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“Two babies are a miracle, Victoria,” her grandmother says. She’s been talking about the pregnancy nonstop, which only vindicates Victoria further.
“Oh, it won’t be the last great-grandchildren you get. I want a big family,” she says, interlocking her fingers with mine. Smiling, I take a sip of wine to wash down the bile creeping up my throat. I glance at Victoria and notice she’s pale.
“You okay?” I whisper.
For a moment, she seems like a normal human being. “I feel sick. I don’t think the food agreed with me.”
“I have a big surprise for everyone,” her father announces, grabbing our attention. “I rented out the pub a few blocks down and sent out invites. I wanted a proper way to announce the pregnancy to our friends.”
Before Victoria can say a word, she begins dry heaving. Quickly, she stands and rushes to the bathroom, and I do as I’m supposed to and follow her. I grab the doorknob, but she locked it, so I press my ear against the door and listen to her emptying her stomach.
“Victoria, you alright?” I ask.
But she continues to puke. After five minutes of waiting, she opens the door with a cold rag pressed to her head. “I need to go home.”
“Okay, not a problem,” I tell her, and we walk back to the formal dining area.
“Sorry, Daddy. What were you saying?” she asks, taking a small sip of water.
“I rented the pub on the corner to celebrate, but you don’t look as if you’re up to it, princess.” He leans forward and kisses her cheek.
“No, Daddy. But I’ll send Liam to stand in, if that’s okay. Something I ate isn’t settling well, and I think I need to sleep it off.”
Concern is written across his face, but he concedes and tells her to lie down in his room instead of leaving. Victoria agrees, and I follow her down the hallway. The room is fit for royalty with a California king bed, gold fixtures, and carpet so plush it feels like I’m walking on clouds.
Victoria climbs on the mattress and settles under the comforter, placing the cool rag over her forehead and closing her eyes.
“Don’t embarrass me at that party,” she mutters.
“Is this a setup, or are you really sick?” I heard her throw up, but I still don’t trust her. She’s used shady ass tactics before.
Victoria grunts. “Fuck you, Liam. I feel like shit.”
I hold up my hands. “Okay, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t keep everyone waiting,” she snarls, then rolls over on her side, dismissing me. I turn on the lamp next to the bed and turn off the main light, then walk out. At least if I want to leave the party, I’ll have an excuse, so that’s a plus. Maybe being alone with her family will be a good thing. I won’t have her beady eyes watching everything I do or listening to every word I say.
Johnny tells Victoria goodbye, and we head to the pub. On the way over, he passes out Cuban cigars and pats me on the back with his strong, bone-breaking hand. “I’m glad I didn’t kill ya, Liam,” he tells me as we enter the building that’s full of people.
“That makes two of us,” I say. Johnny introduces me to his longtime friends, and I can’t help but wonder how each of them is connected to his business. Regardless, they all look like they’re the types who have guns and money.
After I make my way around the room, introducing myself to those who don’t know me and answer where Victoria is at least fifty times, I go to the bar and order a drink. I need it more than anyone can understand because all this acting is fucking exhausting. As I sit on a stool, drinking scotch, Johnny plops down next to me. My nerves are on edge because I know every word I say is being analyzed.
“When do you plan on moving to Vegas permanently?” he asks, not segueing into the conversation whatsoever, but that’s who he is, sharp and rough around the edges.
“We’re still trying to work out the details, but I’ll be here for all appointments.” I hope my answer is good enough, but when he narrows his eyes, I have a feeling it’s not.
He scowls, then orders Irish whiskey. “You need to be here for your wife. My daughter shouldn’t be second place in your life.” His voice is gruff and commanding.
“She’s my number one,” I say, but I think about Maddie when the words leave my mouth. A small smile touches my lips when I remember the good times we’ve shared over the past few months. So much has changed. The thought of her brings the strength I need to talk with Johnny. Then I get an idea that might give me answers that Victoria won’t share.
