Victoria was up early the next morning to prepare food for the tavern, she was only way to eager to see Diego again.
Now he had kept her up all night by constantly being on her mind, she needed to look at him probably to set her mind at ease.
Soon it was time for the tavern to open, there was freshly brewed coffee, the entire dining room was smelling of the most delicious newly baked bread surely to draw the attention of any passerby and Diego De la Vega… Didn't show up.
Time went by and soon the morning rush was over and there wasn't the shadow of Diego. Of course Diego didn't exactly come to the tavern every single day, he had things to do at the ranch and hacienda which was outside of the town of itself.
He was also quite infamous for lazying entire days away…. If that was what he was doing. Victorias eyes narrowed suspiciously, but that didn't help. Diego didn't show up.
Siesta came and went and all of a sudden it was lunch time and several lancers came to order their lunch at the tavern as apparently the food served at the garrison was barely even eatable that day.
Even the Alcade entered the tavern and sat himself at a corner looking pretty sour. Probably because he couldn't stand the food at the garrison either, thankfully the mood lightened among all the lancers and even the alcalde as they were served the bobbling hot chili con carne, todays special.
But still no Diego… Victoria was ready to break something in sheer frustration, briefly she wondered if she should just ride to the De La Vega Hacienda after having closed the tavern, she could say she just wanted to go for a ride and see how they were all doing at the Hacienda. Victoria had done that before, it was not to uncommon.
But then again, that might look suspicious and Victoria groaned inwardly. It looked like it was another night of no sleep for her.
Well, she got some sleep, not a lot but some. Still Victoria just knew she looked a mess that next morning, the staff around here seemed to be at unease and Victoria was kind of switching between being either to tired to care or so frustrated that she would snap at people, and then the day went by… And still no bloody Diego!
Victoria was ready to slam her head down into the counter, how come it usually felt like Diego was always around and now when she actually genuinely needed him he seemed to have vanished. Not even Alejandro or Fillipe had come on a visit.
What were they all doing cooked up in that stupid hacienda?! Sure, they had horses and cattle to breed and take care off. As well as a few crops around the land.
They had to keep their own business running and well…. Considering Alejandro was basically running the ranch by himself trying to tutor Diego in how to do it and Diego rarely even being available for some god awful reason….. That may had or may not had to do with Zorro.
It was probably pretty understandable that these men were busy most of the time, but that didn't stop Victoria from being angry with them for not showing up when she needed it so badly.
On the third day Victoria had almost given up, she was exhausted and frustrated that there was no progress to be made. Never before had she wanted to see Diego or Zorro so very badly.
Exhausted did Victoria reach over the counter and grabbed a pitcher of orange juice to pour up a glass for herself, then she put the glass to her mouth to drink only for her eyes to widen as she raised her hand and she nearly spat out the orange juice again, only barely did she manage to keep it in.
For there in the corner at his usual secluded spot was a certain young caballero wearing his favorite light blue suite bowed over some sort of paper work.
Wide-eyed Victoria looked at him… When the heck had Diego come in here?! Victoria was ready to swear that she had not seen him enter the tavern!
And apparently he had been there for a while, at least long enough to order food because there Anna came with a tray containing hot coffee and some bread and Victoria was ready to face palm herself!
She should have been the one taking his order! And Victoria had to bite back so she wouldn't snap at Anna as the young woman came walking past her.
It really wasn't Annas fault, and beside. Victoria and Diego were friends! She could talk to him like usual.
…. How did she talk to him usually? How did she normally approach him?
Victorias eyes widened and suddenly she had no idea what she was even supposed to say to Diego. What did she usually do? Ask him about his science projects? No, she wouldn't do that, she didn't really understand those things herself.
Suddenly Victorias mind just went blank. She could have sworn she had had so many lengthy discussions with Diego, she was usually so at ease with her friend but she couldn't for the life of herself remember what those discussions had been about!
What did her and Diego even have in common? Why were they friends? Were they even friends?!
Suddenly Victoria panicked as she grabbed her face, he was finally here and she had no idea what to even do! What was she even supposed to look for? What was she looking for.
"Victoria."
