Page 12 of Raphael
Reassured by this sensible plan, I head back to my place.
CHAPTER7
Raphael
I strollalong the bustling Santa Monica Pier, weaving between tourists lining up for rides and kids scampering around with towering cones of cotton candy. The sun glints off the swaying palms overhead and sparkles across the blue Pacific swells.
Hard to believe that just yesterday, I was locked in dank darkness with the mysterious Helena. Our passionate encounter already feels like a fever dream—too unreal to have actually happened. Just thinking about it makes my heart race.
I round a corner past the towering Ferris wheel, spotting my sister Gabrielle behind a small booth draped with banners for the Children’s Literacy Foundation. Large sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat disguise her famous visage from any lingering onlookers. Somehow, Gaby’s designing skills got her into the Hollywood scene. Now she’s gone from featuring her work in magazines to being featured on the cover herself as the most popular A-lister’s home designer.
She waves me over eagerly. “Raphael, darling! So glad you could make it.”
“You can always count on me, sis.” I slide onto the stool next to her. “I am curious though... Why would you call me and not our brother Uri?” I ask. “He’s the most pious of the bunch when it comes to fundraising.”
Gabrielle rolls her eyes. “Oh, don’t get me started on Uri!” she mutters. “He’s such a stick in the mud. When I told him about the fundraiser, he said I should try aiming higher, striving to cure cancer or end wars.” She shakes her head in exasperation.
“Yeah. Sounds like Uri alright,” I snicker. “Try having him around all day at work for a change.”
Gaby chuckles. “Anyway, thanks for coming out to help today,” she says brightly, handing me a stack of leaflets. “I thought those smoldering looks of yours could help draw in some donations from love-struck humans.”
I grin and give her a playful nudge. “Hey, now! I’m not just a pretty face, I’ll have you know.”
We banter back and forth as a steady stream of people pass by our booth. Soon, a group of young women approaches, eyeing me curiously.
“Hello there, ladies,” I greet them with a roguish smile. “Care to support a great cause?”
They erupt in giggles, blushing and whispering to each other. One particularly bold gal steps forward with a flirtatious smirk.
“We’d be happy to donate if it means getting to chat with you a bit longer,” she says, eyelashes fluttering. The others titter excitedly.
I laugh good-naturedly. “Well, I’d be delighted to speak with such lovely benefactors.” I launch into my spiel about the foundation’s mission.
Before long, their purses come out and bills get stuffed into our donation bucket. One gal even empties her whole wallet into the bucket, eyes never leaving my face.
The girls linger a bit longer, playing with their hair and making eyes at me. I keep up the charm offensive, ever receptive to admirers. Finally, they wander off, waving coquettishly and promising to “see me around.” I flash a roguish wink as they go.
Gabrielle gives me a playful shove once they’re out of earshot. “Goodness! Turn down the smolder before you cause a riot, will you?”
She peers into the now overflowing donations bucket, eyes wide. “Wow, looks like you met the fundraiser goal for the whole month in one afternoon! No one parts with their money as easily as for a handsome face.”
I laugh and flex my bicep playfully. “What can I say? It’s a gift.”
Gabrielle swats my shoulder, laughing. “Oh, stop it… you incorrigible flirt.” But her eyes shine with sincere gratitude. “Really, though, thanks for coming out and working your magic. This will help so many kids.”
“Happy to lend my services to the cause, sis.” I give her shoulder an affectionate squeeze, warmed by her delight.
As the afternoon crowd dissipates, Gabrielle begins packing up the pamphlets and donation items into a box. “So,” she says casually as she works, “any exciting romantic prospects lately? Or are you still allergic to commitment?”
I roll my eyes in mock offense. “Ouch, that hurts.” I pause thoughtfully before adding, “Although, now that you mention it... I may have met someone.”
Gabrielle halts mid-motion, pamphlets dangling forgotten from her hand as she stares at me wide-eyed. “You? Our resident eternal bachelor?” She grins and hops up to sit on the booth counter, giving me her full attention. “Do tell!”
I chuckle, rubbing my neck sheepishly under her rapt gaze. “Well... it’s still very new, but let’s just say she stood out from the usual fare.” I get a faraway look thinking back to meeting Helena. “There’s this fire about her... a magnetic pull I can’t resist. I’ve never felt such an instant connection before.”
Gabrielle is watching me closely, head tilted. “She really made an impression, I see,” she says softly.
I shake myself out of my reverie and resume a casual tone. “Like I said, it’s much too soon to make any declarations.” I shrug. “We’ll see what happens.”
