Oral Care

Chapter 21: Night Views

*** Rafael's POV ***

I end up having way more fun out with Miguel than I could have ever anticipated. It actually makes me feel bad for rubbing my messy face in his shirt and the things I said about him. At some level I understand him because I am experiencing the same feelings for Evelyn that he must have felt.

Our situations are different, certainly. As unhappy as I was with Tara, I wouldn't have cheated. But I understand how once he had Evelyn's affection that it would be hard to return to anyone else. I also understand how it feels to want more. She is the rational one, pacing us, pacing me, but I just can't get enough.

I am plotting to convince her to come home with me tonight, guised as making the trip to family supper easier, although it is just as easy to scoop her up along the way. I want to suggest taking her out on Monday night to celebrate her new job. I am addicted and I need to cool my jets.

Miguel actually gives me that very advice later that night when Evelyn slips away to the bathroom. He offers a truce, saying that she seems really happy with our arrangement and that he won't jeopardize that. Then, he warns me against pushing her into a relationship.

"She says that it's because of you but she has her own baggage. Some of that's from me not telling her about my wife and family. Some of it's from her own family dynamics. She's under a lot of pressure from them to fit their model." He explains.

"Which is?"

"Picture-perfect traditional family. No joke, it's almost cult-like. They all live super close, grocery shop together, hang out together, all the time." Miguel describes with a shudder.

I swallow hard. My own family can be overwhelming at times. I hope that we don't come across like that. I suddenly start second-guessing her reaction to every transaction we have had that involved my family.

"You two seem to be getting along well." Evelyn observes later that night when Miguel goes to the bar to get us all drinks while we hold down the seats.

"Yeah, he offered a truce of sorts. I still think it's weird as hell that he wants to stay here." I comment, scratching the back of my head.

"Yeah. About that...he asked if he can stay with me longer. No one will rent to him without a job and some 'longevity' in it." She shares.

I feel less threatened by the idea now that we have an understanding, but I can tell that she isn't crazy about it. "How do you feel about it?"

She glances quickly to the bar to make sure that he hasn't returned yet. "Not great."

"Let me see what I can do. Worst case scenario he can move in with me." I throw it out there.

"Absolutely not." She declines.

I chuckle. "Why not?"

"Because... you're mine." She states. I cock an eyebrow and she looks all flustered. It's cute.

Unfortunately Miguel returns and she doesn't explain further. As luck would have it, Liam and Joel come through with a lead and they agree to vouch for Miguel. He excitedly makes plans to meet with them tomorrow afternoon. Miguel is beside himself with appreciation, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.