Chapter 63
After their shopping trip consisting of two Brooks Brothers suits, seven button down shirts in an array of colors, five pairs of dress slacks, several different ties, a pair of black and a pair of brown Cole Haan loafers, and Barneys dress shoes, Rafe was in a bit of a shock. He had never seen a total that high for clothes, nor had he ever owned such nice attire. He felt a strange sense of confidence when he put on the black pinned stripped suit with powder blue button down and slim black tie. His demeanor changed; he was ready to take on the world. It was odd when he thought about it, walking out of the dressing room, dressed to the nines, he felt like he belonged in the world Olivia was giving him the opportunity to be a part of. He understood why Olivia wore those power suits.
They were in the car driving back to the hotel when his shock finally waned enough for him to speak. He turned his head towards Olivia and cleared his throat. "Thanks Olivia, not just for the clothes but uh, for everything. You didn't have to do all this for me."
"I wanted to, besides, I'm pretty sure I'm getting the better end of the deal. If someone else had gotten a hold of you, I would have missed out on an up-and-coming business mogul."
"That's not what I mean, I mean, I am grateful for the job, but uh, thanks for convincing me to stay, and for everything you did for me and my Ma while I was in prison, and for seeing more in me than anyone else ever has."
"Rafe, you have so much to offer, I just wasn't too blind to see it. I am so proud of you. You've grown so much in the past few weeks, you've quit trying to fight everything and everyone, started to embrace that you are more than your past and really working towards a future. I, of all people, understand how hard that is to do. To let yourself believe that you are better than your mistakes. I have no doubt that in a few months you'll be on your way to taking over for your mom."
"You really think so? That I have what it takes to be an assistant for the great Olivia freakin' Spencer."
"Yes, I do."
"Well, thanks. I'm still not sure how I feel about you and Ma, but I know you make her happy, and I know you love her. I saw it when I stayed that week before going to the half-way house, I just didn't want to except it. Now I see it more. I'm still not sure that I'm completely okay with it, but I'm trying. And no matter how I feel about your relationship, I can't thank you enough for the job. I didn't want to work for you. I had heard all about the terror of the beacon, the dragon lady, and I didn't want to owe you. But you're not like that anymore, most of the staff can see that you've changed. I think hearing all of them talk about how different you are now really helped me to see it too."
"Thank you Rafe. I'm still working on being a better person, but I really want to be. Your mom deserves nothing short of the best. I'm not sure I fit that bill, but I'm going to keep trying to." Rafe started to say something but Olivia held up a hand to stop him. "Let me finish. Rafe, your mom and I understand how hard this is for you. Believe me, neither of us had the easiest time admitting and excepting it either, in fact, I wonder if we would even be together if Emma hadn't written that essay for school. We don't expect you to adjust to this overnight. We know it's going to take time. This is different than anything you've even known, and definitely not something you ever imagined for your Ma. As long as you keep doing what you're doing. Treat us both with respect, playing with Emma, eating dinner with everyone, helping out where you can, and of course, keep doing the amazing job you're doing at The Beacon, that's all we ask. I don't expect you to see me as a mom to you, or a parent of any kind, I just hope one day you can see me as more than your boss, and more than the monster I used to be. Okay?"
Rafe nodded as they pulled into the hotel parking lot. He was grateful. He wanted to thank Olivia, but now he needed some time to process all that had been said between them. Climbing out of the driver seat, he grabbed the bags from the back seat and headed inside. "I'm gonna take this up to my room and relax for a bit."
"Okay. I'll go check on your mom and Emma and we'll let you know about dinner."
The two rode the elevator up together in silence. Olivia knew Rafe was processing. When they reached their floor, Olivia open Rafe's door for him, since his hands were full, then continued on to her suite without another word.
Before Olivia even got the door closed, small arms wrapped tightly around her. "Mommy!"
"Well, hey there jellybean. Did you have fun with Natalia?"
"Yup. You went shopping without me." Emma pouted.
"Well, this shopping trip was just for Rafe. We can go to the mall this weekend if you want."
Emma's eyes lit up. "Yay! I love shopping."
Natalia joined her two girls. "I wonder where she gets that from."
