Chapter 6 Rafael

Rafael carefully put on his uniform, fastening every button with precision. He had to work in the office, dreading the looming pile of paperwork. He had enough time to stop by the diner to say good morning to Andrew, hopefully his secret lover soon.

He pushed open the door to the diner, the familiar jingle of the bell overhead cutting through the murmur of early morning conversations. The scent of coffee and sizzling bacon wrapped around him, a comforting embrace from the place he secretly considered a second home. His gaze swept across the diner, the chrome and vinyl gleaming under the fluorescent lights, until it landed on a surprising sight—his sister, Gabriella, poised with pad and pen, her uniform crisp and new, taking orders with an ease that belied her inexperience.

He felt a twinge of annoyance, a protective instinct that flared bright and hot. They hadn't discussed this; she hadn't warned him of her plans, knowing the situation with his family and the Stars. But there was something else, a flicker of pride at her independence that he couldn't quite suppress.

Then, there was Andrew, leaning against the counter with that easy smile that had, just last night, become intimate in a way Rafael had never dared hope. He strode over, his steps a mix of determination and trepidation, the weight of their families' mutual disdain heavy on his shoulders.

"Why is Gabriella working here?" Rafael asked, his voice low, tinged with a frustration that was more about their parents than the situation at hand. "You know how my parents feel about…all of this."

Andrew's eyes met his, a silent communication that spoke of last night's whispered confessions and the shared warmth of bonds newly formed. They moved to a booth, sliding into the vinyl seats. Katelyn delivered two cups of coffee for them. Their conversation was hushed, a delicate dance around truths too dangerous to speak about except in whispers.

"It's good for her, Rafael," Andrew said, his hand briefly covering Rafael's. "She needs to be her own person, not just who our families want her to be."

"I know all that, but does she have to work here with you?" Rafael's face was stern, with a determined expression that hinted at his unwavering resolve.

"Look. You know this town is small. There are hardly any jobs for her. She doesn't have a car to drive to another town. She can ride her bike here and be independent. It's really a good thing."

"And what about the little problem of her heavy crush on you?"

"I took care of that this morning. I let her know taking the job didn't mean I was looking for a girlfriend. I said it without hurting her. She's been smiling all morning."

"You're right, there're no jobs in this town. That's why she's never had one. She's only worked at church activities."

"You know I'll make sure no one hurts her. I'm here to protect her as if she were my sister."

"We'll see how it goes. Next time, talk to me first because she's my sister."

Andrew nodded, then whispered, "Are we still on for tonight?"

"You bet we are." Rafael's smile returned.

"Be honest. Are you pissed at me for hiring your sister?"

"Not really. It's just going to be a bitch explaining it to my parents."

Rafael's heart was a battleground between family loyalty and love. He looked into Andrew's eyes, saw the earnest belief shining there, and felt the last of his objections crumble. This was a chance for Gabriella to step out from under the shadow of their parents' expectations, to find her own path.

Just maybe, there was a chance for Andrew and him, too.

"Oh no, look who showed up." Rafael looked at the door.

Andrew turned to see who had walked into the diner. It was Miss Amelia. "You know what that means?"

"Trouble for both of us. What did Joe say about Gabriella?"

"He wasn't thrilled, but I explained the situation and he was okay."

"What if your parents come in here and fire her?" Rafael didn't want his sister fired. She would be devastated.

"They promised not to interfere with the diner. They turned it over to Joe and me. They might say something to me about it in private, but I don't care. I make my own decisions."

"You've really grown up from the little pain in the ass you used to be. I love the new Andrew."

"You haven't changed much. Still giving me trouble. A speeding ticket I didn't need."

"Sometimes, you're still a bad boy."

"And you're still the officer who busts me every time I make a mistake."

"Well, I've got to go to work. See you tonight. I wish you could stay the night."

"We'll do what we can for that to happen soon."

With a swift motion, Rafael pulled out his wallet, but Andrew stopped him. "On the house."

Rafael stopped to say hello to Gabriella, wrapping his arms around her in a warm embrace. "Hey, I'm proud of you. I heard you're doing an excellent job."

"Thanks." A smile of relief spread across her face.

"If you have any problems with Mama or Pop, call me. I'll take care of it."

"Thanks."

As he made his way out, he took time to exchange friendly hellos with the patrons at the diner.

On his way to work, he thought about taking Andrew into the city for dinner and a visit to a gay bar. He parked his car in the police headquarters' lot, went to his desk, and made reservations for dinner in Colton. That was the closest city he knew that had safe gay bars. They were discreet, and he'd never had a problem there.

He no sooner finished making the dinner reservation than his phone rang.

"Rafael, you told us you were going to talk to your sister!" his father shouted.

"What's the problem?"

"You know the problem. Gabriella is working in the Blue Star Diner with that piece of shit."

"She's an adult in the eyes of the law. There's nothing you can do about it. She's not a child."

His father abruptly ended the call, leaving a lingering silence that was worse than a heated argument. He returned to his paperwork, anxiously checking his phone for any sign of a call or message from Gabriella.

He called Andrew.

"What's up?" Andrew asked.

"Can you talk?"

"Yes."

"Is Gabriella still working?"

"Yes. Why?"

"Did my parents come to the diner?"

"No. Is there something going down I need to know?"

"My father called me about Gabriella working there. He's pissed off."

"I'm sorry. What do you want me to do?" Andrew asked.

"See me tonight. I miss you already."

"Is it safe for your sister to go home?" Andrew's voice was filled with concern.

"I'm sure they will blame me and tell her to quit. She'll call if she needs me. I've got to go. See you soon."