Escape A Barson story

Chapter 11

Olivia felt her stomach do yet another somersault, Rafael was smiling at her, and it wasn't just any smile, it was his half smile. She picked up her water glass, and took a long sip. When she put the glass down, she looked down at her plate, she had only taken a few bites of chicken. How can I eat with this amount of tension and how long can this dinner go on? She thought to herself. She glanced at Rafael's plate, it was empty, and he was still looking at her.A few minutes later, Christian, and Lamai cleared the table of dishes, and walked into the kitchen. A few minutes after that , Christian sat down at the table again, and Lamai came out with Creamy Hazelnut Pie, and tea. Before she sat down, she gave Olivia a concerned look. Everyone at the table took a piece of pie, and a cup of tea. "Lamai."
"Yes,Steven," she answered."I think you should fix Rafael up with Celia", he replied. Olivia picked up her cup, took a long sip, and tried to ignore the conversation, she hated where it was going, but she had no right to hate it, She felt sick."I'm not interested, Steven." Rafael said.""C'mon, Rafael, you don't even know her, I think you'd like her", Steven said."I'm not interested", Rafael repeated firmly. Olivia felt like she was watching him from the gallery of a courtroom again. She hid her face with her cup.
"You want to be single, forever, Rafael? C'mon, meet her." Steven replied.."I won't be single forever. Why do you care, Steven? Rafael responded.
Olivia put down her cup. "Steven, Rafael doesn't want to discuss this with you, right now", she said."I think Rafael has made it clear he isn't interested", Lamai added.
"Alright." Steven said. "Let me or the Garlands know if you change your mind.""I won't change my mind", Rafael said. "Maybe you should date Celia."Lamai, Christian", Olivia said, standing up from her chair. "I'm taking Noah, and going back to our cabin for the night. Olivia walked to the bedroom where her son was, and woke him up. Olivia led a groggy Noah out of the room."Uncle Rafa, walk home with me and mom." Noah said, sleepily."OK", Rafael answered, walking over to Noah and Olivia."I'll walk you and your mom home, champ." Steven said, walking over."Olivia, I need to see you for a sec." Lamai called.
"I got him, Liv." Rafael said, before placing an arm around Noah to keep him steady. Olivia nodded, and followed Lamai into the kitchen."I noticed you barely touched your food.""I'm sorry, Lamai." Olivia replied."Lanai smiled. "Here, take this for later", she said, handing Olivia a bag of food. "I put some tea bags in the bag too."
"Thank-you", Olivia replied, giving Lamai a grateful smile.
"You're welcome. Olivia, I know you feel like you need Noah near you tonight, but he is welcome to stay the night with us tomorrow, and any other time.""Thank-you." Olivia replied. She walked out of the kitchen, and to Rafael and Steven."Come on, Olivia, I'll walk you and Noah home." Steven said.Uncle Rafa, come with us." Noah whispered."I'm here, Noah.""Rafael, no offense, but I am capable of walking both Olivia and Noah home by myself." Steven said."Noah, doesn't know you, and he asked for me." Rafael replied."He should get to know me." Steven replied.Rafael tightened his protective hold on the boy."Let's all go." Olivia said, leading them out of the cabin, into the cold. It was snowing.
They all walked for several minutes before Steven broke the silence. "Olivia, I am so glad the Garlands fixed us up, but I have a question."""What's that?" Olivia asked."How on earth are you still single?" Steven replied. Olivia caught Rafael's eye roll. He watched as Steven took her free hand.
"That's a complicated question, Steven." Olivia answered, releasing her hand from his hold.
When they approached Olivia and Noah's vacation cabin, Steven leaned close to her. "It doesn't have to be, Olivia." Olivia moved to the door of the cabin. and both men followed, Rafael was still holding Noah. at the side of her. Steven moved in front of her, and continued speaking. "Thank-you for picking out my family's Christmas gifts."Rafael rolled his eyes. Steven leaned close, and whispered into Olivia's ear. "When do I get to kiss you, Olivia."Olivia moved away, opened the front door, and reached for her son. Rafael released his hold on the boy."Not tonight, Steven." Olivia said, softly. She walked Noah into the cold cabin, closing and locking the door behind her.