me to get my own place. I’m kind of excited because I found a few apartments I really like. But I’ll stay until I sign a lease.”
“I understand. No matter what happens, you’re always welcome at home. Connor, too.” Her mother gave a sad smile. “That enormous house will feel much quieter without you.”
“Sorry.” Victoria fiddled with one of the pine boughs on the table. “And I’m sorry if I made things uncomfortable for you and Dad.”
To her surprise, her mother threw back her head and laughed. A real laugh, not a fake society one. “Oh, honey. Things have been uncomfortable for years. And actually…” She drained the rest of her wine. “I was talking to your Aunt Becca when I was out in New York. Now that her daughter’s at Cornell, she has an extra room available. I’m going back in April to stay for a few months. Spring in New York is delightful.”
Victoria’s breath caught. “Are you and Dad—”
“Getting divorced? No. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. But a little separation might be nice. He has his women if he needs company.”
That sucked. And it could have been Victoria’s life had she been foolish enough to marry a rich asshole like Ben.
Her mother looked around the ballroom. “I’m sorry the wedding was so hard on you. I wish I could have been there for you a lot sooner. But you outdid yourself. Everything has been splendid.”
“Thanks, Mom.” The words of praise warmed Victoria’s heart, especially since her father had ignored her all evening. Not that she’d let him dampen her spirits. If he wanted to act like a resentful child, that was on him.
“Even if you don’t want to work for your father, you’re very good at this. Although…” Her mother picked up one of the jingle bell favors and shook it at Victoria. “These are beyond tacky. And people have been ringing them all night.”
Victoria laughed. “I agree. Missy came up with them during her deep dive into Pinterest.”
“I suspected as much.” Her mother stood up. “If I’m going to get through the evening, I need more wine. Do you want anything?”
“I’m fine. Thanks.” Victoria leaned in and gave her mother a hug, inhaling her familiar lily-of-the-valley perfume. “I’m going to check on things in the kitchen.”
