Victoria wrinkled her nose as she saw their destination. She was no stranger to the Mexican restaurant but she had always assumed it was a secret place. It wasn't fancy or exclusive. In actuality, they just had really amazing tacos. But she never mentioned it and had assumed like so many things, it was a secret to her family, especially Conrad.
"What is this?" She asked as they walked towards the door. She clung to the last shred of hope that this was a bizarre coincidence. She didn't think she could stand if he knew her secrets. It made her feel vulnerable and there was nothing Victoria hated more than being vulnerable.
"We both know you know what this is," Conrad replied. He had never pretended not to keep close tabs on his wife. He knew that when she was feeling down she came here. He also knew that she kept it secret, always paying with cash to prevent it from showing on any credit card statements. She was clever, but he was one step ahead of her. After the David Clarke fiasco he had kept her closely monitored. It started as a way to protect his image and his family but the further they drifted, the more it served as a way to feel close to her.
Over the years, Conrad had uncovered more things by keeping tabs on Victoria than by communicating with her. That was how he learned that Leslie Williams had dropped a twenty pound weight on Victoria's foot at the gym. Since he wasn't supposed to know, Conrad had taken extreme measures, convincing Lydia to take Victoria on a "spa retreat" where the resort employees had been given intense directions and Victoria had unknowingly been treated by a doctor. Of course, back in the Hamptons, Conrad had used that time to destroy the Williams family.
It was also how he realized how much Victoria loved Abuelos. Although he wasn't a big fan of Mexican he had frequented the restaurant a few times, sampling different items and trying to pinpoint what his wife would order there.
Victoria was about to argue with Conrad and deny ever stepping foot into the establishment, but before she could say a word the host greeted her by name.
"Hola, Miss Victoria!"
"I'm sure it was a lucky guess." Conrad grumbled, enjoying the crimson on Victoria's cheeks. She frowned at Conrad, but quickly smiled at the young hostess.
"Hello, Marianna. I'd like to introduce you to my husband, Conrad."
Victoria placed her hand on Conrad's shoulder and he instinctively shook the hostess' hand.
"You have the sweetest wife. She saved my son's after school program all by herself." Conrad turned to Victoria, raising his eyebrows. She certainly was full of surprises.
"It was. Nothing. One quick phone call to inform the superintendent of some of the tax write-offs for those programs. It was nothing."
"It was something to me." Marianna said as she grabbed two menus and lead them to a cozy corner booth. Victoria thanked her, squeezing her hand before sliding into the booth. Afterwards, Victoria tried looking at the menu but she could feel Conrad's eyes on her.
"What?" She said without looking up.
"You're full of surprises, Vic."
"I said it was nothing. One phone call."
"Give yourself more credit. Some of the top guys in the office don't even know what a tax write-off is let alone be able to specifically pinpoint one-"
"Seven."
"I'm sorry?"
"I found seven tax write-offs." She corrected, still not looking up. Conrad grabbed her hand, forcing her to look at him.
"That's amazing. You've got such a knack for business. I don't think you realize how incredible you really are. I should have hired you at Grayson Global."
"I don't think I could work for the boss. I've heard terrible things about him." She joked.
"I heard he has his moments." Victoria smiled as she rolled her eyes, her signature move for dismissing things.
"I really am proud of you. And to do all that just to help someone else, I just-"
"I said it was nothing." Conrad couldn't stop thinking about it, but knew better than to keep pushing her.
Conrad settled on a variety platter, giving him a sample of a few signature dishes. He was surprised to learn that Victoria's "usual" was two chicken tacos and a shrimp taco. The server remembered that she preferred a side salad instead of rice and even pointed out that he added extra avocado for her. Conrad wondered if there was any man who didn't fall victim to Victoria's charms. Although he normally would be jealous, he found himself enjoying the way the men seemed to compete with one another. The server often came back to check on them but only refilled Victoria's drink. Even the busboys grabbed her plates the second she moved them towards the end of the table. Conrad wondered if they were all trying to grab the plate at the exact second so they could brush her hand. If it were him, that would be his end game.
But Victoria seemed ignorant to their ploys. Conrad wondered if she truly believed that everyone was treated the way she was. Not because of her name, but because of her beauty. As he watched her, Conrad couldn't help but wonder if she truly understood how hard he was trying to win her heart or if she assumed he was just being nice to her.