Olivia kissed her cheek. "Very funny."
"Where's Rafe?"
Emma ran off to her room and Olivia walked to sit on the couch, Natalia joining her. "He went to his room. I think he needed some time. We talked a little while we were gone."
"Everything okay?"
"Yes. I think he was just a little overwhelmed. I told him we would call him about dinner."
"Emma wants pizza and movie night. We've missed the last couple of Fridays with everything that's been going on."
"I think that sounds perfect. We can offer for Rafe to join us but don't be upset if he wants room service instead. It's been a big day for him. I don't want to push it."
"I don't want to either, but I'd really like him to join us. We always eat as a family and it would be his first movie night with us. Maybe it would do him some good."
"I think so too, I just don't want to push him too hard. He's trying to except us, but we both know it's going to take time. He is his mother's son you know, stubborn."
"Hey. I am not stubborn."
"Natalia, honey, you are the only person I have ever met that can out stubborn me."
Natalia smiled shyly. "That's true. I have been known to best the all mighty Olivia Spencer." She leant over and placed a tender kiss to Olivia's lips. "And tonight, I'm really going to best you."
Olivia pulled her onto her lap. "Oh, you think so. Do you?"
"I know so." Natalia silenced any further argument with another kiss. This one deeper, more heated. The two were getting lost in the kiss when they were interrupted.
"Mommy, Natalia. You two kiss too much. I'm hungry. Can we get pizza now?"
Natalia slid off Olivia's lap. "Yes we can. Do you wanna go next door and see if Rafe wants to join us?"
"Yeah. Can we have popcorn and watch the movie in mommy's bed? The couch is too small for all of us."
"We'll see Em." Olivia said. "Now, go ask Rafe if he's coming and I'll order the pizza."
Emma skipped out the door. Excited for pizza and a movie with her family.
Olivia stood up and kissed Natalia once more before grabbing her phone to place their order. "You really do have the devil in you Rivera. Sending Emma over there."
"I just thought it would be easier then calling him."
"Mmmhmm. You sticking to that story?"
"Yes I am. Order the Pizza, I'm gonna go change."
Natalia walked into their bedroom to get into some comfy clothes while Olivia ordered pizza. As she hung up the phone, Emma came back in, Rafe following behind her. She smiled to herself, no one can resist her Jellybean.
Once pizza was delivered, they all sat down to eat. Emma filling everyone in on her day. Olivia looked around the table. Thinking to herself. So, this is what it feels like to be happy, content. She had a beautiful family gathered around her, getting ready to settle in for a nice relaxing movie night. She felt a weight lift from her shoulders as she realized she was home. No matter where she was, with this family by her side, anywhere they were was her home.
At Emma's insistence, they all piled into the moms bed. Natalia on one side with Emma snuggled into her side, Olivia on the other side. Rafe was reluctant at first, but all it took was a tug on his arm from Emma for him to land between her and Olivia, propped on his arm as Disney's 'Up' started to play.
Halfway through the movie, Rafe's arm started to give out and gradually he laid further and further into the bed as his body relaxed. His feet were hanging off the edge and his head landed on Olivia's stomach. Without thought her hand made its way to his head, absentmindedly running her fingers through his hair.
As the movie ended, Olivia looked to her right. Natalia was lightly snoring, Emma laying on her chest drooling onto her shirt. She smiled, in awe of just how close her daughter and Natalia had become. Looking down her smile broadened. Rafe was passed out on his back with his head on her stomach. His mouth slightly agape, one hand resting at his side, the other tossed over her leg. She reached for the remote and switched off the tv. Easily deciding she wasn't going to wake any of them. Her heart was too full. Her daughter was snuggled up with the woman she loved, and the boy, slowly becoming a man, that she saw as her son, weather he did or not, was cuddled up to her. She knew he might be embarrassed in the morning, but right now, she just didn't care. With the exception of her eldest, her entire world lay in that bed, and she was going to hold onto the comfort she felt in that moment for as long as possible.
