Welcome To Victoria's Tavern
Part 3
"Whoever is in there, I suggest you'd better come out right now, or else!" Victoria remarked sternly, as she drew back the handle of her broom. Suddenly a very tall shadowy figure dressed in black from head to toe, wearing a long flowing black cape, black hat and mask, slowly stepped through the curtains, removed his hat, and made a dramatic bow.
"Buenas noches, Señorita!" replied Zorro, as he slowly rose up to meet a very astonished Victoria.
"Zorro!" Victoria exclaimed, as she stood somewhat frozen in place, still clutching her broom.
Zorro slightly chuckled, and looked at Victoria holding the broom in her hands.
"That's a very deadly weapon you have there, Señorita! Are you planning to use that, on anyone?" he inquired in a humorous tone.
Victoria, finally recovering from the initial shock of seeing Zorro, slightly blushed, and lowered her weapon, then laid it aside, and quietly sighed with relief, and smiled.
"Forgive me, Zorro! I didn't know that it was you. I thought it was a prowler," she replied, a bit embarrassed.
Zorro gazed warmly into her eyes, and flashed a dazzling white smile at her. He walked over and took her hand, then pressed a tender kiss to the back.
"There's nothing to forgive, Señorita!" he replied in a warm tone.
Victoria slightly blushed and smiled, as she gazed into Zorro's deep blue eyes, and sighed. She slightly blinked, then shook her head, as she inwardly gathered herself.
"Zorro, what are you doing here?" she inquired, as she looked at him with curiosity.
Zorro peered into her dark eyes, and smiled.
"Do I have to have a reason to see the most beautiful tavern owner, in all of Pueblo de Los Angeles?" he remarked sincere, still holding her hand in his.
Victoria looked at Zorro modest, and smiled.
"Gracias, Zorro. That's very kind of you to say that," she replied as she slightly blushed.
Zorro looked at Victoria sincere then shook his head.
"Ah Señorita, I do not say this out of kindness, but I say it from the heart. You are truly the most beautiful woman, in the pueblo. Not only are you beautiful, but your kindness, and generosity is everlasting," he commented, as he looked at her with passion in his eyes.
Victoria felt her heart pounding, as he looked at her with those deep blue eyes of his. She thought that if she didn't offer him a seat, she would suddenly become overwhelmed with emotion, and faint. She demurely slipped her hand from his, and directed his attention to an empty table near the kitchen.
"Would you care to sit down? You must be tired, from your ride. I would be more than happy, to get you something to drink," she commented in an amiable tone.
Zorro nodded, as he gave her a warm look and smiled.
"Thank you. That would be very nice," he replied in a pleasant tone.
As he sat down, Victoria walked over behind the bar, and retrieved two wine glasses, and a bottle of her favorite wine, then brought them over to the table, and set them in front of Zorro. She was about to sit down, when she suddenly thought of the food, that she had prepared for her dinner earlier.
"Excuse me Zorro, but would you like to have something to eat? I made a delicious dinner tonight for some friends of mine, and I had plenty left over. I would be glad to bring you something, if you like," she commented, sincere.
Dios! I thought she'd never ask! thought Diego, smiling. "Oh, I don't want to trouble you, Señorita," Zorro replied amiable.
Victoria looked at Zorro warmly, and smiled.
"Oh no, Zorro. It is no trouble at all. In fact, it is still nice and warm, and it will go perfect with that wine. I will return, in uno momento." she responded cheerful. She turned, and practically sprinted off into the kitchen, to fix her masked man's dinner.
While Diego waited for his dinner, he rose from his seat, then took off his hat, cape, gloves, and swordbelt, then laid them on a chair nearby. He returned to his seat, then picked up the wine bottle, and popped the cork, then poured Victoria and himself, a drink. He didn't have long to wait, as he glanced towards the kitchen, and saw Victoria coming through the curtains carrying a tray with the most delicious-looking food he had ever seen and smelled in his life.
As she sat the food before him, he noticed that she had used her very best china, and the utensils she laid beside the plate were her very best silver. She even placed beside the plate, her best linen napkin. Zorro shook his head, and smiled as he looked up at the beautiful young tavern owner with a broad smile that reached from ear to ear.
