Chapter 10

Later that evening, Juan glanced at Victoria as he escorted her to the doorway of the tavern. She had been uncharacteristically silent since she had returned from the garden with Don Diego. I wonder what happened between the two of them tonight. The naval officer had sensed the tension between the two and suspected that something was amiss..."Victoria, what's troubling you?"

"Nothing's wrong… Juan." Her usually predictable 'friend' had really surprised her. "What happened to the old Diego…he took action…he made things happen…" "Action? I'll show you action!" Diego drew Victoria into his arms and kissed Victoria's waiting mouth. The kiss took on a passion and intensity that shook them to the core. The señorita surprised herself by responding to Diego's kiss.

"You've been so preoccupied, Victoria," her companion wondered, "Are you worried about Diego, perhaps? Does it have something to do with Diego and Gabriela?"

"Diego is a grown man and can take care of himself."

"Are you jealous of Diego and Gabriela? They seemed quite friendly the other night."

"Why should be jealous of Gabriela and Diego? They have just met. She is not the right woman for him."

"How do you know who is right for him? That is not your decision to make. What are your feelings for Diego?"

"We have always been close more like brother and sister." Until recently, she added to herself. "Diego is my 'friend', Juan."

"I want to know exactly what happened between you and your 'friend' I saw the way that you looked at each other while you were dancing. You certainly didn't look like brother and sister then. I think that he cares for you more than he lets on, Victoria."

"He kissed me," Victoria admitted, "That has never happened before tonight."

"Do you love him, Victoria?"

"It was so unexpected…I thought that I knew Diego so well…"

"You didn't answer my question, Victoria. I think that he cares for you and I believe that you care for him as well."

"I do care for Diego...I've only begun to realize just how much."

"I'm not willing to give up on you so easily to Diego or anyone else for that matter. I love you, Victoria. I want to build a life with you..."

"Juan…I don't know what to say…"

"You need time to think…to decide…Your decision will affect us all."Juan escorted Victoria to her doorway and bid her goodnight. He never expected Diego to be his rival for Victoria's affections. He had known that they were close. They had been childhood friends. Victoria once had a crush on Diego but that was in the past. Or was it? Now that her relationship with Zorro was over Diego had chosen to express his feelings for her. Had they ever taken the time to explore their feelings for one another? This newest development was only an obstacle in his path. He had to know how his rival felt and what were his intentions towards Victoria. Who will she choose?

ZZZ

Don Alejandro arose early the next morning and headed into the town. The old don spotted Victoria as she swept the porch. He hoped that Victoria would be willing to talk to about last night. Her reaction to his son's kisses revealed that Victoria cared for Diego. The caballero took the broom from her hands and asked if she would join him for a cup of coffee. "Good morning, Victoria. Would you join me for a cup of coffee?"

"I always have time for you, Don Alejandro. Give me a few moments and I will join you." The taverness placed the steaming cups of coffee on the table and settled down for her conversation with Don Alejandro. She knew that Diego had probably told him what had happened last night. I need to talk to someone, she thought. Even though Don Alejandro was Diego's father, he wanted the best for her and Diego no matter what...

"Victoria, I know what happened between you and my son. He has loved you for some time. How do you feel about him, Victoria?"

"I don't know how I feel...when he kissed me I… I was shocked and even flattered by it. I don't know how I feel about anything anymore."

"Sometimes I wonder exactly how well I know my son. His feelings for you always seemed more brotherly than romantic."

"I know...It is all so confusing, Don Alejandro. Everything that I thought I knew about Diego and his feelings for me has changed."

"The Victoria Escalante that I know would face this head-on not let this overwhelm her…"

"Juan is a good man and so is Diego...I thought that I loved Zorro…"

"Did you love Zorro or what he represented? Have you ever wondered what kind of man Zorro is beneath his mask?"

"He is a brave man, an unselfish man. I am certain of that. He is so different from Diego."

"Diego fights injustice in his own way... He is not as passionate as Zorro but he has much to offer."

"I wouldn't say that Diego isn't passionate," blushed Victoria. His kiss certainly proved that. She had enjoyed it once she got over the shock. "He has the de la Vega temper but he keeps a tight rein on it. I could have fallen in love with Diego then if Zorro had not appeared. I felt an attracted to him after he returned from Spain but he has changed so much. He seemed so willing to challenge the alcalde...Then Zorro appeared."

"Is Zorro out of the picture, Victoria?"

"We could never have a normal life. A pardon would not guarantee his safety or my own. I have accepted that. I want a new life for myself, Don Alejandro. Zorro understands that."

"Whatever man you chose will be fortunate whether it is Juan, Diego or someone else. I have faith in you," Don Alejandro began, "You have a good head on your shoulders. If you need someone to talk to, I will be glad to listen. All I want is for you to be happy."

"Thank you, Don Alejandro," she said as she kissed him on the cheek, "That means a great deal to me."