The morning sun coming through the curtains woke Natalia. She registered the weight against her and realized it wasn't Olivia. Opening her eyes, she was struck by the sight before her. Emma against her side, Rafe laying on top of Olivia. Her heart swelled at the sight of her family. Glancing up, she was met by bright green starring back at her. "Morning my love." She mouthed silently.
"Morning beautiful." Olivia mouthed back. The two shared a knowing smile. Olivia needed the restroom and coffee. Knowing it was still early she didn't want to wake the kids. She gently lifted Rafe's head and replaced herself with a pillow as she slipped off the edge of the bed. Exiting the washroom, she noticed Natalia had done the same for Emma. She quietly padded across the room and exited, silently shutting the door behind her.
She stepped to the kitchen area where Natalia was pouring coffee and wrapped her arms around her. "I missed you last night. I'm so used to having you against me, it was hard to fall asleep."
"I feel the same way, but I enjoyed your fill in for the evening."
"Me too. I can't believe we all fell asleep."
"It was a long day, especially for Rafe. I liked seeing him laying on you. Made me feel like maybe we are finally reaching the light at the end of the dark tunnel with him."
"We're getting there baby. He still needs some time, but I think last night was a huge step in the right direction."
"I agree. I love you Olivia. Thank you for being so patient with him."
"Nothing to thank sweetheart. I love you, and I love him. We'll get there. As a family."
"How did I get such a wonderful woman to love me?"
"I ask myself the same question every day." Olivia softly kissed her lips and the two moved to cuddle on the couch while they waited for the children to wake up.
Saturday was spent with Rafe relaxing in his room, Natalia stayed in their room except for lunch with Blake at Company, and Emma and Olivia had a mommy daughter day. While they were out Olivia had called Ava and arranged for her to come out when the renovations were complete. She was going to stay for the week of Emma's ninth birthday and Halloween. Now it was Sunday. Olivia and Emma were cuddle up in the suite watching movies while Rafe and Natalia attended church.
Walking down the steps, Father Ray called out to them. "Natalia, Rafael, so good to see you."
"Hello Father." Natalia said.
"Hey Father Ray."
"How have you been Rafael? I didn't see either of you last week."
"Yeah, uh sorry. I started a new job a few weeks ago and the farmhouse is getting some renovations, just been really busy, but I don't intend on missing anymore."
"Good. How about you Natalia? How are you?"
"Wonderful. Thank you for asking."
"Things going okay?"
"Things are going great. Rafe is working at The Beacon and I've returned to work there as well. We are turning the basement into a small apartment for Rafe as well as expanding the master bath and closet, mainly to accommodate Olivia's massive wardrobe, Emma is doing well, and Ava is plaining a visit soon. Things couldn't be better."
"Are you sure about all of this Natalia? You were having so many issues before, I don't want to see any more problems enter your life."
"I'm sure Father. We are all doing very well and I have never been happier. I think some of the issues we were having before had more to do with my listening to other people more then to myself and to God. I know what God wants for me, and I'm going to do everything in my power to hold onto the wonderful gift he has given me."
"Rafael, how are you doing with all of this?"
"Um, I'm still working on my feelings but uh, Olivia is different than I thought she was, and she is giving me a really good shot at making something of myself with the job at The Beacon. My Ma is happy and that's all I really want."
"Well as long as you are okay. Natalia I cannot give you my blessing on your relationship with Olivia, but I will pray that you find the proper path for your life."
"I already have Father. Have a nice day." Natalia continued down the stairs to her car with Rafe following behind her.
By the time the house was complete, the four Spencer-Rivera's were more than ready to return home. Rafe was excited to move into the basement apartment and Olivia was glad to be back to her shared bed with Natalia and the huge walk-in closet and expanded bathroom were more then she had imagined. The bathroom had almost doubled in size, making room for a double vanity with marble counter tops, a large Jacuzzi tub, and a separate shower with four different water sprays. The enlarged closet made it possible to house all of Natalia and Olivia's clothes and shoes with plenty of extra space for adding to their wardrobes.
