victoria

 

 

Victoria raised the glass of wine to her lips and took a sip as she surveyed the banquet hall. She couldn’t deny it – she was keeping a look out for a special someone with a feeling that was a mix of apprehension and excitement. Her nerves were on fire and her belly was doing flip-flops.

She knew that she and Bradley had to give a speech up on stage together, but the reality of it didn’t hit her until now. They had exchanged notes and drafts over email, but their correspondence had been curt and professional.

“Dear, what time are you giving your speech?” Her thoughts were interrupted by her father, who shared a table with Victoria, her mom, Julia, and Julia’s husband David.

“The speech? Umm, at 7pm,” she replied distractedly. Her eyes roamed the room, occasionally stopping when she thought she saw a familiar face, but then darting away again.

“How exciting. I’m so happy we could be here with you,” her mom said.

Victoria adjusted the skirt of her dress. She was wearing a floor length navy blue gown with crystal appliqué, a dress she picked out just that morning, and her hair was swept up on the back of her head in an elegant up-do.

She felt like a million bucks, and she felt a twinge of satisfaction at the knowledge that Bradley was going to be there and see her being as hot as ever. He’d instantly regret having let her go, she was certain of it.

Julia and David were discussing something about their four-year-old’s temper tantrums, her mom was checking the program for the evening, and her dad was trying to keep up a conversation with Victoria.

Dinner hadn’t started yet; they were still serving cocktails, and most guests were still milling around.

“Bradley, nice to see you!”

Her head spun around at the sound of Bradley’s name. Ten feet away from the table were Bradley and Richard Laskey, shaking hands and greeting each other. She felt like she was going to break out in a cold sweat.

She couldn’t see him clearly because there was a group of people in her line of view, but she saw snippets of him here and there – a hand gesturing, his wide shoulders, brief flashes of his eyes, lips, hairline – enough to send her heart racing.

Please don’t see me; don’t come over here. Of course, she knew he wouldn’t – not with her dad sitting right there beside her.

She noticed that Julia’s eyes followed hers, and Julia opened her mouth as if to say something, but she changed her mind and turned her attention to the menu.

Those few minutes felt like hours. She knew she was being silly. After all, before long, they’d be standing up there together on the stage and she’d have to try to remain calm enough to deliver her portion of the speech.

How am I ever gonna get through that? She sipped her wine again, reminding herself to take it easy on the alcohol. Falling off the stage like a drunken sailor wouldn’t exactly have the desired effect on the audience.

She watched him walk to his table and sit down. It could have been her imagination, but she thought she saw his head turn in her direction. Wait – yes, his eyes met hers, if only for a nanosecond. He didn’t display any surprise at having seen her sitting at that table, so he must have noticed where she was seated earlier. He nodded at her almost imperceptibly, and she smiled slightly, then blushed and looked down.

No, don’t let him do this to you. He had his chance, and he abandoned you, she told herself.

The introductory speeches started while salads and appetizers were served, but she could hardly understand a word. It was difficult for her to focus when the reason for her happiness and misery, and every emotion in between, was sitting just feet away. She managed to finish the salad even though her belly was queasy.

Following the introductions, the MC called a break, and people started getting up from their seats.

“I’m going to go to the coat room; I left my wallet in my jacket,” her father announced as he pushed his chair back and excused himself from the table.

She watched as her father exited the banquet hall and turned to the right once he was out the door, with Bradley on his heels.

“Excuse me, I’ll be right back,” she said to no one in particular, and got up from the table before anyone had a chance to say anything.

She weaved through the crowd, anxious not to lose sight of Bradley. She made it through the hall doors into the lobby area and looked to the right, just in time to see Bradley disappear into the coat room.

Her heart skipped a beat; what was going on? Why was Bradley following her father in there? Maybe it was a coincidence, or maybe…

She slowed her pace so as not to make too much noise, and stopped just outside the coat room entrance. Just beyond the first set of doorways was a small room, and beyond that, behind a set of doors that was slightly ajar, was the main coat room. She slipped into the smaller room and stopped just beside the second set of doors, leaning in, in hopes of hearing the conversation.

Her eyes shone in the semi-darkness. She managed to make out two men’s voices – it was definitely her dad and Bradley!

“Mr. Connor, I understand what you meant back then about Victoria and her future. I thought about it, and at the time, I agreed.”

Victoria felt a wave of anger rush through her body, making her face flush. She had no idea her father had gone and spoken to Bradley! So that’s why he broke up with her?? Her thoughts were flying a mile a minute, but she tried to focus so she could make out what was being said.

“I see,” her father replied.

“But it was a mistake. I never should have listened to you.”

Victoria could hear his voice breaking; she could sense the urgency in his words.

Her father just grunted, and let Bradley continue.

“From now on, I’m not going to let anything stand in our way, if she’ll still have me. From the moment I got to know her, I knew she was for me. I became a completely different person. I didn’t care about work anymore – or at least not that work. I concentrated more and more on my actual future; studying and planning for what’s next. She made me want to be a better man. Not that I was such a bad man to begin with, and it’s not as if I had much choice. But I don’t really have to justify anything to you. I hope you’ll accept me, but I want you to know that ultimately, it’s up to Victoria. I’m not going to run away with my tail between my legs just because you don’t approve.  That’s never been my style. And I certainly won’t give up on her for money.”

What?? What money?? Victoria was shocked. Why did Bradley bring up money? Her eyes widened. It couldn’t be! Did her father offer Bradley money to break up with her??

“Bradley, I respect the fact that you came and talked to me. I just want you to know that –”

Victoria suddenly sneezed; it must have been the dust. With horror, she realized that they must have heard her – there was no way they could’ve missed that. Sure enough, the voices quieted down, and next thing she knew, the door creaked open and Bradley stood there, his silhouette starkly dark against the lights behind him.

Victoria’s palms were damp and she absentmindedly wiped them on her dress. She contemplated what to do. The situation certainly couldn’t have been more awkward. She couldn’t think straight – she spun around and headed towards the exit, ignoring the calls of Bradley and her dad. Outside, she took a deep breath of fresh air, filling her lungs in an attempt to calm her frayed nerves.

She walked to the left – a balcony wrapped around the walls of the building. She wanted some peace and quiet to process what she just witnessed.

Once she was around the corner, she leaned against the wall and closed her eyes. It was so nice to be alone.

Except she wasn’t.