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Chapter 11 Rafael

When Rafael woke up, the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. After showering and putting on his uniform, he made his way downstairs.

"Good morning. I made you some coffee before I go to work." Dressed in her uniform, Gabriella's smile brightened as she spoke. She had her hair elegantly pinned up, and her makeup was meticulously applied. It was clear she had put great effort into her appearance, as if she were hoping to catch the eye of someone special. Hopefully not Andrew.

"Thanks, Gabbi," he said, embracing her tightly before settling down to drink his cup of coffee. He enjoyed the rich aroma and feeling the warmth of the mug in his hands. "I'll drive you there. It's too far to walk."

"I don't want to be a bother. I could use your bicycle." She sat down with her coffee mug.

"I'm going there anyway," Rafael said. "I'm going to talk to Andrew about some police business."

"Don't you work the night shift tonight?"

"Yes, but I have some other work to attend to. And when I'm not home with you later or anytime, don't let anyone in the house."

"Do you think they will ever talk to us again?"

"I don't know. They need time to adjust to you growing up. So, don't worry about it. Just do your job and save money for a car."

She nodded in agreement. "Can I ask you something?"

"Anything."

"Do you think I have a chance with Andrew?" She gazed up at him with a look of awe, as though he had magical abilities.

"A chance at what?" He understood her intention, but he wanted further clarification.

"I've had a crush on Andrew for ages. The problem is, he told me he wasn't looking for a girlfriend. Do you know if he has one?"

"I don't know much about his personal life. He may have someone special stashed away in another town. Believe him if he says he doesn't want a relationship."

"So, does he have a girlfriend or not?"

"I don't know. If he's not looking for one, then he must have one." He desperately wished to bring this conversation to a close.

"No, he could be gay. You don't know these days."

The word "gay" hung in the air, causing a moment of silence and anticipation. It was too damn early for this conversation, but she seemed to know more about Andrew than he did.

"I don't think he's gay because he flirts with all the girls at the diner. I think he has a mad crush on Katelyn. She's beautiful, so I guess I don't have a chance."

"Katelyn looks like a Barbie doll, with her perfectly styled blonde hair and flawless makeup. Just remember, don't mix work with pleasure. It never works out, especially if you aren't the boss."

"OK. Let's go. I'm ready if you are."

Upon their arrival at the diner, Andrew and Katelyn warmly greeted Gabriella when she went behind the counter, while Rafael settled into a booth. As soon as he was seated, coffee and juice were on the way. It had become a daily routine for him to be present for breakfast and order the same morning pancake special, so after delivering his coffee and juice, Katelyn got the kitchen started on his pancakes.

Miss Amelia marched through the door and sat in her usual booth. Andrew discreetly glanced at Rafael, causing Miss Amelia to give them both a sharp disapproving look, prompting an exchange of eye rolls between them. Her dirty looks didn't stop Andrew from approaching Rafael's booth, where he sat across from Rafael, holding a hot cup of coffee.

"Hey, I'm sorry for last night. Things got crazy, and I moved her into my house. My parents won't talk to us anymore," Rafael explained.

"Because she works here?"

"That is part of it, but they didn't approve of me letting her move in."

"That sucks for both of you."

"Could you make sure Gabriella has breakfast? I need to go grocery shopping today."

"Of course. I'll see to it myself she eats. Don't worry about her. She'll be fine."

"Thank you. That means a lot to me."

"No problem."

"Where were you last night?" Rafael asked.

"Out with a friend for a drink."

"Should I be worried?"

"No. Cedric was my college roommate."

"Roommate as in what?" Rafael wondered if Andrew had had someone on the side before he'd come into the picture. He wanted to find out more about this Cedric.

"Are you jealous?"

"No. I just want to know why you were out so late?"

"We met halfway, and it's an hour's drive. We talked, and it got late."

"Did you drink?"

"I've got to do some work. Are you coming by again later?" A blank expression masked Andrew's face, giving no sign of what he was thinking or feeling.

"We're not done talking. We'll pick it up tonight."

"Sure, whatever you say, Officer Duarte." Andrew stood and stomped away, the sound of his heavy footsteps approaching the counter echoing his anger.

Rafael could feel Andrew's anger as he mulled over the conversation. Maybe he shouldn't have questioned his whereabouts last evening, but did he have to go out after their date ended? It didn't seem fair. All they had was a promise, spoken but not yet fulfilled. He hoped through constant open communication, they could find a space for them to grow as a couple. He had to work on knocking off his officer demeanor by softening his rigid posture and adopting a friendlier tone.

Katelyn refilled his coffee, then put a platter piled high with pancakes and bacon in front of him.

"Thanks a lot." He devoured his food so he could get to his pressing appointment at the grocery store. With his refrigerator and pantry empty, he had to restock. His parents had stated in no uncertain terms they wouldn't be inviting them over for dinner.

The disapproving weight of Miss Amelia's stare followed Rafael all the way from his booth to the exit. He left a generous tip for Katelyn, muttering under his breath about the lack of laws against small-town gossip. He glanced at Andrew again, looking ridiculously attractive in tight jeans and a blue apron behind the counter, as he paid for his breakfast. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment, sparking a warmth that lingered even after he stepped out into the morning air.

With Gabriella living with him now, grocery shopping was back on his list of responsibilities. He pushed a cart down the familiar aisles, grabbing the basics—cereal, milk, bread. He scanned the shelves for Gabriella's favorite brand of peanut butter, a smile tugging at his lips. He hadn't realized how much he missed having his sister around.

Suddenly, a voice interrupted his thoughts. "Rafael? Never thought I'd see you here."

He looked up to find Brody, the Scottish guy he'd met at the mixer, standing awkwardly in the pasta aisle. Rafael gave him a dry smile, not wanting to encourage his flirting. Brody was decent looking, but there just wasn't a spark. So much for thinking I was safe to go to a mixer in another town. No more mixers. Need to take Andrew further away . Why the fuck is this guy in Foggy Basin? Where does he live, anyway? Hopefully not in Foggy Basin .

"Hey, Brody," Rafael greeted him politely, grabbing a box of lasagna noodles.

"Didn't know you did the grocery shopping," Brody said, leaning against the shelf. "So, are you, uh, still single?"

Rafael sighed internally. "Yeah, I am, but—"

Brody cut him off, a hopeful glint in his eyes. "Great! How about grabbing a drink sometime?"

Rafael winced. "Appreciate the offer, but I'm not really looking to hook up right now."

Brody's smile faltered slightly. "Oh, okay. No worries, man. Catch you around then." He gave a quick nod and ambled off, leaving Rafael in the pasta aisle with a jar of marinara sauce. He shook his head, tossing the sauce into his cart. Back to the grocery list. Gabriella would expect a decent lasagna.

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