Page 37 of The Senator: Raphael

The doorbell rings and I stroll to the front door. I swing it open and almost choke on the grape in my mouth. In front of me stands Harrison Bates, multi-award-winning actor, Dakota Anderson, Hollywood up-and-coming movie star, and a face I recognize from the press as Aaron Steel, producer and business genius. Basically, Hollywood royalty at its finest standing here looking at me awkwardly.

“Can we come in?” Harrison asks hesitantly.

I’m staring. Thus, their embarrassed expressions.

“Yes, of course! Sorry, I was freaking out on the inside but frozen on the outside,” I say nervously and they laugh.

“Raphael didn’t tell you who was coming, did he?” Dakota asks as she walks in with the other two.

“Even worse. I found out we had guests coming literally twenty minutes ago. I was still in bed.” She gasps, horrified. “Are you serious?”

“Yep.” I nod.

“Raphael, we need to kick your ass!” she shouts as we reach him in the living area.

“Why would you do that?” He feigns offense.

“You didn’t tell her we were coming? A woman needs time to get ready!” She explains like he’s a child who doesn’t understand adult stuff.

He frowns and waves at me. “Have you seen her? She doesn’t need to get ready; she rolls out of bed looking gorgeous like that.”

Complete silence follows. My cheeks go up in flames, both at the compliment Raphael just gave me, and at their faces, all grinning in my direction.

“So, you’re Silver, right? I’m Dakota, this is Aaron, and the other pain in the ass is Harrison.” She reaches out her hand and I shake it.

“Nice to meet you!” I blurt out in a rush.

I look at Raphael, who winks at me then turns to his two friends and starts giving them orders about what to do. Still, their curious gazes linger on me, and I’m saved from more embarrassment when the doorbell rings again. I bolt toward the front door like the house is on fire.

When I open the door, I’m greeted by the smiling faces of Matthew and Cindy and the brooding one of a guy I’ve seen a lot on the cover ofForbes. He always has that expression, and I thought it was his mysterious way of striking a pose for the camera. Apparently, he has a severe case of resting bitch face.

“We found this one taking a selfie in front of the flowers,” Matthew says, stepping aside and showing me Lola’s grinning face.

“What are you doing here?” I ask her as they file in and she hugs me tightly.

“Raphael told me there was a party and you know I can’t miss one!” She kisses me before walking into the room and turning around looking at the faces. “So, where is Sven?” she asks Raphael and I can’t stifle a chuckle.

“What? You havela créme de la crémeof Hollywood in this room and you’re looking for Sven?” Harrison asks outraged.

Lola walks over to him, puts a hand on his chest and purrs. “Sweetheart, I don’t date guys who wear more makeup than me at work. I like a man who can fuck me with the same hands he uses to kill someone who looks at me the wrong way.” She winks at him and walks away.

Harrison gasps, putting a hand to his chest like she just ripped his heart out, and the room explodes with loud laughter.

“I’ll pass along the message,” I tell her when she walks by me.

“Thanks, honey.” She winks at me.

I join Raphael as he’s seasoning the steaks and put a hand on his bicep. “Thank you for inviting Lola,” I whisper.

“I thought you’d be more comfortable having someone you know here.” He smiles sweetly at me.

“I appreciate that.” I tiptoe to kiss him on the lips.

I turn around to see all eyes are on us. Someone is smirking, someone is frowning. There are various reactions on their faces, but they’re all focused on us. I feel my gut clinch nervously.

“So, anyone want something to drink? I’m a bartender, you know. It’s the only thing I know how to do at a party.” I smile and everyone seems to snap out of their thoughts and walk toward the kitchen counter.

“Is it true that you know what a customer drinks just by looking at his face and how he’s dressed?” Harrison asks me.

---