"ARGH!" Victoria screamed as she jumped up and wide-eyed turned around to see Diego standing right next to her holding a hand towards her. Victoria gasped for air as she wide-eyed looked up at him. When and how had Diego come his seat and over to her?!
Diego blinked astounded then he slowly lowered his hand. "Are you okay?" he asked in a concerned tone.
"Yes!" Victoria exclaimed standing up straight. "I'm fine, never better." she stated. "Why do you ask?" she then asked.
Diego frowned slightly, a wrinkle showing on his forehead. "Anna tells me you have seemed stressed these last few days." he admitted. "And you do seem rather tense. It's not the Alcade threatening you again is it?" he asked.
"What? No." Victoria blinked. "None of the sort."
"You sure?" Diego asked. "You know that if you are in trouble, any kind of trouble at all. I'm here for you."
Astounded Victoria looked at Diego, she felt something weird in her chest like her heart melting by his words as she gazed up at his face. Diego had incredible eyes… His skin was dark like her own but his eyes blue and they seemed to shine extra blue because of this contrast.
Confused Diego looked at her then suddenly he lifted a hand and put it on her forehead a gesture that made Victorias spine tingle as he frowned. "You do seem slightly hot." he then commented and removed his hand again. "Perhaps you should take it easy for a few days."
Victoria blinked dumbfounded then she shook her head. Focus Victoria, FOCUS! You're not in love with Diego you're in love with Zorro darn it!
Well unless they were the same then this would be fine, Victoria squinted her eyes and then shook her head trying to get her feelings under control.
Then Victoria looked up again only to have to avert her eyes as she realized that Diego's stunningly blue eyes were looking directly at her. "I'm fine Diego, honestly." she said as she felt her cheeks blushing deep red.
"Victoria you look outright feverish!" Diego breathed. "You do have a thing with overworking yourself, when was the last time you took a day off?"
Victoria shrugged still not looking at Diego. "I don't remember." she responded honestly.
"Perhaps you should come to the Hacienda for a few days." Diego suggested and Victoria blinked finally turning back to him.
"Why would I do that?" Victoria asked confused.
"Because you need a vacation." Diego responded honestly. "I know you, if you stay here you'll keep on trying to work no matter how sick you get. You need to be away from the tavern!"
"I can't do that!" Victoria exclaimed. "And i'm not…" then she halted… A few days at the De La Vega Hacienda?
…. Well, it had been a very long time since she last had any kind of vacation. More importantly, she would be closer to Diego.
The notion made butterflies fill up her stomach and Victoria swallowed then she shook her head. That was not what she would bethere for!
She had to figure out Diego's connection to Zorro! For her own sanities sake.
Then at last she glanced up. "You know, I think I will." she said.
"Really?" Diego asked sounding deeply surprised.
"You didn't think I would agree?" Victoria asked.
"Honestly no, I thought I would have to drag you out before it ever happening." Diego responded honestly and Victoria chuckled sweetly.
"So when can I come?" Victoria asked. "I need to make a plan for the tavern and re-arrange the schedule for some workers. But I could come by evening."
"That sounds wonderful Victoria." Diego smiled warmly. "Then I can tell father that you're coming, he's going to be so happy."
Dang Diego's smile was handsome, it was so warm and genuine his blue eyes twinkling and Victoria exhaled deeply for a minor second being lost in the moment.
"Victoria?" Diego blinked. "Victoria." he asked again waving a hand in front of her face.
"Ah! I'm sorry!" Victoria exclaimed standing up.
Diego exhaled deeply. "I really am glad you're taking a few days to recover, you do seem sick." he commented. "Do you want me to escort you to the Hacienda in the evening?" he asked in a concerned voice.
Victoria looked at him, it looked like Diego wouldn't take no for an answer. As far as he knew Victoria was having a high fever and he didn't want her to fall off the horse.
"Okay then." Victoria smiled glancing down her cheeks flushing. "I think i'll be ready at five, come then." she asked and Diego smiled relieved.
"I'll look forward to it Victoria." Diego smiled and finally walked away back to his spot leaving a tavern owner whom was almost melting where she stood. Then she bit together…. What had she gotten herself into?
This was not going to be easy.