“What does that mean?” Nancy asked.
“I’m sure she was demanding more than he wanted to give.”
Tachina clenched her fist tightly. It had been quite the opposite. Now that Kian was older, Vic had wanted to double the amount he gave her, but she’d refused. She had a half a mind to go over there. She took one step, but Nancy’s question halted her.
“Does Victor know of your concerns? I assume you’ve spoken with him,” she said.
“I’ve tried, but he always shuts me down. Tells me it’s none of my business.” The woman had the nerve to pout. She sipped from her glass and laid on the victim card heavily. “I only want what is best for Victor and Kian. That little boy is near and dear to my heart. That’s why I came to the party. I just had to be there.”
It amazed Tachina how a person could lie so much. Thiswoman was evil, and she did not want her anywhere near her son.
Tachina stepped back to leave—and slammed right into a server carrying a heavy tray.
The young man tried to hold his tray upright, but it was too late. Plates slid, and silverware clattered onto the floor. The sauces and food splattered across the marble floor like abstract art. The crash echoed through the restaurant, all conversations ceasing and all eyes turning on to her.
“Oh my God! I-I’m so sorry!” Tachina stammered. She reached out a useless hand to keep the last plate from sliding off but she was too late. It joined the rest of the food on the floor.
The poor server froze. He stared at her while she stared at him.
This was a disaster.
A nightmare.
Gasps filled the air when the last plate crashed to the floor and shattered. Tachina backed away quickly, sliding on the now slippery floor. She must have moved way too fast because her stomach decided to go against her. It lurched and twisted violently. She slapped a hand to her mouth and knew she wasn’t going to make it to the bathroom. She heaved and made her way to a nearby potted plant where everything that was in her stomach reappeared.
Oh, dear Lord.
She closed her eyes and tried to inhale, but the aroma ofher stomach contents had her about to hurl again. Mortified beyond belief, she backed away and fled to the restroom.
Inside the bathroom, Tachina washed her mouth out at the sink. Her hands trembled, and her heart was still racing. She didn’t even look up at the mirror. If she saw her own humiliation, she might cry.
The bathroom door opened. She ignored it and prayed that whoever entered would pretend she didn’t exist.
A stall closed. She breathed a sigh of relief. Seconds later, the door opened again. Heels clicked softly.
“Tachina? Are you all right? I saw what happened.”
She turned and found Mrs. Green standing there with worry-filled eyes.
“I’m so sorry you had to witness that.” Tachina cleared her throat that was suddenly dry.
“Oh, nonsense. Happens to the best of us.” Mrs. Green waved a hand and came over to stand beside her. “I once threw up on a senator’s shoe at a fundraising gala. Thought he would surely kick me out of the state!”
“I don’t know what came over me.” Tachina managed a weak laugh. “I guess with all of the stress…” She didn’t finish her sentence. She was just too embarrassed at the moment. What could she truly say? She was eavesdropping then made a mess of an elegant restaurant?
Mrs. Green studied her for a moment longer. She reached out and rubbed Tachina’s shoulder.
“Your skin is glowing today. Either you bought a miracle serum or…should I be congratulating you?” she whispered loudly.
Everything in Tachina froze. She didn’t want to say. Not here. Not now. But Mrs. Green made her feel slightly safe, and the woman had just witnessed her humiliating herself. It felt wrong to even lie to someone who was willing to entrust a million-dollar project to her.
“Yes,” Tachina said quietly. It almost felt unreal to be admitting it out loud. “I’m pregnant. Please don’t tell anyone. I haven’t shared the news with anyone else yet.”
“Congratulations! How exciting. I won’t tell a soul. I promise.” Mrs. Green smiled and took her hand in hers. She gave it a tight squeeze.
Tachina sighed. This woman was such a dear. She could already tell she would be a wonderful client to have.
A stall door opened.