Rafe's eyes about fell out of his head when he walked downstairs. The family had allowed him to check out his space alone before they joined him. When he got to the bottom of the steps, his mouth fell open. He didn't know what he was expecting, but this was more then he thought possible. He entered into a large space. A 55" Samsung flat screen hung on the wall adjacent a large sectional sofa. To the left was the large bedroom with a queen size platform bed, matching dresser and side tables, and large walk-in closet. To the right of the living room was a decent sized bathroom and a small kitchenette with a bar for seating. He knew Olivia didn't do anything small, but he hadn't expected this. It really was like his own apartment. Off the kitchen area, a door had been added so he could come and go as he pleased without having to go through the house and at the top the stairs a door had been added that locked from his side.
Olivia, Natalia, and Emma stepped into the space just as Rafe flopped onto the sofa. "What do you think?" Olivia asked, smiling down at him.
He leaped off the couch and embraced her in their first hug. "Thank you so much Olivia. This is awesome. I didn't think it would be like this. It's like having my own house."
"It is yours. I know I offered a suite at The Beacon, but your mom and I thought this might be better. This way you can leave work at the end of the day but still have a space to call your own."
"There are still some rules Rafe." Natalia interjected.
"Okay. I had handle rules. What are they?"
"Not a whole lot." Olivia started.
"You can come and go whenever you like, you have your own door, and you can lock the door at the top of the stairs. We will respect your privacy and knock weather it's locked or not. Olivia and I do hold a key, but we won't use it unless it's necessary."
"Okay. I can live with that."
"We don't care if you have friends over, however, we expect you to be mindful of the noise level, and respectful of the fact that this is still a part of our home." Olivia added.
"Got it. No crazy parties."
"We had the utilities done separate from the rest of the house. We aren't going to ask you to pay rent, but we would like you to pay your own utility bill. Start learning how to budget." Natalia informed him.
"I can handle that. It shouldn't be too much and I'm just saving my money right now so I can buy the truck I want. Anything else?"
"Nope, that's it. We just want you to enjoy your independence and keep doing what you're doing. We would like you to still spend some time with family, but we won't push you. Come up whenever you like. Okay?"
"I will Ma. Just cause I have my own space doesn't mean I'm gonna disappear. It's just nice to be able to get away from it all when I need to."
"I understand. I just still want to see you sometimes."
"I know Ma."
"Okay, we'll leave you to enjoy your space. We're gonna order from Company for dinner around five. Feel free to join us or there's some food in your kitchen. I had Shane stock up on snacks for you. Making sure he kept your diet in mind. It should be enough to get you started." Olivia handed him the keys and started up the stairs with Emma.
Once they were gone, Rafe turned to Natalia. "Ma, this is so great. I don't know how to thank you enough."
"It wasn't me. This was all Olivia. She really wanted you to feel more comfortable staying here. She understands this is all really hard for you. She wants life to be as easy as possible, for all of us."
"I guess I really should apologize to her huh? I wasn't very nice to her when I first found out, and I was even worse over the summer. I accused her of being the reason you left and I kept those letters from her."
"I think that would be a good idea Rafe. Olivia didn't do anything wrong. I did. I shouldn't have left the way I did. I should have talked to her, trusted her to help me through it all and figure out a solution together. I didn't do that."
"But you didn't just leave Ma, you wrote her all those letters. You tried to explain it to her. It was my fault you left and my fault Olivia almost drank herself to death since I kept them from her. I saw how bad she was doing and still didn't give them to her."
"It's okay Rafe. Things worked out how they were supposed to. I may have written to her, but it was still wrong to lose faith in our relationship and take off on her. She deserved better then that. And no, you shouldn't have taken those letters from her, it was wrong, and Olivia was so hurt over the summer, she was blaming herself. I don't know everything that happened while I was gone, but I know enough to know it was bad. As much as I wish I could go back and stop her, and you, from feeling all of that heartache, I can't, and I think it's a good thing. I may have left in the wrong way, but I'm stronger now. I never doubted that I wanted to be with Olivia, but going on that retreat, I feel like it's more cemented. I know God chose this path for me."
"I'm trying really hard to be okay with this. I can see how much Olivia truly loves and cares for you…and me. She's not who I thought she was. You were right when you told me I should get to know her, the real her. I'm sorry I didn't listen. Olivia really is a good person. I can't believe everything she's doing for me, has done for me. Now that I'm not so angry, I can really see everything she did while I was in prison, and everything she's doing now. I know she didn't do anything for any reason other than that she cares. I'll apologize to her."
