𝘾𝙊𝘿𝙀𝙋𝙀𝙉𝘿𝙀𝙉𝘾𝙀 - Rio x Reader

•Chapter 7•

Why?

You would think that would've been the first question out of your mouth after Rio asked you to tell your dad about him. Why does he want your dad to know? What does he want with the infamously incarcerated Nathaniel Moreno?

The question itches at the back of your throat. You attempt to wash it down with the strongest coffee the discount store carries. The dark circles under your eyes have taken on a new shade of blue- almost black. You had decided against sleeping- well that's what you're telling yourself anyway- as if it was a choice. The mush that has taken shape of your brain reminds you of Vera's newborn stage. You hadn't got a full nights sleep for the first four months. Somehow, this was worse.

You threw on your work uniform that consisted of that awful teal- 50's era diner dress with the pink lapels and non slip shoes. It's way shorter than you'd like it to be, but you're pretty sure your boss orders them that way. You roll your eyes at the thought as you slip your long black coat over your arms. A no-call no-show usually rests on the grounds of termination, but Bill can't keep anyone. You've been the only constant in that diner other than him, Iris, and Lou since you were sixteen.

After making the trip to see your dad and working a double, you plan on going back to get Vera. It provides some comfort knowing you're going to have her home again, safely. After doing what Rio asks, he should be done with you. What more could you give him?

-

Your foot taps against the concrete floor below. This time, all the stools are empty- no one coming to look at their loved one behind a pane of bulletproof glass and hear their voice through an outdated, germ-infested phone. Your leg begins bouncing and you find yourself fidgeting with a button on your coat. It was harder than you imagined, trying to find this place without GPS. After what should have been a two hour car ride, turned into about three hours with all the wrong turns you made.

Your anxiety flies through the roof. You can't exactly pinpoint the precursor to this but it could be awaiting his reaction, the lack of sleep, or the gluttonous amount of coffee you had this morning. The door buzzer almost sends you flying out of your chair. Your father's large frame enters through the door and the guard undoes his cuffs. You have to remind yourself to breathe. He walks over to the booth and takes the seat across from yours with the shadow of a smile on his face.

In and out.

You take the black wall phone into your perspiring hand. It shakes against your ear and continues to do so as you watch him do the same.

"I can't imagine you're here because you wanted to see me.", his voice crackles through the phone's speaker.

Right down to business.

Your skin pales and you try to enunciate the words but you only get as far as parting your lips slightly. How are you supposed to tell him? Why are you supposed to tell him?
Usually, you hate beating around the bush, but you find yourself wishing there had been an icebreaker or a cushion to this conversation. But he knew from the moment you showed up yesterday that something wasn't quite right. After talking to his sister, he couldn't think of anything else other than what was going on with you.

"Sylvia said you didn't stay last night- that you dropped Vera off and seemed scared."

Your eyes avert from his and lock to the steel phone cord swinging in your lap. You could just motion the guard over. He's a police officer right? You could tell him what's been going on. But that would mean incriminating your mother.

"You need to tell me what's going on.", his firm tone pulls you from your racing thoughts.

You breathe in, looking back up at him.