"Oh Señorita! This is just, too much! I really don't know, what to say," he commented in a modest tone.
Victoria sat down in front of him, and smiled.
"Don't say anything, just eat," she replied smiling, as she gazed warmly into his eyes.
Zorro picked up his wine glass, and raised it in the air.
"I'd like to propose a toast, Señorita," he began.
Victoria picked up her wine glass, and looked at Zorro curious.
"A toast, Señor?" she inquired.
"Of course," he replied. "A toast, to the most beautiful Señorita, in all of Pueblo de Los Angeles, and to someday, everlasting love," he commented with passion, and smiled.
Victoria blushed as she raised her glass, and touched it with his. They both took a drink, and smiled. She looked at Zorro, and smiled.
"I'd like to make a toast, too," she commented, as she gave her handsome guest an amiable look.
Zorro picked up the bottle, and refilled the glasses.
"What kind of toast would you like to make, Señorita?" he asked curious.
Victoria raised her glass, and proceeded with her toast.
"A toast to El Zorro, the fox! The most handsome, dashing, man, I have ever met. And to someday, everlasting love," she replied with passion, as she smiled, and gazed into his eyes.
Zorro looked at her warmly, and smiled.
"Gracias, Señorita," he replied, as he reached across the table, then took her hand and kissed it. He gazed upon the soft blushing features of her face, and smiled, thinking how really beautiful she truly looked, and hoping that some day, they could spend the rest of their lives together. As he looked into her eyes, he inwardly sighed, and thought to himself, that someday will just have to wait!
Victoria smiled, as she gazed upon Zorro's masked features, and wondered who this mysterious man behind the mask, really was. Oh well, she thought, at least he's a gentleman, and a handsome one, at that! She looked at him sincere, and smiled.
"Well Zorro, I suppose you had better eat your dinner, before it gets cold," she prompted him.
Zorro slightly shrugged his shoulders, and looked at Victoria.
"Really, Señorita, I wish you would eat something as well. I do hate eating alone," he said a bit modest.
Victoria looked at the masked man, and smiled.
"Well, if it makes you feel better, I'll eat a bowl of soup," she replied. She rose from her chair, then walked back to the kitchen, and returned with her soup. As she sat down to eat, she looked at Zorro and motioned for him to begin eating.
Zorro nodded, and smiled, then began eating.
After they had finished, Victoria asked Zorro if he wanted anything else.
Zorro shook his head, and smiled.
"No thank you, Señorita, I have to say, that was an excellent dinner. You are truly a marvelous cook. It is no wonder, that your tavern is such a success," he remarked, in earnest.
Victoria looked at Zorro modest, and smiled.
"Gracias, Señor. I love to cook. I never get tired of doing it. I love trying out new recipes too," she replied with delight.
Zorro nodded, then looked at her amiable, and smiled.
"Well, your love and enthusiasm, truly shows in your cooking. I think you have truly found your calling, Señorita." he remarked, in earnest.
Victoria gave her handsome masked guest a knowing look and sighed.
"Zorro, do you think it is possible for you to call me, Victoria?" she inquired.
Diego's briefly widened his eyes, as he sat back in his chair, and looked at Victoria somewhat surprised.
Ah, she wants me to call her Victoria now! How interesting! This is getting better, every minute! he thought, smiling.
"Oh, I deeply apologize, Señ…I mean, Victoria. I did not want to appear to be disrespectful," he replied in earnest, as he smiled at the beautiful young woman.
Victoria smiled at Zorro, then shook her head.
"Oh no Zorro, not you! You could never be disrespectful! It's not in your nature. I have a feeling, that you were raised to be a proper gentleman," she commented insightful.
Zorro slowly rose from the table, then walked over to Victoria, and held out his hand. She put her hand in his, then slowly stood up, and looked into his eyes. He looked at her thoughtfully, and gently placed his hands about her shoulders, and briefly sighed.
"Victoria, please do not misunderstand me, but do not try put qualities on me that I do not have. You know very little about me, and I would hate to disappoint you if I suddenly had to do something that you did not approve of," he remarked in a serious tone.
