Chapter 6

Victoria was shocked by Diego's unpredictable behavior and the gentle kiss he had placed on her cheek. He had always treated her as a sister but today was different. The kiss he had given her and the way he had looked at her was definitely not brotherly... "I don't understand it, Pilar! I haven't done anything like this in years."

The waitress glanced at her employer. She had been distracted since Don Diego left earlier this afternoon. He usually spent a lot of time at the tavern but he had spent a lot of his time lately with Senorita Franco. "You have broken quite a few good plates today. That is not like you, Victoria. Does it has something to do with Don Diego or maybe because of what happened with Senorita Franco?"

'Whatever gave you that idea!" she huffed, "Nothing happened between us that would cause me to be so distracted…so clumsy. Diego is my friend nothing more. I am merely concerned for him. That's all."

"You are jealous of Diego and Senorita Aria even a blind man can see it..."

There was a grain of truth in Pilar's words but she didn't want to admit that her employee may have been correct. "We have customers to serve. Let's get back to work, shall we?"

ZZZ

Victoria closed the tavern doors and prepared for siesta. She needed to be alone to gather her thoughts. Why does Diego's comment upset me so? We are just friends. She thought of Diego as more than a brother not as a man with wants, feelings and desires…He was attractive … His eyes were a startling shade of blue and he certainly fit the description of tall, dark and handsome but Diego was not exactly known for his boldness. She remembered a time that he had been rambunctious and full of mischief…

"I'll race you to that tree, Ramon," Diego challenged.

"Ramon! Francisco! Papa says you must come home, now," Victoria yelled from the base of the tree where her brother and that de la Vega boy had disappeared to.

Ramon grumbled as he climbed down from the tree house they had built for themselves. "How did you know that we were here?"

"I followed you." Victoria was happy to interrupt the three boys. Her brothers spent too much time with Diego anyway.

"You are very resourceful, little señorita," Diego smirked secretly pleased with Victoria's spirit and zest for life. "We will try harder to elude you…"

Victoria narrowed her eyes at Diego's tone. He was laughing at her! The nerve of him! "You weren't that hard to find, Diego!" she stated as she turned and headed back home with her brothers.

Diego's laugh grew steadier in volume as they departed. She is a spitfire, that one, he thought admiringly.

What had happened to the boy that she remembered? Somehow, he had turned into someone else while he was away at school. Or had he? It was all so confusing. Men, sometimes, they can be so frustrating and so hard to understand. I care for Diego but could there to more to it than that..How did my life get so complicated?

ZZZ

Later that evening, Don Alejandro and Diego waited in the sala for Ramon and Aria to arrive for dinner. Victoria had made a special effort to look beautiful tonight by donning an emerald-green dress and white shawl. She certainly is beautiful, Diego thought. Both dons had complimented her on her dress and she enjoyed being their attention….

"Aria looks quite lovely this evening. Doesn't she, Diego?" Don Alejandro remarked as Ramon entered with the former courtesan on his arm. She had chosen a vibrant blue dress and adorned her hair with a sprig of flowers.

"Yes, Father. The señorita looks very lovely."

He certainly is being the charming attentive host, Victoria thought.

"The two of you are practically spoiling me with compliments," she linked her arms through Diego's. I definitely hit a nerve with the señorita judging by the expression of her face. Admit it, Victoria. You care for Diego. Fight for him…

ZZZ

Victoria clenched her fists as Aria amused the gentlemen with stories of her travels. How dare Aria try to come in and take my place...

"Victoria, you are very quiet, tonight," Don Alejandro stated.

"It has been quite hectic at the tavern these days."

"Maybe, you should let Pilar and Alicia to take over the tavern for a few days."

I have never seen her act this way around him. What has happened between the two of them, Ramon thought.

"I don't know, Don Alejandro."

"You are entitled to take some time off. You and Ramon can spend some time together."

"I will think about it...Gracias."

"Diego, why don't you play a piece on the piano? It would be a fitting end after such a wonderful meal."

"I would be glad to." The tall caballero escorted Aria to the chair directly opposite the piano.

Victoria smiled tightly as she watched the couple. He does know how to treat a woman after all...

Diego skillfully played the exquisite piece of music. Both women found themselves mesmerized by the tune, Victoria especially. When the song ended, she wanted to congratulate Diego but Aria complimented him first.

"That was lovely, Diego. You are a man of many talents."

"Gracias. Senorita. Would you honor us with a selection, Aria?"

"I would be most happy to oblige you, kind sir."

She is really good. "Well done, señorita," Ramon applauded.

"Senorita, favor us with another selection, por favor?" Don Alejandro requested.

"I would be most happy to if Don Diego would join me. I know just the song." They skillfully played a lively duet much to Victoria's chagrin.

Don Alejandro watched the proceedings with interest. Aria was charmed by Diego and Victoria was not pleased with the amount of attention Aria was receiving from his son. She is jealous...It is time another woman appreciated him for who he is and what he is...I may have those grandchildren just yet...