"I'm so proud of you Rafe. You are becoming such a good man. In just a couple of months you've grown so much."
"I'm trying really hard. I didn't expect to like the hotel business so much. I already did a rotation with Maria in housekeeping and laundry. I have a new appreciation for all the years you spent as a maid. I made some suggestions on how we can cut down on cost and Maria was going to present them to Olivia. And I'm really liking working with Robert in the front office. Olivia wants me to do a month instead of two weeks since there's so much more to it."
"I know. I helped her plan your schedule. And Maria did speak with us, and Oliva thought some of your ideas were really good. She is going to go over everything with you when you're done with your rotation through all the departments. It should take you a little over five months to complete your rotation."
"I'm really liking it so far. I can't believe that I will only be working there six months total when I finish my rotation and get the chance to be an assistant. It's a little overwhelming, thinking I was in prison not that long ago and now I have a chance at being an important member of a five-star hotel team."
"I know how you feel. When Olivia first offered me the job as her assistant, I refused. I didn't think I could do it, but Olivia wouldn't ease up, then, after she collapsed outside Company, I couldn't not take it, she needed the help and she had faith in me."
"Ma you're so great at your job. How could you think you couldn't do it?"
"I had no experience, little education, I've always worked in manual labor, it was hard to think I was capable of more, but Olivia, she knew I could, just like she knows you can. She doesn't take risk with her business. She wouldn't be doing this for you if she didn't already know you were up for the job. It's not a matter of you having a chance at the job she has in mind for you, you'll make executive assistant, it's just a matter of when. Olivia already knows you're going to excel at the job, she just wants you to understand the business and feel comfortable and confident."
"I was so wrong about her Ma. I'm so sorry."
"It's okay Rafe. I understand. I misjudged her at first too. Although I had reason to, and so did you. Olivia was very guarded. She had so many walls up to protect herself. She used people and hurt people so they never had the chance to hurt her. She's not like that anymore. She hasn't been for a long time."
"I know Ma. I really do want to apologize to her. I just want to wait until the time is right."
"Whenever you're ready Rafe. Olivia isn't expecting anything from you, but I know it would mean a lot to her."
"Okay Ma."
"Alright, I'm gonna go upstairs. Olivia had the cable added down here and I believe there are a couple of different game thingysthingies in the entertainment center. She really wanted you to enjoy this space. Oh, and I almost forgot. When Ava comes next week she wants to take you shopping, help you get some stuff to really make this your own. Ava is great at decorating."
"Okay. I wouldn't mind getting to know her better. She seems cool."
"Okay then. I love you Rafe." She kissed his cheek and headed up the stairs.
"I love too Ma."
Natalia made it to the living room where Olivia was sitting on the couch, laptop in hand. "Hey you. Everything okay with Rafe?"
"Yes. We were just talking. We haven't had much chance with all that is going on lately. He really loves his apartment, and he's excited to spend some time with Ava getting stuff to decorate with. Not to mention the way his eyes about bugged outta his head when I mentioned the game systems you had set up for him."
"He needs entertainment. I'm glad he likes it."
"Me too. I can't thank you enough for that." Natalia set the laptop down on the coffee table and straddled Olivia's lap. She kissed her collar bone, up her neck, and around to her ear. Nibbling on the tender lobe before whispering. "But I can certainly think of a few ways to try and show you my appreciation." She licked the ear and then continued her kissing along Olivia's jawline and up to her lips.
Olivia moaned and cupped Natalia's rear, bringing her tighter against her body. "Mmm. I think you might be onto something there." Olivia kissed her again sucking her tongue into her mouth before pulling back. "But it will have to wait for tonight. Jellybean will be down any minute begging for dinner, so I should call Buzz."
Reluctantly Natalia agreed. Kissing Olivia one last time before sliding off her lap. She kissed her long and deep. Trying to convey all she was feeling. This kiss was thank you and I love you, it was you're wonderful and extraordinary. It was you're amazing and I'll show you just how amazing later.