Victoria looked at Zorro with compassion, and smiled.
"Zorro, I'm sure that whatever you have to do, it would definitely be in the interest of the people. Everything I have seen you do, you do it for the people, because you care what happens to them. Your heart and soul is with the people of this pueblo, and they know that! That's why they trust you, Zorro! And I trust you too! I know you will do the right thing," she concluded, sincere.
Diego suddenly felt his heart pounding against his chest, as a warm feeling stirred inside him. He looked at her, and smiled.
Dios! I knew there was something about this woman I loved; now I know! he thought, as he gazed passionately into her eyes. His first impulse was to take her in his arms, and give her a very passionate kiss. But instead, he smiled, and pressed a tender kiss upon her hand. Sometimes, I wish I wasn't such a gentleman, he thought, as he gently released her hand. He gazed warmly into her eyes once more, and smiled.
"I fear it is getting late Victoria, and I must be going. ¡Muchas Gracias! for the lovely dinner. You are truly an amazing woman, Victoria Escalante in more ways than one. We will see each other soon; I am sure of it!" he stated in earnest as he tenderly caressed her cheek with his hand. He quietly sighed, then turned, and picked up his hat, cape, gloves, and swordbelt, that he had draped across the chair, then quickly disappeared behind the curtains in the kitchen. Victoria followed, but when she looked around the kitchen, he was gone. She thought he had walked out the door, but when she checked it, it was still locked. She suddenly felt a draft upon her face. She glanced up, and noticed one of the windows was slightly opened. She shook her head, and smiled as she reached up, and closed the window and locked it. He really knows how to make an exit! she thought, as she passed through the curtains, and headed towards the table where they had eaten.
As she was cleaning off the table, she suddenly heard a knocking at the tavern door.
"Who could that be," she wondered out loud, as she laid down her rag, and walked towards the door. When she opened the door, she widened her eyes in amazement, as she stood at the door with her hand on her hip, staring at her visitor.
"Diego! What in the world, happened to you?" she asked, somewhat astounded at his late arrival.
Diego looked at her ruefully, and sighed.
"If you'll let me in, I'll be glad to explain," he replied.
Victoria shook her head in disbelief, and ushered him into the tavern, then closed the door. As she looked at Diego, suddenly a broad smile spread across her face. She threw her arms around him, and pressed a big kiss upon his cheek.
Diego quickly feigned a surprised expression, then looked at Victoria, and smiled.
"Well, I never thought I'd get a reception like this, for not showing up for a dinner," he remarked.
Victoria grabbed Diego's hand and pulled him over to a chair, then motioned for him to sit down. As Diego sat down, Victoria pulled up a chair, and sat down beside him.
"Oh Diego! I'm so glad, you're here! I just wanted to thank you, for such a wonderful evening," she exclaimed, with a big smile on her face.
Diego pretending to be quite confused, looked at Victoria, and scratched his head.
"Why are you thanking me? I wasn't even here. I just came by, to explain why I didn't come to your dinner," he stated sincere.
Victoria gave Diego a discerning look, then shook her head, and sighed.
"Oh come on Diego, quit teasing me. You know what I'm talking about," she replied.
Diego shook his head, and stared at her with a blank look, then shrugged his shoulders.
Victoria looked at him rather impatient, and sighed.
"Oh Diego, I'm not talking about my dinner with Alejandro, and Felipe. Or you not coming to dinner. And by the way, why didn't you show up?" she inquired as she eyed him sternly.
Diego briefly shifted in his chair, then quietly cleared his throat, and looked at Victoria.
"Well I..." he began. As he was about to explain, Victoria quickly broke in.
"Oh never mind, you can tell me later. I wanted to thank you, for telling Zorro to come to my tavern, tonight," she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Diego slowly rose from his seat, then stood up, as a look of amazement flashed across his face.
"Zorro came here, tonight?!" he inquired rather astonished.
Victoria looked at Diego in disbelief.
"Diego, quit pretending like you don't know anything, about it," she responded somewhat perturbed.
Diego looked at her, and sighed.
