Rafael

Chapter 52 - Tranquilizing

"Mia, remember to take the turkey out of the oven in fifteen minutes. Don't forget, okay? Or else you'll have to eat a really dry turkey for thanksgiving. I'm going to run to the store for a case of bottled water because we're almost out."

"Okay, mom. Don't worry, I won't forget."

"You'd better not. Your brother and his girlfriend should be here in a few. You can ask Rafael to let them in if you're busy dealing with the turkey when they get here."

"I will," I said, setting the table as fast as I possibly could so I could move on to my next task.

I forgot how much work thanksgiving was.

In New York, Mel and I would just buy a cooked turkey from the story and just eat that and drink wine while we watched reruns of 'How I Met Your Mother'.

And that would be our thanksgiving.

Fun and easy.

"Be right back," My mother said, running out of the house like her ass was on fire.

"Hey, need some help?" Rafael said, appearing out of thin air as if I had summoned him.

"Yes, please. Can you finish setting this table?"

"Sure."

"Thank you so much! Do you where my dad is, by any chance?"

I knew that my father hadn't immediately warmed to Rafael as my mom had, but I hoped he would before the weekend was over because I wanted my dad to see what a good guy my boyfriend was.

"I think he's in his man cave."

I groaned.

Of course, that was where he would be.

While everyone was slaving away over his dinner, he was watching the game like a lazy bum.

"If I'm not back in ten minutes, get that turkey out of the oven, will you? I'll get the rest of the food out of the fridge when I get back."

"Don't worry about it, okay? Let me deal with all of it," He said, kissing me on the cheek before I could walk away from him, making me smile.

I loved how he handled everything when I needed help without me having to nag or beg a million times first.

It was very...

Tranquilizing.

 If that was the correct word to explain what I meant.

"Dad," I called.

"In here," He answered, his voice echoing from the man cave.

I narrowed my eyes.

Did his feet not work? 

I stalked into his place of solace and sat down beside him on the leather couch.

"Dad, aren't you going to-"

"I need to talk to you, Mia."

His face looked serious so I decided that I would hear him out.

"Okay, what is it?"

"Promise not to be mad, okay? I just want you to be safe."

I sighed.

What has he done now?

"Okay, dad. Say what you want to say."

"I don't think you should see Rafael anymore."

I rolled my eyes.

"So you still haven't changed your mind about him?"

"I'm sorry, Mia, but I don't want you running around with a guy like that. Even if he doesn't put you in physical danger, he might still end up hurting you sooner or later."