Single and Seeking Barson story

Chapter 13

Before driving Olivia home, Rafael made a quick stop at the grocery store. Olivia looked at him confused. "Don't worry" he told her."we won't be here long." She looked so tired, that he continued. "I'll go in myself, I'll be quick I promise." He was.

Now, he gazed at Olivia as he carried one bag of groceries. She looked relived to be home, and when they entered her apartment she smiled. She had offered to carry the large bag, but he refused. The sound of Noah's laugher coming from his room made Olivia laugh. Bara reached the kitchen. placed the bag down, and emptied the contents. "What are you doing?" Olivia asked staring at him, a look of disbelieve on her face.

Barba chucked. "Did you think I was buying this food all for myself. I promised you a good meal, instead of that liquid you call soup. Did you think I was going to suggest a take-out place? From the look on her face he could see that was exactly what she thought. "I'm cooking Liv, I know you're starving. Go see Noah, this will be ready soon."

"What are you planning?"

"You'll see when it's ready."

"OK. I won't be long, if you need me. I just have to put Noah to bed." Olivia ran to Noah's room. Barba heard her speaking to Lucy quickly. He then heard footsteps, he knew were not the footsteps of his best friend.

"Mr. Barba are you cooking for Liv?" Lucy asked standing across from the kitchen area She already knew the answer. "This is nice to see."

"Hello Lucy. You have plans tonight?"

"Yes, I'm meeting Roberto's family tonight." Lucy whispered,

"That's serious,"

"I know, I'm so nervous. He is so family-oriented, I love that about him, I love that in his culture being that way is the norm,but I'm terrified at the same time. He told me he never introduced a girl to his family before. What do you think?"

Barba raised an eyebrow. "Honestly, he wants to marry you."

"I know." Lucy whispered excitedly. When are you going to invite Liv to dinner with your mother?"

Barba smiled and changed the subject. "Why do you whisper about Roberto? I would bet money if I were a betting man that Liv already knows about him."

"I think she does." Lucy whispered. "I better go, I'm going to be so late.. She ran toward Noah's room.

"No, Lucy you don't have to do that." Barba heard Liv say. He heard more whispering and moments later he heard a door close and open again. Again, he saw Lucy running, this time to the front door.

"Have a good night Mr. Barba." Lucy said. as she left the apartment. "I hope to see you here again soon." When she was gone, Barba walked over to the door, locked it quickly, and returned to the stove.

The kitchen was filled with wonderful smells. Barba heard Olivia's voice as the food finished cooking. When it was cooled enough, he called her name. "Liv, the food is ready." He no longer heard her speaking. He walked to Noah's room. He stood in the doorway for a moment. She was asleep beside Noah's little bed. Barba noticed that Olivia had changed her clothes. She was wearing a floral print maroon dress, a dress he had never seen before. He strode quietly to her, and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "Liv, the food is ready." He said in a low tone, he didn't want to wake Noah. She opened her eyes slowly. "You need to eat something."" He held out a hand to help her up.

"Raffa" she said groggily." I'm sorry, I closed my eyes for a second."

"Don't be sorry." He answered. As she stared at him, he wondered what was going through her mind, he was about to speak again when Olivia grabbed his hand. She looked in the direction of Noah's bed to be sure he was not in distress. She didn't let go of Barba's hand, and he was trilled about that. "He's fine Liv ." She nodded in agreement. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, and they walked together to the dinning table. Barba pulled out her chair for her. Then, he picked up a dish and served her. "You're going to love this, I hope. Barba said smiling.