9. Chapter 9
Chapter 9
C HAPTER NINE
RORY
Silence stretched between Raphael and I for a moment and I thought about his question.
"It doesn't matter what I want."
"It's your body and your choice."
"I'll accept whatever you decide."
I placed my palm over my belly. His voice was clear and calm, devoid of emotion. But the look in his eyes was different. The question was loaded. "I want to keep the baby," I said softly.
The look on his face didn't change. His lips were set in a thin line, his eyes hard. He didn't say a word.
"Raphael," I continued. "If you really want no part of this, then I will-"
"I'm not saying that," he said, running a hand through his hair. He stood, walked over to the shelves and stared at the books for a moment before turning back to me. "I just...need a second."
"Sure," I nodded.
He leaned against the bookshelf, his gaze focused on the wall. The silence was deafening. I didn't know what else to say. I hadn't expected him to be excited about the premise of fatherhood but this stoic, emotionless attitude was making me uncomfortable.
"How far along are you?" he finally asked.
"Seven weeks."
He turned to me and I felt myself tense. "Where were you going to go to?" he asked. "You said you have a flight tomorrow so-"
"My parents own a beach house in downtown LA," I explained. "I was going to stay there. I was going to leave everything behind for a while. I just needed time to think. I don't really know anything about being a mother and I didn't think I could learn all that here."
"Okay," he said, making his way back to the chair. He sat, crossed his legs and linked his fingers together. "So, you want to keep the baby. We'll raise it together."
"No," I said, shaking my head.
He stared at me and a spark of irritation flashed in his eyes. "What do you mean, 'No," Rory?" he asked, his jaw clenching.
"This was unplanned. I know you're not ready for this and considering your career-"
"Stop," he cut me off. "You're not taking my kid and moving to another city. That's not an option."
"Didn't you say you would accept whatever decision I make?" I asked, irritated.
"I did," he nodded. "I'm not stopping you from making a decision. I'm just saying that raising the baby apart will not work for me. I'll be here for both of you, I'll help with everything. I'm not a child who can't handle responsibility."
I frowned.
"Look," he said, uncrossing his legs and leaning forward. "This is my baby and I'm going to take care of it. It doesn't matter if we weren't planning this. It's here now and we have to deal with it."
I bit my bottom lip, fighting the urge to bite back. This could have gone a while lot worse. Raphael could have tried to force me to abort the baby, he could have abandoned me. Instead, he was taking it very well.
"Okay," I said, releasing a breath. "What do you propose then?"
"Move in with me."
I laughed. "What?"
"I'll get someone to go over your lease. You can move in here."
"Why?" I asked, frowning.
"What do you mean, 'Why'?" Raphael asked. "Do you always ask odd questions?"
"I don't have to move in with you for you to be part of the baby's life," I explained.
"It'll only be until the baby is born. I'd like to be-" he leaned back and ran his thumb along his bottom lip. "-part of the process."
I didn't know what to say to that.
"Let me take care of you Rory."
I stared at him. His gaze softened. The words sounded sweet, gentle, and sincere too. Raphael Barlowe wanted to take care of me? I had never been taken care of before. Ever since our parents' death, I had always taken care of myself and Callie.
Raphael stood, walking over to me. He crouched down, his blue eyes fixed on mine. "It's the least I can do," he said softly.
I was silent for a moment. "Okay," I said, nodding.
"You'll have to cancel your flight."
"Yeah," I said. "I'll call the airline and cancel it."
"Good," he said. "I'll have them bring your keys so you can drive back home. Tomorrow morning, I'll come pick you up. I hope you'll have your things packed."
"What about Callie?" I asked. He frowned, confused. "My sister," I clarified.
"Tell her she's welcome to visit whenever she wants."
I swallowed and nodded without saying a word
"Okay," Raphael said, straightening and helping me up. He led me out of the room and we walked to the foyer. A guard was waiting and handed me my keys. I turned to Raphael, unsure of what else to say.
He seemed to be thinking the same thing because we both stood there awkwardly, staring at each other. How were we even going to live together?
"See you tomorrow?" I finally said.
He chuckled softly. "Good night, Rory."
"Good night," I whispered back.
***
The next day, I sat on my bed, holding a cup of hot cocoa while Callie folded clothes into my bag. She was singing to herself happily, a small smile on her face. The window curtains were drawn apart and sunlight streamed into the room.
"You're very happy," I remarked.
"I'm happy you decided to stay," she said, looking at me. "I was so sad. I mean, I understood why you wanted to leave but you're my sister. I don't want you to leave."
"I wasn't leaving forever, Cal," I reminded her. "Just for a while."
