Chapter 14

Victoria watched as Diego washed the remainder of the dishes. She had thoroughly enjoyed their time together. Diego had left to complete the rest of his article at the newspaper and then returned to help her with the dishes. It was most unconventional for a man of Diego's stature to wash dishes. In fact, he had washed dishes while he was at the university. It was his way of getting to know people who didn't know the de la Vega name...a way to get to know others from different walks of life. "Thank you, Diego."

"I have enjoyed being with you today. I look forward to more days like this," he smiled as he put away the dishes, "Being with you has been wonderful, Victoria."

"Gracias, Diego." Diego brushed his hand softly against Victoria's cheek. He gave into her eyes barely concealing his longing to kiss her.

He wants to kiss me. I know he does, she thought. And I would like him to...

Diego responded to the unspoken invitation in Victoria's eyes. He bent and gently brushed his lips against her own. Satisfied with his response, he deepened the kiss even more...The two were so involved in the kiss that they did not notice the man standing in the doorway of the kitchen. Juan strode angrily in the kitchen and separated Diego from Victoria forcefully. Diego's instincts kicked in and he punched the younger man in the jaw.

"Juan! Diego! Stop this at once!" Victoria cried as Mendoza separated the two men. How could something so wonderful cause so much trouble?

Diego struggled as his father held him back. Juan had the worst timing imaginable. At least I got to kiss the girl, he smirked. "Calm down, Diego," his father instructed, "That is enough! Please excuse us, Victoria. Come, Diego." The taller man allowed himself to be led away but not before he smiled regretfully at Victoria...

Juan paced the floor of the kitchen. "Our time together is so limited. I want to spend time with you but what do I find when I return, Diego. He is always at the tavern."

"I am free to spend my time with whoever I like. Diego surprised me today with a picnic..."

"How romantic! I return and find him kissing you. Some 'friend'."

"We have always been friends, Juan. You know that!"

"Friends don't kiss like that. Don Alejandro would like nothing more than for you to become his daughter-in-law."

"Who I marry will be my decision not Don Alejandro's! I will not deny that I have feelings for Diego."

"You need to decide who you want to spend the rest of your life with... Diego or me. In three days, I leave for Monterrey. I expect an answer from you in three days."

"What would I to do with the tavern if I became your wife?The tavern is my livelihood and my legacy, a link to my parents."

"Put it up for sale if you decide to become my wife."

"I do not know if I could give it up to become just a wife? I need time...to think, Juan."

"Three days. I can offer you no more...I await your decision," Juan left the tavern for a breath of fresh air. Why did I give her an ultimatum? I wish I hadn't let my temper get the best of me.

ZZZ

Gabriella was eager to rest her feet. The tavern had seemed like the place to relax from time spent in the marketplace. Some of Victoria's wonderful lemonade would be the perfect anecdote for a hot day. "Senor Ortiz. What happened to your jaw?" Juan's jaw was beginning to turn a lovely shade of purple.

"Hola, Senorita de Hernandez. I ran into Diego's fist. Pure luck, I assure you," he stated as he put a hand to his jaw.

"Diego...Diego de la Vega? There must be some mistake. Diego would not do something like that..."

"Is there another Diego de la Vega?"

"I am surprised that Diego would resort to such violence. He is known for his peace loving ways. It must have something to do with Victoria Escalante."

"Diego kissed Victoria and …"

"You interrupted them?"

"Diego and I fought and…"

"How did Victoria respond?"

"After Diego and his father left, I gave her an ultimatum…Diego or me."

"Victoria does not like ultimatums."

"I realize that now."

"Make her understand why you did what you did. If you are honest with her, then she will understand. There is one other thing that you must do. Declare a truce with Diego...apologize to him."

"Apologize to Diego? You don't know what you are asking me to do, Gabriela. He was kissing Victoria…"

"Si. It takes two…Does it not? If Victoria is so important to you, then you will do whatever is necessary to win her 't let your pride cloud your good judgment. Here's your chance, Juan. Diego should be closing the newspaper office right about now."

I will prove that I am the better man. Diego will always be a part of her life even if she chooses me, he admitted ruefully. Juan watched as Diego exited the newspaper office. Speak of the devil. He was not looking forward to this anymore than Diego. I suppose I must apologize if only to get back into Victoria's good graces, he thought. It is time to bite the bullet so to speak... "Diego, I need to speak to you."

"Juan, I must apologize for my actions. I was not brought up to behave that way. I behaved badly and I want to apologize for my behavior..."

"I accept your apology but I will not stop pursuing Victoria. I want her to be my wife if she will have me. We agree to a truce, then for her sake."

"As long as we understand each other. All is fair in love and war." The two men shook hands as Gabriela looked on. They were two stubborn men and would probably never be friends.

"Good day, Diego."

ZZZ

Victoria cleared away the last of the dishes. She was just about to hang up the closed sign when Gabriella approached. "Victoria, I would like to speak to you for a moment if I may. I am concerned about Juan and Diego..."

"What concern is it of yours, Gabriella?" Victoria suspected that the younger woman was interested in Juan. "Is it only friendship on your part or is it something more?"

"Diego is my friend and so is Juan. I care about them both and I don't want anyone to be hurt least of all Juan. He loves you. He wants to marry you. He needed someone to talk to and I was willing to listen."

"You were a shoulder for him to cry he needed someone to talk to, then he should have come to me!"

"I am his friend nothing more. I want him to be happy...if he can find happiness with you, then so be it."

'I will give him my answer in my own time...It is not a decision that I take lightly."