Page 63 of Endlessly Raphael

Haven

When we arrive back home, it’s quiet. “Where is everyone?”

“Working, probably. Speaking of…” He pauses as he opens the door to his unit for me. “I’ll have to get back into the rotation this week.”

I nod. “I understand. What are your hours?”

“I typically work at night. Late at night though, so you’ll be asleep.”

“Okay.” I want to ask again, but I bite my lip. He’ll tell me when he’s ready. “How about a nap where we don’t sleep at all?”

Rapha smiles. “Sounds good.”

Before we can make it to the bedroom, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out and frown. “Shit. Seems too soon for them to get the paperwork.”

“It’s your father?”

“Yep.” I ignore it until it stops, but a second later he calls again.

“You better answer it. Just remember, he can’t do anything to you.”

“Right.” I blow out a breath. “I can handle this. I have to.”

Rapha nods, leaning against the wall.

“Hello?”

“Haven. It’s your father.”

“I’m aware. What can I help you with?”

“I need to speak to you and it’s urgent. Can we meet somewhere?”

I scrunch my face. “Why would I meet with you?”

I hear his deep exhale. “Listen to me, Haven. This is very difficult for me to say, but it must be done.”

“This feels like a trap. There’s nothing legally you can do to me.”

“I know. I already spoke to Hassan. This isn’t about what I want. It’s about…” The tension in his voice is unusual. He’s not angry, but something is going on. “I really don’t want to do this over the phone.”

I look at Raphael for help.

“Meet with him,” Rapha says.

“Okay. We can meet, but my husband is joining me.”

“Fine. There’s a coffee shop across from our building. Uh, your building.”

“I’d rather meet somewhere else.”

“Name the spot.”

“Café Rosa. What time?”

“Is an hour enough time? This is important.”

“We’ll be there.”