"Victoria, truly, I'm serious. I really don't know what you're talking about. You mean Zorro really came to the tavern, tonight? When did he come?" he inquired curious.
Victoria looked at Diego.
"You mean you really didn't tell Zorro to come here, tonight?" she asked somewhat bewildered.
Diego shook his head.
"Victoria, trust me. Would I lie to you? I had nothing to do with Zorro showing up, tonight. If he came here, he came on his own. Cross my heart, I was not responsible," he stated looking at Victoria quite serious.
Victoria nodded.
"Oh I do trust you Diego, and I know you wouldn't lie to me. It's just that when Zorro showed up tonight, I thought you had told him that I wanted to see him. After your father and Felipe left, I was cleaning up the tavern when I heard someone in the kitchen. I thought it was a prowler. But when I confronted him, it turned out to be Zorro! I just assumed, that you had told him to come here," she explained.
Diego shrugged his shoulders, and sighed.
"I'm sorry, Victoria. I really didn't have anything to do with Zorro showing up. He didn't try to harm you, did he?" he inquired looking quite concerned.
Victoria shook her head, and smiled.
"Oh no Diego. In fact, he was a perfect gentleman. He was very nice, and even kissed my hand! I can't believe Zorro actually came to see me! He just came on his own, without anyone telling him! How absolutely amazing! Oh Diego, I'll be dreaming about this all night!" she gushed, as a dreamy look came into her eyes. She quietly sighed, then rested her head on her hand, and gazed at the empty table where she and Zorro had been sitting.
Diego stepped up beside Victoria, and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Victoria, I just wanted to say how sorry I am for not coming to your dinner. I know how terribly disappointed you were, that I didn't show up," he replied, with regret. However, considering her present state of mind, he knew that she wasn't really disappointed. He just felt that it was his obligation as a caballero, to make an apology.
Victoria slightly blinked, and glanced up at Diego.
"Oh, that's all right Diego. Your father said you probably got wrapped up in a book, or something, and forgot the time. Don't give it a second thought. The evening turned out just perfect, anyway. Thanks to Zorro!" she replied in a breathless tone.
Diego sighed, and shook his head. He glanced back, and noticed the cluttered table near the kitchen.
"Say Victoria, would you like some help, cleaning up?" he asked amiable.
Victoria stood up, and nodded.
"Thank you for offering, but I can manage, really," she replied.
Diego, feeling a slight twinge of guilt on his lesser alter ego's part, looked at Victoria sincere.
"Really Victoria, it's the least I can do, for not coming to your dinner. I really don't mind," he stated, modest.
Just as Victoria was about to answer, a very loud rumble of thunder was heard outside the tavern, causing a slight tremble in the rafters. Diego and Victoria hurried to the door, opened it, then looked out just in time, to see a flash of lightening, and a wall of rain, come pouring down from the sky. The rain poured heavily upon the tiles of the roof falling from the awning of the tavern like a waterfall cascading down a mountain, and making a spattering sound, as it hit the hard dry ground.
As they stood watching the rain, Victoria put her hand to her hip, then shook her head, and smiled.
"Well Diego, it looks like you're going to be stuck here for awhile. I guess I will take you up on that help, after all," she chuckled.
Diego looked at Victoria, amiably and smiled.
"You know Victoria, even if it wasn't raining, I'd just find some other excuse to keep you company, tonight. Not only do I not mind helping out, but I just enjoy being around you. You're a very special woman Victoria, in more ways than one," he responded, sincerely and smiled.
As Victoria slowly closed the door, she turned and looked at Diego, eyeing him intently.
A feeling of concern briefly came over Diego, as he noticed the expression on Victoria's face.
"What's the matter Victoria, was it something I said?" he asked worried .
Victoria shook her head, then looked at Diego, and smiled.
"You know Diego, Zorro said almost the same thing tonight. Isn't that a coincidence?" she remarked giving him a knowing look.
Diego smiled and shook his head.
"Well, not really, Victoria. After all, it only proves one thing," he replied.
Victoria looked at Diego curious.
"Really, what's that Diego?" she asked.
