Rafael Mendez doesn't own the Sacred Grounds coffee shop in Sonora Valley, but most people think he's the one who really runs it. (This is not, in fact, true.) He is there a lot, engaging customers in English and Spanish with a pleasant baritone and dark eyes that are almost disturbingly soulful. He's quick with a joke—but no lighting smokes inside the cafe, please.

Raf's good looking and knows it. His hair is usually messed up just so, and he presents as lean rather than scrawny. He's got several tattoos, though the cactus wren on his left forearm is the only one customers usually see. Rafael's fashion sense is constrained by his budget, but he can make torn jeans and solid color tees look good.

(Striking Looks 2)