Blurred Lines 1: CHASE
Chapter 17

-Sofia~

Rafael did his best to suppress his laughter. But when my stomach growled for the second time, he burst out laughing.

"That's what happens when you sleep 'til eleven thirty A.M., Sofia."

My cheeks burned. I sank into my seat, wishing this plush leather seat would swallow me whole.

I literally slept all morning. When I stepped out of my room, I was like a vampire hit by daylight and must return to the coffin or burn to ashes. Oversleeping switched on the dramatic side of me.

We had been driving for almost an hour and a half. I kept my eyes on the window, admiring how Rio made it possible to have the city and the beach in one place. The road we were driving on was the only line between city life and beach life.

Towering buildings stood erect, reaching the clear blue sky on one side, and on the other, the serene view and chaotic water met the mountain range in the distance. People crowd the seaside. There were lanes closed to motorized vehicles where bikers and pedestrians could walk safely, basking in the sun's burning heat. It was a busy Saturday, one I didn't want to indulge in.

"Come on," Rafael opened the passenger side, offering me his hand.

"Can we just go back to the penthouse?" I pouted, hoping for his sympathy. I wasn't in the mood to go out and get lost in the throng of strangers.

"No," Rafael said pointedly, reaching for my seatbelt, proving his point.

I raised my hand, stopping him. "Alright! Gee..." I unbuckled my seatbelt.

The sweltering and humid air combined with the skin-burning sun's rays beat my skin.

"I hate the sun," I grumbled under my breath as Rafael seized my wrist, dragging me inside a seafood place. Agueda was written above the open arch entrance. It's an alfresco restaurant. Thick green vines embraced the pillars. Viridescent hanging plants adorned the brick walls, along with framed landscape paintings. Even at two in the afternoon, the restaurant was still busy.

Rafael managed to find us an outdoor table overlooking the seaside.

"You know the owner?" I asked, reading through the menu.

"Yes," Rafael said, leaning his elbows on the table. "You're speaking to him right now."

I paused, regarding him with narrowed eyes, and found no hint of humor in his face. "You're serious?" He leaned back in his seat and stared at the beach, humming a yes. "Oh, no wonder we got a reserved table." "You're welcome to dine here any time you want. Just tell them you're a friend of mine, and they'd give you this seat."

I tipped my head to the side. "Just like that?"

He nodded.

"Any girl could say they are your friend, Rafael."

"They can, but you're the only girl who knows I own this place."

Flattered, my cheeks instantly heated up. Rafael chuckled, regarding me with intent. His eyes, two pools of melted golden honey, speak volumes even if he doesn't utter a word.

Rafael is gorgeous. I could imagine him easily playing the role of a boy next door in his gray tee and khaki shorts. This dressed-down look is much better than those suits and ties I've seen him in at the office. His soft, dark curls mischievously sway with the breeze, framing his angular face. His nose, slightly upturned, probably got broken once or twice, leading to his dark pink lips stretching into a smirk as he sighed. "What?" I asked, shifting in my seat. His studying gaze made me uncomfortable.

"Nothing," he said, shaking his head.

A server came to our table, keeping me from pressing further on the matter. While waiting for our food, Rafael asked for two cups of Agueda's special brewed coffee.

"Why Agueda? It means good, right?" I asked, moaning silently as the rich taste of coffee hit my palate.

"It's Nana's name," he explained. "She originally owned this place and left it under my name when she passed away."

Speechless, I gaped at him. He looked thoughtful for a while, gazing back into the beach. "She loved this place, the beach, and cooking for everyone. The dishes on the menu were her specialty. It's my tribute to her, and I'll keep this place running in memory of her." "You're so sweet, Rafael," I said, feeling nostalgic. I suddenly missed mom. She also loved to cook for everyone. I wouldn't need to fly miles away from Boston if she were still alive.

"You good?" Rafael asked.

I blinked back my tears, murmuring a short yes. He seemed unconvinced, but followed suit as I dug into the food served on our table. Feijoada, churrascaria and crigadeiro for dessert. Each dish left me longing to eat at home, surrounded by my family while talking about our week.

We used to have weekly barbecues in our backyard when Mom and Dad were still with us. My brothers and I haven't eaten at one table since then. We've all busied ourselves with work to numb the pain of losing our parents. I miss them. I made a m*ntal note to call my siblings later when I got back to the penthouse.

"Are you going to tell me where we are going?" I asked once we were on the road again.

Rafael pondered his answer and gave me a curt 'no.

I sighed, giving up, and just enjoyed the scenery along the road. After about thirty minutes more, the city's buzz and ocean waves faded as we entered a narrow path lined with thick vegetation. Some sentences are incomplete if you are not reading this novel on FindNovel.net. Visit FindNovel.net to read the complete chapters for free. As the wheels of Rafael's Audi rolled on the graveled road, a view of a mansion by the beach adorned with freshly trimmed shrubbery and palm trees got bigger and bigger. As it did, the vision of a woman I never thought I'd see again became clearer.

Nostalgia and claws of happiness and sadness gripped my throat tightly, choking the life out of me. As Rafael parked the car, I slipped out without waiting for another second.

"Clara!" Like a child, I dashed into Clara's arms. She tumbled a few steps back, keeping us upright. My tears soaked her floral dress as I curled my arms around her waist.

"Sofia," she murmured, holding me tight in a motherly embrace. Her scent reminded me so much of Mom. Like Chase and Derek, they were best of friends. They loved the same food, the same movies, and the same perfume. "I can't believe you are here," she sobbed. "I never thought I'd see you again." I pulled away, wiping my tears.

Clara cupped my face, tucking my hair behind my ears. "That boy didn't tell me you are here in Rio. I will deal with him later. For now, let's go inside. We have a lot of catching up to do."