Page 72 of Rafe: Sins of the Father

Walking past the bar inside, I tap Fiona on the shoulder. She turns, and I jerk my head to the table. “Come on.”

Her eyes drop to Tori’s hand in mine, and she gives me a huge smile.

We all order tacos, and over them, I reminisce with Fiona.

“Remember how much you loved these tacos as a kid?”

“Yep. I made Mom and Dad take me here for my birthday dinner every single year.”

I chuckle. “That’s right. I forgot about that. What’s going on with them, by the way?”

“What do you mean?”

“The last time I saw Mom, she was a little sad. She said Dad has seemed distant lately. I think she thinks he’s fooling around or something. I told her there was no chance of that. You know anything about that?”

“I think Mom may be going through the change, and she’s having a rough time with it. I think she’s afraid she’s not as beautiful anymore.”

“That’s crazy. As a matter of fact, I was just thinking that night she came by that she still is as pretty as the pictures I’ve seen of her when she was young.”

“Dad’s been leaving a lot lately. Maybe that’s got her concerned, but it’s not what she thinks.”

“What is it then, Fiona? Maybe you should tell her.”

“He’s trying to surprise her. He’s been working on something for their anniversary. I think he knows she’s having a hard time and wants it to be extra special.”

“You know what it is?”

“Nope. And I get that he wants to do this for her, and it’s probably going to be great, but I think what she really needs is to spend some time with him. You should talk to him. Tell him what I said.”

“Why me?” I ask. “You do it.”

“Come on, Rafe. Just do it for Mom.”

“Fine.”

“So? You two kiss and makeup?” Fiona finally asks with a waggle of her brows.

“None of your business,” I snap, then thread my fingers with Tori’s. “But yeah. We’re good.”

My sister’s face lights up. “Yay! I’m so glad. Are you going by Kyle’s tonight?”

“Kyle’s? Why?”

Her shoulders drop. “Sutton’s surprise birthday party, silly. Don’t pretend you forgot.”

“Ididforget.”

She drains her drink. “I’m calling bullshit on that one, brother. Be there by eight and park down the street. He’s going to keep her out somewhere until we’re all assembled.”

Tori looks from me to Fiona. “Are we supposed to bring a gift? Do you have one, Rafe?”

“You don’t have to do that. I mean, most of us girls are getting her something, but…” She trails off, looking at me, then Tori. “Really, you don’t need to bring anything, Rafe. It’d probably be awkward if you did, anyway.”

I my arms, my knee bouncing under the table. I’m thinking the entire thing is going to be awkward, but I don’t want to be a dick and not show up.

Tori looks between the two of us. “Why do I get the feeling it’s going to be my turn to be jealous?”

Fiona touches her hand. “Sutton is beautiful, but she’s got the sweetest heart, and she’s totally in love with Kyle. So, you have nothing to worry about.”

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