Barba's New Life

Prologue Pt.3: Meeting Lucia

If you're so included to listen to music that fits the chapter vibe while reading:

"I Caught Fire" - The Used
"Skeletons" - W. Darling
"Bloom" - Paper Kites

"How was your first day?" Sophie asked him, chopping vegetables beside the sink for their dinner

After taking a short three month "sabbatical," Rafael had taken a job at the law firm she worked in partnership with: Griest and Rodriguez. Her advocacy group, No Borders, had been more than happy to hear that Rafael was looking for work and quickly got him connected with the head lawyers John Griest and Penelope Rodriguez. She knew that getting her new boyfriend a job at her company was a risk. Things could blow up. They could end up hating each other. They could work horribly together and that bleed over into their home life. But, it could be fine. And she knew that Rafael was a powerhouse. He could win cases. His wit and determination would help save lives. John and Jorge saw that too, and hired him on the spot. They could be egotistical assholes too, but when those behaviors were happening while focused on the greater good, made the attitude seem more bearable. 

"It went well. I've only got a few cases to start, I think they want a probationary period of sorts. Which I understand. I would do the same thing if I hired me. Are you regretting your decision to slip my name into the ring?" he smiled, taking over the chopping of the onions because he knew she hated the stinging

He was kidding, but his words were curious and real. They didn't shy away from the hard topics. It was a clear boundary that they had set. Direct communication might hurt in the moment but it saved built up resentment.

"Not today. Ask me in a month...I doubt we'll see each other that much. You'll be in court mostly and I'll be dealing with the racist Congressmen at city hall" she kissed his cheek, setting up water for the pasta to boil while Rafael began to sweat the vegetables for sauce

"So I should wait another month before asking you to meet my mother?" he slid in the question, looking up from the hot skillet with a mischievous glint in his eye

Her heart thudded an extra beat. Meeting his mother? That seemed really important, something iconic and...big. Monumental. A signifier that their relationship was going to last and weather whatever issues came their way.  Were they ready for that? They had been dating four months, although it felt as if they had known each other forever. While not official, Rafael had several drawers at her place and she had a whole section of closet at his. They essentially lived together with no label.

And, she heard Rafael speak with his mother on the phone several times a week. She was tough, no nonsense, and had very high expectations of her son. Would she be able to big meet those expectations? This was one of those times that Sophie was glad her mother was dead. None of this social bullshit.

"How much have you already told her about me?" she asked, catching snippets here and there of their discussions but never tuning in

"Enough" he teased but then continued

"I've told her bare bones. You're an immigration advocate. You're intelligent, accomplished, and keep me in check. She's eager to meet you whenever you're comfortable"

Sophie drew in a deep breath. She didn't have any framework within to process this. Excitement and impulsivity made her want to immediately agree while her anxiety and fear of rejection whipped her right back. What if they met, and she hated her? That could drive a wedge in any relationship and theirs was so brand new that it would be done.

"I see the hamster going" he mentioned to her a few minutes later after he had allowed her some stewing time

She forced herself to be honest and say what she thought. If she would want him to do the same she needed to bite the bullet and put herself out there too. Radical honesty.