Chapter 275: Rafael
"Hey, so you're Larry's kid, huh? Nice to meet ya. Sorry about earlier, I was kinda being a drama queen." I stuck out my hand, feeling all kinds of awkward. "I don't really do these shindigs, so I'm kinda outta my element. My bad."
Right then, I started wondering if all the stuff my folks taught me was even right.
Rafael seemed to get a kick outta my awkwardness. He laughed, his nose crinkling and dimples popping. "My dad said you were tough and wouldn't take anything from me. I didn't buy it and wanted to see for myself. Even bet him I'd win, but man, did I lose big time."
"Yeah, sorry 'bout that. Doesn't matter who it is, I ain't taking it."
"You really are tough." He pointed to a nearby couch, suggesting we sit and chat.
I glanced around at the crowd I didn't quite fit in with and figured talking to him might be better. We kinda knew each other, and he seemed chill. Plus, it felt safer.
With that, I plopped down and took a sip of the OJ he handed me.
Rafael, Larry's only kid, was twenty and already a standout in the Evans clan. No surprise he'd be the future boss.
For someone so young, Rafael had already made a name for himself. It was wild how he had such a genuine vibe and was so easy to talk to. Props to Larry for that. Made me respect him even more.
"You have no idea how much grief my dad gave me 'cause of you," Rafael said, sounding a bit salty.
I raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah?"
He leaned back, slapping his leg a few times in frustration. "You're like the golden child my dad always brags about. Used to think I was hot stuff, but next to you, I felt like a nobody. Why does my dad think you're so great?"
I chuckled. "Larry mentored me for four years. He's not just a teacher, he's like a dad to me. One of the guys I look up to the most."
Rafael was a chatterbox, his eyes bright and carefree, but he always knew when to dial it back, making me feel at ease.
"One of the guys you look up to the most?" He zeroed in on my words. "Who else?"
"My dad."
He laughed loud enough to turn a few heads.
We shot the breeze for a bit until Rafael got a call and had to bounce. I finished my OJ and went to find the restroom.
A server pointed me in the right direction, and I headed over solo.
After a few steps, someone popped out from behind a big ol' plant—it was Louis.
I hadn't spotted him earlier, so Louis popping up outta nowhere caught me off guard. Then I remembered Megan was here too, so it made sense.
"Jane, didn't think I'd see you here." Louis handed me another glass of juice. I took it and sipped.
Running into an old buddy always meant a bit of chit-chat, and the restroom could wait.
"Larry brought me."
He nodded, giving me a once-over. "Heard you had a rough patch recently. Sorry I couldn't help."
He shook his head, looking all regretful.
I got what he meant but didn't know how to respond.
I'm not one to drag things out, especially feelings.
From what I saw, Louis and Mindy were doing great now.
Once Louis let go of his old feelings, he could see how awesome Mindy was.
As Mindy's roommate, I shouldn't be having private chats with her guy.
"It wasn't too bad. It's all behind me now. Brad had my back, so I got through it."
He swirled the wine in his glass, staring at the dark red liquid. "Mr. Pitt is quite the guy. Met him a few times in high school, and he left an impression. Didn't expect you to pick him."
"He's great." Not knowing what else to say, I finally managed to utter this, as "great" could encompass all his excellent qualities.
"Jane." He downed his drink in one gulp, and pressed his lips together. After a ten-second silence, he said, "I'm getting engaged."
Engaged?
I widened my eyes in surprise. "To Mindy?"
He nodded, then forced a smile. "Sorry, I can't like you anymore. Don't forget me."
His voice choked with emotion at the end.
I felt a sense of melancholy.
Not for myself, but for him.
The feelings of youth were sincere, and perhaps in his heart, there would always be a place for the Jane of those years that no one else could touch. But his present and future belonged to Mindy, and the place he left for me no longer belonged to me; it was just a memory of his youthful regrets.
It had nothing to do with love.
Louis might not realize this now, but I hoped he would understand it in the future.
Fortunately, Mindy loved him enough. Mindy once said that marrying Louis was her lifelong wish. If one of them achieved their wish, it was still something.
I'd rather Louis marry Mindy than someone else because she truly loved him.
I had a feeling that Louis had already stepped into the web of love Mindy had woven for him. One day, he would willingly immerse himself in it.
"Congratulations." I extended my hand, sincerely wishing him well.
He grasped my hand firmly and asked, "Will you come?"
That was a real question.
Louis and I were old classmates, and Mindy was my good roommate. I should attend the engagement party.
But because of the past ambiguity between Louis and me, and the prejudices of their parents against me, I decided to skip their engagement party to avoid any drama. Instead, I'd just send them a nice engagement gift.
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