<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"></span><div style="margin: auto; overflow: visible; max-width: 600px;background: #0000000; color: #000000;text-align: justify"><br/>
<div style="text-align: right"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 22px">rafael silva<br/>
_________________</span></span>​</div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"></span><br/>
<div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">
<div class="bbImageWrapper lazyload js-lbImage" data-lb-caption-extra-html="" data-lb-sidebar-href="" data-single-image="1" data-src="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/attachments/1622634799527-gif.84398/" title="1622634799527-gif.84398">
<img alt="1622634799527-gif.84398" class="bbImage lazyload" data-src="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/attachments/1622634799527-gif.84398/" data-url="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/attachments/1622634799527-gif.84398/" data-zoom-target="1" height="" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" style="" title="" width=""/>
<noscript><img alt="1622634799527-gif.84398" class="bbImage" data-url="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/attachments/1622634799527-gif.84398/" data-zoom-target="1" height="" src="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/attachments/1622634799527-gif.84398/" style="" title="" width=""/></noscript>
</div>
</span>​</div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">“You're trying to lecture me? The owner?” Admittedly, coming from the back would’ve been better, but he had already parked at the front. Besides, there was no harm in checking out the interior before heading to the kitchen. After all, if there had been an intruder, he would’ve been able to catch them off guard somewhat. He watched as her hands wrapped firmly around the spoon, wagging it in his direction. Rafael couldn't help but crack a smile. There it was – the sense of relief that he could only find in Aven, even on his most stressful days. She had always managed to get under his skin in the best way possible, helping to ease any tension he may have had. She didn’t know about his night, but she was certainly making it better without even trying.<br/>
<br/>
“I’d take my chances if the intruder is anywhere the size of you.” Rafael walked over toward the counter, picking out the different ingredients before noting the crème brulee she was making. As a chef, cooking was a form of therapy and you could feel a sense of calmness whether you were testing the techniques of making the perfect fried egg or some elaborate dessert. Aven had never been one for simplicity though and he admitted that. Her creativity was unmatched and it was that which attracted him to her, a talent he couldn't let go of.<br/>
<br/>
He started to say something smart. Shouldn’t she be home with her boyfriend? Or was it him that that had stressed her out as his wife had? Maybe they both were dealing with the same problem. Had their little rendezvous blown up in her face? He turned and leaned against the counter; his arms crossed over his chest. His ice blue stare had softened finally as he watched her hands reach for the container of powdered sugar. He knew if he asked her about Alejandro then he would have to share his own troubles.<br/>
<br/>
“I needed to get out of the house. Danielle and I had a fight. Looks like she came by the restaurant and wasn’t too happy with <i>what</i> she saw.” He knew he didn’t say any more. Rafael also hoped he didn’t come off accusatory. He knew it wasn’t as though Aven had made a big spectacle and she probably hadn't even spotted the once scorned woman. “You should choose a wider ramekin,” he said to her with a sigh as he pushed off the counter He brushed past Aven and bent down to retrieve the dishes. He stood beside her, his arm brushing against hers. “You'll have a much better pudding to topping ratio.” It wasn’t unlike him to sometimes take over and he was sure Aven was gearing up to fight him on it. She worked for him, but after hours, that sous chef behavior went out the window. “Have you told him about me?” Aven was trying to get away from her troubles, but he could see that it was still clouding her mind, maybe talking about it would help them both out. Though, he was aware he had been a dick to her since the night at the bar – why would she want to share anything with him?</span></div>