Diego picked up her hand, then pressed a tender kiss to the back, and smiled as he gazed warmly into her eyes.
"It proves that Zorro and I, have excellent taste in women," he replied, as he flashed a quick wink at her.
Victoria slightly blushed, as she shook her head, and smiled.
"Diego you may not be like Zorro, but I must say, you do have at least one thing in common," she replied.
Diego looked at her curious.
"Really? What's that Victoria?" he inquired.
Victoria looked at him warmly, and smiled.
"You really know how to flatter a girl," she replied smiling.
Diego looked at her, and smiled.
"Well, you know what they say about flattery, Victoria," he responded clever.
Victoria looked at him curious.
"What's that, Diego?" she inquired, as she looked at him, and smiled.
Diego looked at her with affection, and smiled.
"Flattery will get you anywhere," he replied. He briefly leaned over, and pressed a light kiss to her cheek, and smiled.
Victoria slightly blushed as she looked at Diego, and smiled.
"You never cease to amaze me, Diego. You're always full of surprises," she replied.
Diego smiled, and slightly shrugged his shoulders.
"Diego...," Victoria began. "I don't care if you're not like Zorro. I like you just the way, you are. Don't ever change," she replied as she returned a quick kiss to his cheek, and smiled.
Diego looked at her modest, and smiled.
"Do you really mean that, Victoria?" he inquired, curious.
Victoria looked at him sincere, and smiled.
"Of course, Diego. You and Zorro are different, as night, and day. But despite your differences, you're both decent, and compassionate men, and you both care about people. In some respects, you're more alike, than you are different. But, you are who you are, and Zorro is Zorro, and I wouldn't trade either of you, for anything in the world," she concluded and smiled.
Diego gazed thoughtfully at Victoria, and smiled. A sudden wave of humility flowed through him, as he slightly blushed from her remark. How could he not feel humbled, by someone like Victoria. The same passion, dreams, compassion, and pride, that dwelled in him also dwelled in Victoria. Her family had fought for the same beliefs as his family had, and through tradition, she held firm to the same beliefs, as he did. That's why he thought this whole deception of his, was so ironic. Here Victoria was, saying how much he and Zorro were alike, when in reality, he, and Victoria were just as much alike, as he, and Zorro. If only he could tell her, he was Zorro. That would make everything perfect! But, that would have to wait. At least she didn't think any less of him as Diego and this at least, was a comfort to him, as well as a sign of hope.
"Gracias, Victoria. I am truly flattered, and honored that you hold me in the same esteem, as Zorro. Maybe one day I can prove to you, that I can be the man, that Zorro is," he replied, humble.
Victoria looked at her tall handsome caballero friend and smiled.
"Diego, there's nothing to prove. You and Zorro, are men in your own right, and I am proud of both of you. Oh yes, and I love you both, very much," she stated, with a warm smile. "Now, if you don't mind Diego, you did promise to help me," she added, as she motioned to her table, that had not been cleared from dinner.
Diego looked at her amiably, and smiled.
"Oh yes, I did say that, didn't I," he replied, smiling.
They walked back to the table, then quickly cleared away the dishes, glasses, and utensils, then took them to the kitchen. Diego reached into his pocket and retrieved a coin, then flipped it into the air, to see who washed, and who dried. As fate would have it, he ended up washing. He pulled off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, then donned one of Victoria's aprons, and plunged his hands into the warm sudsy water, that Victoria had prepared.
As he proceeded to do his job, he quietly chuckled to himself, then looked up at Victoria, and smiled. One thing for sure,… he thought, Victoria sure can make you feel humble, in more ways than one! He shook his head, and smiled. He looked at her warmly, and smiled.
"You know Victoria, I wonder if Zorro ever had to wash dishes?" he joked, as he rinsed off a dish, then handed it to Victoria.
Victoria shook her head, and smiled.
"I don't know, Diego. But you can bet that if he did, he probably wouldn't mind a bit," she replied and smiled as she dried her dish, then put it away.
As Diego washed and rinsed out a wine glass, he handed it to Victoria, and smiled.
"You're right, Victoria. I don't think he would. Not in the very least!"
The End!