16. Chapter 16

ATLAS

Classes pass easily and I’m eager to make it to the café to get the general shame of dating the big boss over with. What I meet, though, is anything but. Tracey took the bus over with me, giggling the entire time and asking racy questions no one has any business knowing the answers to. However, she mentioned spanking and my face turned bright red so… she knows that. I make a mental note to try my car after work so it’s not a complete eyesore in Raphael’s parking lot. I’m pretty sure selling it is the best option at this point but I won’t know until I try.

Heather throws me a warm smile as I step inside, Gerald holding two thumbs up. Paula seems a bit weirded out but doesn’t say anything about it. Gerald claps me on the back as I round the counter and stuff my bag in the back. “When’s the wedding?” He gasps and covers his mouth with both hands. “Are you pregnant? Is it a shotgun wedding?”

Tracey and Gerald fall into fits of laughter as I try to keep a smile off my face. “You’re both idiots. We’re just dating.”

Heather joins the conversation as the last customer leaves. “Raphael was Atlas’ white knight last night. I heard he was a perfect gentleman, isn’t that right, Atlas?”

My face heats and I bow my head, digging one of my toes into the tile. “Not when we got home,” I mumble and then realize the company I’m in. Everyone goes silent, only the hiss of the espresso machine ruining the moment.

Tracey bursts out in another round of giggles, Gerald in shock that I just revealed a bit of Raphael’s private life. I don’t expect Paula to chime and I’m even more surprised when she speaks. “So, he really is a daddy, isn’t he?”

I can’t contain any of them as they fall into more fits, leaving me beet red and embarrassed—but only in the best of ways. Granted, these are the people I work with every day but it’s nice to know that I’m not being judged for my relationship. Tracey claps my shoulder as she wipes her eyes, Paula redirecting the conversation. “So, why are you still working here if you’re dating? Seems kind of stupid.”

“Because I’m not dating him for his money.”

She snorts. “Anyone would be stupid not to. He’s got loads of it. Maybe he can help fix up your car, too.”

“Paula!” Heather yells. “That was uncalled for. Whatever relationship Atlas has with Raphael is their business, not yours. I let all three of you know that you were to be respectful when Atlas came in this morning. That is the very definition of not it. If you can’t be respectful of the people I employ, then I do not need you working at my café.” Paula scrunches up her nose but Heather isn’t having it. “I mean it.”

“So, you’ll allow Atlas to take the boss coffee and get his rocks off but I can’t ask him if he’s at least using some of the perks?”

A deathly wave of silence filters between us and I back away, wringing my hands together, confused and annoyed that the joyous moment has come to this. Heather has this in the bag, though, stepping closer to Paula so that only the four of us can hear it. “I’ll have you know that Atlas is one of my hardest workers. He picks up more hours than all of you combined without complaining. I’ll also have you know that he takes that coffee up on his breaks. What he does during that 15-20 minutes does not concern me and it definitely does not concern you. Paula, I think you should take the rest of the day to think about what’s going on and come back tomorrow to let me know if you’d still like to work here.”

I swallow nervously, waiting for another outburst but there isn’t one. Paula huffs, rips off her apron, and then storms out, brushing past Raphael and not apologizing. He always walks in during my worst moments and this is definitely one of the worst. I need to speak with Heather and let her know that my preferential treatment is going to get everyone in trouble.

“Atlas, don’t start with me. Paula hasn’t been on time a day in her life and every excuse under the sun has been used to end her shift early. I’m not hurting if she decides to not come back tomorrow.”

That makes me feel marginally better.

Raphael steps up to the counter and I perk up, wondering what he’s here for. He’s never come during the afternoon for coffee. “Can I steal Atlas for a little while? I’m sorry I’m cutting into your hours but it’s a little important.”

Heather shrugs. “I don’t see why not. Atlas, you can pick up a few hours tomorrow or the day after if you like.” I agree immediately, loving that Raphael didn’t offer to pay for my shift or bribe me in order for me to leave with him. I am anxious to find out what’s so important that he has to pull me away from work, though.

I scurry around the counter, following on Raphael’s footsteps and nearly running into him when he stops just outside the café. “I didn’t want to ask where everyone could hear but my mother is visiting, today.” My eyes widen and I fight the urge to leave. I’ve never met someone’s parents before and this seems like where this conversation is headed. “Don’t be so scared. She’s not a monster but she does want to meet you.”

“Raphael-”

He places a gentle hand on my shoulder and squeezes softly. “Little One, this is your choice but I wanted to let you know she’s here just in case she decides to show up for coffee. She’s just as nosy as Heather and Karla. They actually told her all about you before I even got the chance to.” It’s the first time I’ve ever seen him blush but I like seeing this shyer version of my boyfriend. “Would you like to meet her?”

“When?”

“Now. I came to get you. There’s a small diner across the street that would give us a little more privacy than the café.”

