Searching for Him

“I’m sure that he’ll turn up. You’re the one who invited him, after all,” I replied as reassuringly as I could.

“I’m not so sure about that. Raphael doesn’t really like to come along with me to parties, and he’s never accompanied me so easily. That’s why I need your help,” Rosabella said as she leaned slightly towards me from the opposite side of the table.

It occurred to me that perhaps Rosabella had the misconception that Raphael and I were close because we were step-siblings due to our parents' relationship and marriage. However, the truth was very far from that. Regardless of my intentions, I wasn’t at all confident that I could talk Raphael into attending the party, even if I tried my absolute best.