"Well, now you're not leaving at all," she said, before folding a dress into the bag.
I took a sip of cocoa. "I don't know why you're packing that much. In a few months, I probably won't be able to fit in those anymore."
"Don't be ridiculous," Callie said, waving her hand in the air. "By the time the baby is born, you'll have lost the baby weight and you'll be ready to fit into all your clothes again. You'll still need them."
My phone rang just then and I glanced at the screen. It was an unknown number. I picked it up. "Hello?"
"I believe your apartment building is the tall white one on 14th?" a voice said.
"Raphael?" I stood, making my way over to the window. I glanced outside and sure enough, there was a sleek black car parked outside.
"Yes," Raphael's voice replied. "Is that your building?"
"Yes," I said, my heart racing.
"Good. I'm coming up."
He hung up and I stared at the screen, frozen. Callie's eyes widened and she squealed. "Raphael Barlowe is here?"
"Yes," I sighed, placing my phone back on the bed.
"Oh my God!" she straightened and placed her hands on her hips. "How do I look?"
"He's the father of my child."
"And the face of my favorite band. I wasn't able to meet him even though you were dating his brother for years but now, it's different," she said. "You owe me. I want his autograph and a picture and maybe a strand of his hair."
I stared at her, bewildered.
"Is that too much?" she asked, tilting her head.
"That's not even close to enough," I said sarcastically just as the doorbell rang.
"The 'No Limit' group chat is going to be so jealous when I post those pictures," I heard her mutter as I made my way over to the front door.
I took a deep breath before pulling the door open. Raphael stood in the hallway, a baseball cap tugged low on his head and sunglasses covering his eyes. He wore a hoodie and a pair of black jeans. He looked so normal that I wouldn't have been able to tell he was a celebrity.
"Hey," I said, stepping aside.
He stepped inside and pulled off his sunglasses. Then he ran his fingers through his hair. I stared at him, trying not to look as flustered as I felt. I wasn't sure if I could ever call him just handsome. Raphael Barlowe had a face that was carved by the Gods, and a body that would put most models to shame.
"Hi," he said. "Are you done packing?"
"Almost, let me just-"
I looked up as Callie made her way towards us. She was smiling widely. "Hi," she greeted Raphael.
"Hello," Raphael said, glancing at me for a second before extending his hand. "You are?"
"Calliope Quinn," she said, accepting the handshake with both hands. "Rory's younger sister."
"Oh, yes. She mentioned you."
"I'm a huge fan," Callie gushed. "I've loved No Limit since you dropped the Jumpscare album."
Raphael glanced at me, a wide grin suddenly spreading across his face. "Really?" he replied, his eyes glinting. "It's good to know Rory is surrounded by people who appreciate my work."
I rolled my eyes and walked from the room, leaving them to chat. They were getting along and I was glad for it, though I wasn't surprised. Raphael seemed like the type of person who would get along with anyone who praised him.
I finished packing on my own before returning to the living room. Callie and Raphael were still talking, her animatedly, him more reserved but with a big smile on his face. When I walked over, Raphael turned to me.
"All done," I announced.
"Okay," he said, taking out his phone. He tapped the screen and stared at it for a moment. Then he locked it. "My guards will take your things downstairs. Your sister can come with us in the car. That's okay, right?"
"It's perfect," Callie said, her eyes lighting up.
I rolled my eyes as two men walked into the room, lifting the bags and heading out. Raphael, Callie, and I followed behind. I locked the apartment and we made our way over to the lobby.
"Your lease isn't for long, is it?" Raphael asked, walking beside me.
"Six months," I replied. "Callie will be staying here until then."
"I will not miss the college dorms," Callie muttered.
We got into the car. It was a spacious backseat and we sat on opposite sides. Callie stared at Raphael excitedly, her eyes shining, her smile wide. I had never understood her obsession with Raphael and his band. Their music was really loud.
"Are you hungry?" Raphael asked, pulling his cap off. His blonde hair fell over his forehead.
"Kinda," I said.
"Do you like Italian?"
"Yes," I nodded.
"Noted," he said, taking out his phone and scrolling through it.
I looked away, wondering how he would ever manage being a father? The Raphael Barlowe I saw on the internet was used to going to parties and touring around the world. He was a womanizer, a rockstar.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly.
I jumped. I hadn't realized I was leaning closer to him. He held my gaze for a moment. His blue eyes were piercing. A chill ran down my spine. My skin prickled and goosebumps rose along my arms.
"I'm fine," I replied. "Just nervous."
He stared at me for a moment. Then he said, "You don't need to be. I told you." He added, "I'll take care of you."