There are a few things I realize when I finally wake up:
1) I'm still in Rafael's bed.
2) I'm alone in Rafael's bed.
3) Judging by the shade of the sky outside his floor-to-ceiling window, it's no longer morning.
4) He has left me another two pills and a full glass of water on his nightstand.
5) He has also written a note that says I'm free to make myself at home.
6) ...
Well, I assumed my observations until this point meant that Rafael is not currently present in the condo, but I swear I heard what sounded like footsteps just a second ago - which might not be a good thing, considering I now hear the door opening and shutting, and now there is another pair of footsteps, along with some hushed whispers that are really closer to hushed yelling.
Fortunately, at least one of the voices are familiar. And the topic of their conversation instantly shuts down my theory that I've been caught in the middle of a home invasion.
Unfortunately, that topic appears to be me.
"Mami, is everything alright? You said there was an emergency. Is it abuelita? What's wrong with her apartment now? I knew we should've-"
"Ay, Dios mio, Rafi, you talk too much," an older woman - at least, that's what she sounds like - scolds.
"I'm a lawyer, mami."
"Don't change the subject, mijo."
"But-"
"No," she cuts him off again. "There is a girl in your bed! How could you! You don't introduce your girlfriend to your own mother?"
Oh no.
Hurriedly, I rush out of the bed, and after running my fingers through my no doubt messy hair, I practically sprint out of the room.
Of course, I forgot I'm wearing nothing but my underwear and Rafael's shirt.
Of course, I also forgot the ugly, battered state of my body.
Of course, I realize too late what I look like - what this looks like.
Both their heads snap toward me before I can sneak back into his room.
"Um, hello..."
The corner of Rafael's mouth lifts. "Ellie. You're still here."
"Yeah, I'm sorry, I just woke up and before I could-"
"Ay-ay-ay, what happened to you, nina?"
"Oh, um..."
"Mami, this is Detective Ellie Parker from SVU," Rafael interjects, which I'm immediately grateful for.
"Ooh, an office romance? Rafi, I didn't know you had it in you," she says, almost giddily.
"She got hurt on the job," he instantly says, and I find myself feeling immensely relieved that he lied about my injuries. I don't exactly want to get into all of that again, especially in front of his mother.
"And you're taking care of her?" She turns to me, a hand on her chest. "So sweet, my hijo."
"Actually, my apartment flooded," I say, quickly thinking of my own lie to spin, "and your son kindly offered for me to stay the night."
"Oh, so no office romance?" Her shoulders drop in disappointment, but then perk right back up in the next moment. "Surely it will take more than one night for your apartment to clear?"
Why did I say my apartment flooded again? Oh, right, because I didn't want to tell her my psycho ex broke in and attacked me.
Dammit, I should've thought of a better a lie. I'm a detective, for God's sake!
"Mami, shouldn't you be on your way? It's getting dark," Rafael, again, saves my ass.
There's a knowing glint in her eyes - one that I'm almost certain is misplaced. "Of course, of course. I'll leave you two alone," she says, and I swear I can hear a wink in her voice. Gathering her purse, she begins walking toward the door. "Take good care of her, Rafi. And call me in the morning." Somehow, I get the feeling their morning call is going to be about me.
Shooting us one last grin, she leaves.
And then it's my turn to smirk. "So... Rafi?"
A/N: I love Barba's (Rafi's) mom.