Escape A Barson story

Chapter 6

Olivia's world stood still, she was definitely looking at Rafael Barba. he was definitely standing by the table Steven had picked. She wanted to run back into the bathroom, find a window, climb through it, and disappear, but she couldn't. She couldn't do that to Steven or The Garlands, and she couldn't tear her eyes away from Rafael. She heard the sound of his unmistakable voice. She forced herself to move forward, she placed her smile back on her face. She felt that familiar magnetic pull she always felt around Rafael Barba— the magnetic pull she always denied. It was pulling her to him. She fought against it, and finally steered herself to Steven,and stopped. "Steven, I'm so sorry I kept you waiting so long." Olivia said."It wasn't that long, and you're worth the wait." Steven answered with a smile.
"Hello Liv, it's good to see you." Rafael said.

Olivia turned to him. "Hello." She said as her stomach did a flip."Olivia, I was just about to introduce Rafael Barba, but I see I don't need to. Rafael and I went to Harvard Law together. We were enemies, always competing. Rafael saw me over here, and decided to offer an olive branch. How do you know each other?"
Olivia finally sat down at the table "We worked together. Barba was my unit's ADA." Olivia looked down at the table, afraid to look into her former ADA's green eyes. She found herself staring at a plate in front of her. The plate had cookies on it."We worked together for 6 years. We've known each other for a decade." Rafael added."Wow. It's a small world " Steven said. How long have you been working in sex crimes, Olivia?" Steven asked."This is my 24th year."

I admire you, not many people would have the stomach for that job." Steven said. Steven found himself watching Olivia staring down at the plate of cookies."Oh Olivia, I hope you don't mind. I ordered you a coffee with milk, and 3 Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies.

"Thank-you, that was thoughtful of you."Olivia said.

"Steven, I'm sure you and Olivia have plenty to do. You probably don't have much time to spend with an old law school rival, but give me your cell number, and I'll take yours."

"Sure, Rafael." Steven replied. The men exchanged phone numbers, and Olivia suddenly felt ill. "We should all get together for dinner. Do you know Christian Garland?"

"We met briefly." Rafael answered.

"Well, Christian, and his wife Lamai fixed Olivia and I up." Steven said. I'm sure that if I put in a good word for you, they will fix you up with Cecilia. Cecilia. comes to town every year, she has dinner with the Garlands a lot. I think she's Cuban.""You would put in a good word for me?" Rafael said in disbelief."Sure. Why not? We're not rivals anymore. " Steven replied."I'll give you a call soon, Steven." Rafael said. "Liv, are you OK?" Olivia lifted her head, and looked into Rafael's green eyes. "I'm fine." She said, softly"OK. I'll let you 2 lovebirds get back to your date."Steven smiled. "See you soon." Steven replied. Rafael smiled, and started to walk away from the table. Olivia felt an intense wave of sadness wash over her, She forced herself to keep smiling.
"Oh, Steven." Rafael said, turning back. "Olivia hates Marshmallow." With those words, Rafael Barba walked out the door.