The Cartel Empress

13

As Rafael pulled up in front of the club, the valet immediately recognized him and rushed over with a welcoming smile. Their rapport was well-established, and the valet was always quick to assist him.

"Good evening, Mr. Rafael," the valet greeted him warmly, taking the keys from his hand.

"Good evening," Rafael replied with a nod, appreciating the efficient service. 

The valet grinned and gave a reassuring nod as he whisked the car away to a secure parking spot.

 Rafael acknowledged her message with a nod of thanks and made his way towards the second floor where Arnold's office was located. Along the way, he took a moment to glance around, observing the club's patrons and the lively atmosphere. It was a diverse crowd, with people from all walks of life seeking enjoyment and respite from their daily routines. The rhythmic music pulsed through the air, adding to the club's vibrant energy.

As Rafael swung open the door, he was immediately greeted by Arnold's jovial voice, "Hey, buddy! How's it going? You missed Quaquin's birthday last Saturday, man. We were waiting for you, but you didn't show up. What's up with that?" Arnold chuckled heartily, his carefree demeanor always infectious.

Rafael stepped into Arnold's office, a small but well-furnished space that contrasted with the bustling energy of the club below. He couldn't help but return Arnold's smile. Arnold's perpetual cheerfulness was a stark contrast to Rafael's own disposition, which often veered towards caution and suspicion. The kind of life Rafael led had made it hard for him to let his guard down.

"Yeah, sorry about that," Rafael replied, taking a seat across from Arnold. "Work's been pretty demanding these past few weeks, you know how it is."

Arnold leaned back in his chair, his smile unwavering. "No worries, man. We all have our commitments. Speaking of which, how's everything?"

Rafael hesitated for a moment, pondering how much he could share with his friend. Arnold had a way of making people feel at ease, but there were certain aspects of Rafael's life that he preferred to keep hidden, even from those closest to him. Nevertheless, he decided to offer a general response. "Everything's... alright, I guess. Just the usual challenges."

Arnold nodded knowingly. "Well, you know I'm here if you ever want to talk about anything. But for now, let's catch up, have a drink, and enjoy the night. It's what you're here for, right?"

Rafael responded to Arnold's comment with a laugh. Arnold chuckled in return and raised his hand, signaling for a waitress to come over.

The waitress approached their table with a warm smile. "Good evening,. What can I get you?"

Arnold glanced at Rafael and then back at the waitress. "Let's start with two glasses of your finest whiskey," he said, still grinning. "And bring us a couple of menus. We might decide to have a bite later."

The waitress nodded and jotted down their order. "Certainly, I'll be right back with your drinks and menus."

Arnold teased him, "So, buddy, are you here again to find someone for a one-night stand?" He delivered the comment with a playful grin.

Rafael chuckled, taking the jest in stride. "Nah, dude, I'm just here for dinner," he replied with a grin of his own. "Is it my fault that women seem to find their way to me?"

Arnold laughed heartily at Rafael's response. "Well, I can't blame them. You're quite the catch. If I were a woman, I'd probably try to snag you too," he quipped, playfully adopting a flirtatious pose.

Rafael chuckled heartily and retorted, "If you're the one making advances, I'm sure I'd be running in the opposite direction pretty fast!" 

Arnold grinned mischievously and teased, "Why, am I not your type?" He continued the playful act, pretending to be an alluring woman.

the room is filled with laughter.

 Rafael decided to shift the topic, asking Arnold about the incident Carlos had mentioned. "Carlos mentioned that there was some trouble here last Saturday," Rafael began.

Arnold nodded in agreement. "Yeah, buddy, that's right. It was the son of Senator Chavez. You know how it goes with these young guys, full of arrogance and hot-headedness when they're drunk. But we got it sorted out pretty quickly. My bouncers are top-notch."

Rafael relaxed a bit, realizing that the situation wasn't as serious as he had initially thought. "Ah, I see. I thought it might have been something more serious. Good to know it was resolved."

As Rafael and Arnold were engrossed in their conversation, Olivia, one of the women who had a penchant for throwing herself at Rafael, entered the room. She sauntered over with a provocative smile, addressing Rafael with a familiarity that suggested they were well-acquainted.

"Rafi, the guard was right. You're here," Olivia purred, her tone dripping with suggestive undertones. "We're at the table near the aquarium with some friends. Care to join us?"

Arnold shot Rafael an amused glance, recognizing the attention Olivia was lavishing upon his friend. Rafael, on the other hand, managed a polite but non-committal smile, fully aware of Olivia's intentions. "Thanks for the invite, Olivia," he replied, choosing his words carefully. "I'll think about it."

Olivia, ever persistent, leaned in closer to Rafael, her voice adopting a sultry tone. "Come on, Rafi," she whispered, her warm breath grazing his ear. "Didn't you miss me?"

Rafael couldn't help but smirk at her audacity as she pulled a chair and positioned herself beside him. Her proximity was hard to ignore, and her playful demeanor was unmistakable.

"come on," she urged, her fingers lightly tracing a path on his arm. "And do me a favor, Rafi. I might be a bit too tipsy to drive home later. Would you be a gentleman and give me a ride?"