Chapter 17 Rafael

Rafael stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Andrew, shooting daggers at Mr. Star as he unleashed a torrent of angry words.

"Mr. Star, what seems to be the problem here?" Rafael asked.

"It's none of your damn business." The sound of Mr. Star's bark filled the air, catching everyone's attention.

"Please refrain from raising your voice inside this diner."

"Who the hell do you think you are to tell me what to do or say in my diner?"

"Your name isn't on the title anymore, from what I understand," Rafael said.

"This conversation is a family matter," Andrew's father growled at him.

"I'm Officer Duarte and your topic concerns me because Gabriella is my sister."

"Then take your sister home with you. Both of you better never step foot in here again." Behind the counter, Mr. Star angrily hurled a solitary glass, shattering it on the floor.

"Dad, it's time for you to go. If you don't leave on your own, I'll have Officer Duarte escort you out." With a quick glance, Andrew took in Rafael's expression, searching for any signs of concern with what he said. Their eyes met, and time seemed to slow down as their gaze lingered a little longer than usual.

"Dad, you've crossed a line," Joe said. "You need to leave."

"I don't see you wearing your uniform, Rafael. Why don't you leave so I can talk to my sons?"

"I don't need to wear my uniform," he said confidently, "to remove you from here." He swiftly retrieved his badge from his pocket and brandished it before Mr. Star's eyes. "Either you leave now, or I will force you to leave."

"I find it odd you would protect Andrew when most of your life you've wanted to stash him in prison for bullshit."

"Are you going to leave now, or do I have to remove you?" Rafael asked.

Mr. Star turned to Andrew. "This conversation is far from over." The sound of his angry footsteps echoed through the diner as he stormed out, slamming the door and setting off its brass bell bells.

"Thanks, Rafael," Andrew said.

"No problem. Where is my sister?"

"She's in the break room in the back if you want to see her," Andrew said.

Rafael hurried through to the break room. His sister sat casually, sipping on a soda while meticulously painting her nails a vibrant hot pink.

"Are you okay?" Rafael asked.

"Yes. That creepy Mr. Star showed up and Joe told me to stay back here until he leaves. Is he gone?"

"Yes. Finish up and go back to work. I'll pick you up when you finish."

"Thanks."

With a sigh, Rafael made his way back to the counter, the familiar scent of pastries and freshly ground coffee filling his nostrils. "Do you have time to discuss the Foggy Basin Food Drive?" he asked Andrew.

"Sure."

Rafael led Andrew to his booth, the sounds of lively conversations and clinking glasses once again filling the air. Andrew sat down opposite him. Joe followed him with Andrew's coffee.

"You forgot your coffee." Joe nonchalantly dropped it onto the table, causing a small vibration.

"Thanks."

"Rafael, thanks for helping us deal with our crazy father. He's been on a roll lately," Joe said.

"No problem."

Joe left them alone in the booth, and they were instantly surrounded by the noise of the crowded diner.

"I'm sorry this happened, but I'm glad you were here to help," Andrew said.

"Your father is a piece of work," Rafael said, shaking his head in disbelief.

"And yours isn't?" he asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Rafael found it amusing. "I guess he is too."

"Hey, your food got cold. Let me get you another order."

"No. It's fine. I want to finish up and meet you at the trailer."

"I think we should give it a name," Andrew suggested.

"Good idea. Got any suggestions?"

"The Love Trailer?"

"How about the Love Nest?" Rafael asked.

"That's even better."

"Meet me at the Love Nest in thirty minutes."

Andrew nodded. "Did you bring the list for the Foggy Basin Food Drive?"

"I'll shoot it over to you in a text."

"How about emailing it to me? I'll text my email addy to you. It's easier to print out from an email."

"I can do that for you," Rafael leaned across the table, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Thanks." With a smile, Andrew also leaned a little closer across the table, his eyes bright and clear. He promptly texted his email address to Rafael. "I have to talk to my brother, then I'll see you in thirty." Andrew left the booth.

Rafael finished eating while the two brothers were in a deep conversation. He got up and walked to the register to pay for his breakfast.

"It's free today. Thanks for your help," Joe said.

"Thanks." Spotting his sister carrying platters to a booth, Rafael quickly stopped her in her tracks. "Let me know when you're done, and I'll pick you up."

She flashed a big smile and nodded in agreement before gracefully making her way to a booth, platters in hand.

Moving to the front door, Rafael caught a glimpse of Miss Amelia, who shot him an admonishing look. She was someone he truly despised, known for her constant spreading of nasty rumors.

Rafael stopped at the store and bought several cans of white paint along with paint brushes and rollers. As he picked up two work aprons, he could feel the rough texture of their sturdy fabric against his fingertips. Filled with excitement, he eagerly set about getting all the rest of the supplies needed.

Rafael turned onto the path leading to the trailer and parked behind it. The trailer was filled with the scent of leftover wine when he carried the supplies inside. He loaded the refrigerator with an assortment of snacks and refreshing beverages, keeping a bottle of water to quench his thirst, then flicked the switch to turn on the air conditioner, instantly feeling relief as the room cooled down. He turned on the radio to listen to music until Andrew showed up.

He was angry at Mr. Star's comment about repeatedly arresting Andrew for trivial things and wanting to imprison him.. He was simply carrying out his duties, with no intention of ever locking Andrew up. He wondered if Andrew shared the same sentiments as his father, questioning if Rafael was gunning for him. Mr. Star was always there to clean up Andrew's legal messes. In the past, Andrew had a pattern of disregarding the law. He was a wild teen, always pushing boundaries and never conforming to rules. That behavior was partly what had attracted Rafael to Andrew.

He glanced at his phone, checking the time, anxiously awaiting Andrew's arrival. With a deep breath, Rafael acknowledged it was time to roll up his sleeves, put on his paint apron, and get to work. With each strip of wallpaper he removed beside the window, his excitement grew, knowing he would soon catch a glimpse of Andrew arriving.

He stopped to take a sip from his water bottle, then went back to the window and spotted Andrew. When he saw Rafael standing at the window, his face lit up with the biggest smile. He was not only stunningly attractive but also had a brilliant mind and irresistible charm. Andrew blew him a playful kiss, catching Rafael off guard. Rafael rushed to open the door, his heart racing in anticipation. He pulled Andrew inside, wrapping his arms tightly around him in a warm embrace, before pressing their lips together in a passionate kiss. Inhaling deeply, he relished the pine scent of Andrew's shower gel.