Araceli greeted her, wearing a jaunty Santa hat and a bright red apron, covered with streaks of white icing. “You came!” She grabbed Victoria’s arm and ushered her in. “Hey, everyone! This is Victoria Blackwood. The wedding coordinator.”
Victoria stopped in her tracks, overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the holiday decor. Cascading garlands and pinecones were artfully draped over the bookshelves and the kitchen cabinets. Shiny red and green glass baubles hung from the ceiling, along with glittery silver snowflakes. In one corner, an oversize pair of animatronic Christmas elves stood sentry. And the kitchen counters displayed an impressive array of holiday plates, wooden nutcrackers, and ceramic Santas. The delicious aroma of cinnamon and cloves wafted through the room.
In addition to Araceli, six other people filled the tiny apartment, crafting up a storm. As she scanned the group, Victoria instantly felt out of place. Everyone else was dressed so casually that her ensemble seemed ostentatious rather than festive.
Swallowing back her nerves, she held up two wine bottles. “I brought some wine. I hope that’s okay.”
Araceli grinned. “Blackwood Cellars? I love it. That cabernet was perfecto.” She gave a chef’s kiss. “A lot better than the crap Jaime buys.” She motioned for Victoria to set the wine bottles on the counter. “We’ve got some ponche navideño simmering on the stove, but we’ll open these later.”
“Some what?”
“Christmas punch. Kind of like your mulled wine, but with more fruit and stuff.”
“Sounds good.” Victoria wiped her palms on her pants, trying to quell her anxiety. “How can I help?”
Araceli pointed to the kitchen island, which held two of the gingerbread houses. “Luz is making the gingerbread people for the house that’s gonna sit at the head table. But that house, and the one that’s being used as a cardholder, need decorating.” She gestured to a card table across the room, where the other houses stood, awaiting decoration. “My cousins Yesenia and Inez are also on gingerbread duty. And over there on the couch, my sister Nena is working on the calligraphy. Ernesto’s helping with jingle bell duty because that’s all he’s good for.”
Victoria hadn’t texted Rafael to see if he’d be joining the party. She didn’t know whether to feel relieved or disappointed by his absence. “I’m guessing Rafael and his brothers weren’t up for a night of crafting?”
“They’re still at the restaurant. We’re open until nine on Sundays.” Araceli eyed Victoria’s outfit. “Lemme get you an apron. I don’t want you to mess up that cute red sweater.”
“Thanks. Is there somewhere I can set my purse?”
“Sure. Down the hall, first door on your right. Put it on my bed.”
Victoria made her way down the carpeted hall. Framed photos adorned both walls—posed family photos, candid shots, cat photos, and pictures from Araceli’s wedding. Victoria paused and took in the images of Araceli on her big day. She looked blissfully happy and head over heels in love. A twinge of envy coursed through Victoria. Even when she was engaged to Ben, she’d never felt that strongly about him.
She ventured into the bedroom and nearly tripped when a cat brushed against her ankles. Stepping back, she gaped at what had to be the world’s fattest tabby. When he meowed at her, she reached down and petted his head. From under the bed, a sleek black cat appeared. She took a moment to scratch its chin. She’d always loved cats. But her father had never allowed pets because he thought they were a waste of time and money.
Once she left her purse on the bed, she returned and sought out Araceli, who was standing at the counter, mixing up frosting. “Your cats greeted me when I dropped off my coat. They’re so cute.”
“I don’t know if I’d call Gordo cute. That boy’s on a strict diet. But Mimi’s adorable. I’m also fostering a couple of kittens. They’re in the spare room, aka the nursery-to-be, if Jaime would ever do his job and get me pregnant. Not that we haven’t been trying.”
First Connor, and now Araceli. What was it with everyone discussing their sex life? Then again, maybe Victoria would be less judgmental if shehada sex life.
“Is Jaime here?” she asked.
Araceli laughed. “Hell, no. This isn’t his jam. Besides, it’s poker night at his brother’s place, and he hardly ever misses it. I tried going once, but apparently, I have no poker face. Anyway…” She handed Victoria a dark green apron with the words “Santa’s Little Helper” embroidered across the chest. “Are you okay with candy duty? That’s the easiest job.”
“Thanks. I want to do as little damage as possible.”
“You can sit with Luz. Decorating the gingerbread people is detail-oriented, but putting the candy accents on the house is a no-brainer. Just make sure to follow Missy’s sketches. She was very specific about the decorating scheme. And by specific, I mean she spelled stuff out in all caps. She doesn’t want the houses to look tacky.”
“Got it.” Victoria pulled up a stool next to Luz. “Thanks for helping out.”
Luz gave her a warm smile. “Not a problem. I’m Luz Sanchez. Martin’s wife.”
“Nice to meet you. I read about your husband in theUnion-Tribune. That was a great interview.”
“I’m sorry he couldn’t cater the wedding himself. He’s cooking a private dinner that night for a family that won his services in a charity auction.”
“It’s fine. Rafael’s doing a great job.” Heat rose in Victoria’s cheeks, making her feel self-conscious. She could talk about Rafael, couldn’t she? After all, he was working for her. Nothing weird about that.
But her expression must have revealedsomethingbecause Luz cocked an eyebrow at her. “Is he behaving himself? He’s the bad boy of the family.”
“No, he’s been very respectful. A perfect gentleman.”
A snort of laughter drew her attention. She could have sworn it came from Araceli, who was bent over the mixing bowl.