I mull over the two options and as terrified as I am to meet Raphael’s mother, I know that pushing it off will just make my anxiety worse. Raphael mentioned that his mother is nice and I really could use more loving figures in my life. I also want to see Raphael blush again and I’m sure he will in the presence of his mother. “Let’s go. I didn’t eat lunch anyway.”

Those are the wrong words, Raphael’s growl cut short when someone walks by.

Meeting Raphael’s mother is nervewracking. Doing so in a diner is even worse. I thought for sure Raphael would obsess over the venue and drag me to one of the posh restaurants that cost $300 a plate. Instead, we’re at a local diner, Raphael leaning back against the old cushions of the booth with me tucked into his side. We don’t look like we belong together—Raphael in his crisp suit and me in the khakis and long-sleeve shirt I threw on for school.

I haven’t had time to go shopping but even so, anything I bought still wouldn’t match up to Raphael’s wardrobe. My anxiety starts to heighten as I lean forward, one of my legs starting to bounce as I keep my eyes peeled for Raphael’s mother. He mentioned that her name was Isabella but everyone calls her Isa. “Relax, little one,” Raphael purrs in my ear, one of his hands settling on my thighs. “She’s not going to eat you.”

That does nothing to soothe my panic, one of those stupid facts about to fly out of my mouth when Raphael lowers his head to mine for a kiss. I want to push him away but the comfort that comes with his presence is everything I need. I sag against him, a rumbling chuckle making me pull away with a frown.

“Not laughing at you, little one.”

“You two are so cute.”

I twist around to see an older version of Raphael there, a goddess that looks only a few years older than my boyfriend. She has the same hazel eyes and small nose and an aura that demands respect. Unlike Raphael, however, her nearly gray hair sits loose around her shoulders and she’s dressed plainly rather than in business casual. I thought for sure she’d be wearing something so expensive it hurt to look at.

As I’m sitting here though across from her, I see a mother. Raphael’s mother.

Instinctively, I reach forward and pull her water toward me. I’m not sure when the waitress brought them but I’m taking no chances. Maybe I’ve been watching too many soap operas where the mother-in-law takes it upon herself to make her son’s boyfriend feel unwelcomed. In each of those scenes, the boyfriend gets a face full of water. So, without a water cup, I’m hoping Isabella won’t be able to splash me with anything. Isabella throws her head back, a rich laugh coming from her before she addresses me. “Atlas, do you think I’m here to throw water on you? I came to meet you. To see the man that has returned that smile to my son’s face. Raphael, what did you tell him?”

Raphael bows his head sheepishly and I bite back a laugh at how timid he is in his mother’s presence.

“God, I swear once a child, always a child,” Isabella chides before tilting her head and truly looking at me. “He’s been eluding to your existence for months. I like having a face to the name. And,” she leans forward and I tug the glass of water to my chest. “You have any trouble with him, come to me.”

That’s not what I expected her to say.

“What?”

Raphael curls into himself further, moaning ‘mom’ like a goddamn child. I’ve never seen him like this but then that faint blush to his cheeks appears and my day is officially made. He looks absolutely adorable with his mussed hair and crisp suit, blushing because his mother called him out. Isabella isn’t done embarrassing him though and I love it. “He might own his father’s company but I birthed him. If he steps out of line, you let me know.”

I step, deciding to save Raphael from any further embarrassment. Reluctantly releasing the cup, I grab one of Raphael’s hands and pull it to my chest. “He’s not bad. He’s very sweet.”

Isabella shakes her head and grabs a menu. “My son is a lot of things but not sweet, so if he is with you, he must truly love you.” She says it so nonchalantly but I still want to make it clear that he’s not neglecting me or that it’s a one-sided relationship.

“He works a lot.”

“I’m not denying that, Atlas. I’m just saying that sometimes he loses sight of what’s important.”

Raphael groans and drags me tighter into his side. “Mom, I’m right here.” A slip of his authoritative voice makes it way out and she gives him a warning glance.

“Yes, you are and I’m making sure your boyfriend is comfortable. What are we eating?”

Isabella is a delightful reminder of what would have happened if my mother made it this far. I would have loved for Raphael to meet her, even more so for Isabella to. Hell, Heather and my mother would have gotten along so well. Raphael threads his fingers through mine and brings it to his lips, drawing me out of my thoughts. “What’s on your mind, little one?”

The fact that he still calls me that in front of his mother tells me how close he is with her. “Just wishing my mother could be here.” My eyes glaze over with tears, Raphael pressing a light kiss to the bridge of my nose. I don’t bring her up often but he knows how much I miss her. I’m sure if I had shared more of my life, it would have been easier to let him in on my struggles.

“They would have made fast friends, wouldn’t they?” He kisses my nose again. “Now, let’s get some food in that belly so I can return you to work.”

I’m about to protest when my stomach gurgles and all my fight gets thrown out the window.