Chapter 11:

The rest of the weekend went relatively easy with Rafael and Jake staying in due to continuous downpours outside. Olivia and Noah had visited a few times but had not stayed at Rafael's since Jake's first night at home and as much as he hated sleeping alone he was grateful for the time with Jake. Even though she was not actually at the apartment they stayed in constant contact through text messages and late night calls. It was during one of those late night calls she had let him know she had reached out to Melinda and Langan about the situation and both were wanting to help. She also let him know she had called Carmen and explained, in a short sense, what had happened so she would not be blindsided come Monday. As much as Rafael disliked Langan he knew he was the best family lawyer they knew and was glad for the partnership. "Thank you mi amor." Rafael stated as she explained Langan would be by Rafael's office the next day to go over everything and get the ball rolling. "I know you are not his biggest fan Rafa but he is the best." Olivia stated. "I know. I just feel like he secretly wants to marry you or something." Rafael stated bluntly and he swore he could hear Olivia's eyes roll while she laughed. "Rafa I think that is the least of your problems! Plus.. I have enough lawyers in my personal business don't you?" She said cheekly and he let a slight grin go across his face as he responded. "Damn right. Although, I think your lawyer may need to invade your personal business a bit more in order to truly be able to answer that question." "Rafael Eduardo Barba!" Olivia gasped as they both laughed. "Anyway Counselor.. I called in a favor and had it arranged for Melinda to take care of the DNA tests for you and to keep it under wraps for privacy for you and Jake. She said she could do it tomorrow morning and hopefully get the results back within a few days." Olivia stated trying to change the subject back to a more PG conversation. "Looks like Jake and I will be having a busy Monday. We are stopping by the school board as well tomorrow to get him enrolled." Rafael stated as both Olivia and Rafael continued to talk about their boys, their situation, and their relationship.

"Liv.." Rafael started to say as she cut him off. "I know Rafa.. but do you think this is the right time? Jake just moved in and -" "-Liv just because Jake is here does not mean we can't live together." He stated bluntly not allowing her to finish her sentence. "I just don't want to overwhelm him, or us, Rafa." She stated as he felt his frustration growing. "Olivia. I am not asking for us to move across the country or world. I am asking for us to move in together. We pretty much live together already. These few days apart have been the longest time sleeping alone since our first few months of dating over a year ago." Rafael stated and Olivia could hear the frustration in his voice as the conversation continued. "Rafa it's just.." "No Liv. It's nothing. It's simple. Either you do or you don't. That's it. There is no in between. I thought we were on the same page about this but I guess we aren't." Rafael stated a bit more snarkier than he meant to and wanted to shoot himself in the foot once he did. "Rafael. You know I do. However, I also know the situation and needs of our family have changed since we first talked about this. I am not going to discuss with you when you are this snarky or when you are upset. When you decide to lay off the caffeine and be a bit more human and a lot less robotic let me know." She stated before following up with, "I love you. Good night, Rafael." As Olivia got off the phone Rafael was mentally exhausted and confused on what had just taken place. However, he knew she was right and this was not the time or the place to further discuss the issue as they were both tired. Plus he felt it was best to have such a conversation in person and added it to his "to-do" list for the following day.

As Monday morning came his mood from the day prior was still present and as much as he didn't mean to be short with everyone he was. However, it seemed, while he was short and had a shorter patience level than normal, Jake was the only one he was not taking his mood out on and as the two of them made their way to Rafael's office, after a quick stop at Milenda's office, the two shared a few laughs and smiles about books, games, and the stories Melinda was telling them about Olivia. After stopping for a much needed coffee, orange juice, and a pair of muffins for them both at Jake's insistence they were finally making their way into the court house. "Why is everyone staring at us?" Jake asked as they made their way to the elevator. "They usually don't see me with anyone but Olivia and occasionally Noah. I am sure they are trying to figure out who you are and why you are with me." Rafael answered and Jake looked around cautiously before stating, "If they ask what will you tell them?" Before Rafael could answer Langan greeted them at the door ending their conversation earlier than Rafael wanted it to end.

"Barba." He stated as the two shook hands. "And you must be Jacob." Langan said as he went to give Jake a high-five. Jake cautiously greeted the man and looked to Rafael for comfort as he did not know who the other man was. Rafael nodded to him in assurance and Jake returned the high-five with a smile. The three walked into Rafael's office and as Jake entered he was in awe. He had never seen so many law review books or resources in one place before and as the two older men talked quietly he looked around at the books and items on the walls. He remembered Rafael telling him he was a lawyer and his office but to see it in person really allowed him to understand just how powerful and good Rafael was. Jake was eyeing a few awards on a shelf as Rafael called his name. "Jake.. I need to talk to Mr. Langan here for a little bit. Do you mind hanging with Carmen for a bit? I think she is going to hit up the library if you want to help her look for a few things." Rafael stated as Jake noticed the young lady standing by the door. "Hey Jake!" She said as she smiled at him. "Sure.. umm.. Maybe I can look at some books while we are there." Jake said nervously but understood the two men needed to talk. "Don't worry.. I know they BEST ice cream and pizza place in town and it's next to the coolest book and game store in town." Carmen whispered to him while Rafael was distracted and Jake beamed at her as they both figured out their game plan for being out of the office longer than normal before saying their goodbyes to the two men eyeing each other down in Rafael's office.