Rafaella prepared herself for a long day. She made sure to dress the part. Pencil skirt, dressy top, heels that made her legs look long and leaner than they appeared to be. A suit jacket and a designer briefcase in hand. Rafaella stormed into Ortega Enterprise like she owned it. It was one lesson that she learned from her father - act like you belonged there. Even when nobody wanted you there. Raf wished that she could avoid Guadalupe but of course that didn't happen.

"What are you doing here?" Lupe took in her sister's appearance. Rafaella now felt small in comparison. But, Rafaella manged to utter that she had an appointment with Evan Grey.

Rafaella continued to walk towards where his office was. Lupe following in her tracks. Both Ortega girls were quiet.

Rafaella was now in the office. Evan offered her the chair across from his desk. Raf sat down. She let out the breath that she was holding and got down to business.

"As you may know, I have my own business - Tega Massage. It's doing fairly well. I have been thinking of making it more than just a massage place." Rafaella used her hands as quotation marks when she got to "massage place". Evan was silent seeing where the youngest Ortega was going with this.

"I was kind of thinking of having some vendors or products lining the entrance area. Makeup, essential oils, and a bunch of other products that people could buy after getting their massages. I've talked with my own business affairs team and they love the idea." Rafaella beamed at him. "The only real problem is that they were hoping that Ortega Enterprises could be the biggest vendor that helps out" she commented, sighing.

"I know that my father gave me 15% of stock when I was younger in the company. I know that in today's world that adds up to nothing. But, I also did some research. Ortega Enterprises plummeted when my father died. Not quite bankruptcy status but enough to hurt those that still stayed on. I also know that having Guadalupe working her magic here has made the sale's stock go up. We aren't close to where we once were though. I just feel like this type of investment would benefit both companies." Rafaella finished with a slip of water.

Evan didn't know what to say. He already knew everything that she said was true. He also felt like it might be a risk. He remained quiet going over everything that she said in his head.

Rafaella was getting impatient by the minute. She felt that she should have just talked it over with Lupe instead. Raf quickly got up and opened her briefcase.

"My latest financial statements" Rafaella said as she lightly graced the paper's on his desk. The room was deadly silent. Raf closed her briefcase and walked out of the office. Luckily, Guadalupe wasn't still lurking near the door. Rafaella was thankful for that. Raf just wanted to cry. She felt like she handled herself well but was unsure of everything thanks to Mr. Grey not taking note of her proposition.

later/

Rafaella scrutinized her reflection in the mirror. She felt out of place. She felt like she was going to prom. Rafaella hurriedly put on the mask that didn't match her dress. Rafaella stepped back sizing herself up still. It was missing something. Raf remembered the hat. A hat that once belonged to her mother. Rafaella always made sure to be in control of herself whenever she would wear something of hers. Rafaella put it on gracefully. A simple smile came upon her makeup riddled face.

Some people needed liquid courage. Rafaella needed something of her mother's. She braved the cold night air. The wind messing up her hair, the mask bugging her more with each step she took. Rafaella knew her way to El Sol.

Rafaella went straight to the bathroom to fix her hair and readjust anything that needed it.

"I'd like a sherry temple" Raf ordered from the bartender. He looked up at her with pity in his eyes. Rafaella repeated what she wanted in case he didn't hear her the first time. He made the drink laughing to himself the whole time.

Rafaella had a thing where she didn't drink when it was early and given her past history recently Rafaella liked that rule for herself. She also didn't like drinking when wearing one of her mother's treasures.

Rafaella still cursed herself about her earlier behavior. She wondered if she should mention it to Lupe and tell her to forget all about it. Or if Evan would tell her. Laugh about the situation together.

Rafaella didn't need money. She just felt like having those products would help out all parties in the long run. Even her financial planners jumped at the idea. Hell, it was their idea in the first place. They would have acted on her behalf if Rafaella didn't go there in person. Rafaella slipped her sherry temple wishing that it was something stronger. She toyed with the never ending cherries the bartender put in the drink. Of all the vendors willing to invest, Ortega Enterprises was the hardest to go through. It gave her a headache. She really wanted to talk with her parents in that moment. She felt abandoned.