Sinners and Saints

Chapter 16

Tuscany had started off as a wonderful trip. 

Chuck and I were joined at the hip as we explored, went fine dining and shopping everyday.

 Despite us being friends for years I somehow felt like I got to know him even better during this trip. 

On the night before our last night there Bart and Lily decided to stop by and have dinner with us while they were jetting around Europe for their honeymoon. 

I stood on the balcony overlooking the ocean while sipping on some wine when I felt Chuck slip his arms around my waist. 

I leaned back into him sighing "It's so beautiful here" I whispered in awe. 

"Yeah, you are." Chuck replied, causing me to blush and he released a soft chuckle. 

Kissing the top of my head we both headed back into our room to get ready for dinner. 

Once my dress was on I debated between which necklace I wanted to wear. 

When I decided on one I asked Chuck to help put it on me. 

He stood behind me and moved my hair to one side of my neck.

 I looked up into the mirror in front of us to see him placing a loving kiss on my neck. 

I smile before saying "We have to leave soon." 

"I know. You are just so damn beautiful." he told me.

 "And you are so damn amazing." I told him giving him a quick peck on the lips. 

We then exit the room and head down stairs to the restaurant.

The night was going really well. 

Bart had asked me questions about college and my plans for senior year. 

We continued to make nice conversations throughout the course of the meal. 

While we waited for dessert to be served Bart cleared his throat before speaking "London, you have truly grown into such a magnificent girl. My son is incredibly lucky to have you." 

Chuck's hand found my thigh under the table and he gave it a comforting squeeze before smiling up at me.

 "Thank you Mr. Bass." I responded smiling lightly. 

Lily took a sip of her drink watching fondly over us. She then asked if I needed to go to the restroom with her. 

I went ahead and went with her telling Chuck 'to not miss me too much.' as I kissed him on the cheek.

Chuck's POV

I watched London walk away admiring how wonderful she looked tonight. 

The voice of my father distracted me though as he said "I'm really proud of you son. I always knew you could man up and mature, I just didn't realize she would be the person to help you do so. But this is great because having a real girlfriend will force you to continue to learn about responsibility, sacrifice, being faithful, taking into account other's feelings, and finally leaving your partying ways behind. You'll be a completely different person by the end of summer. I welcome the change!" 

His words started to weigh around in my head. 

"I'm still the same me dad. In fact I quite like being who I am." I state. 

He chuckles at me and says "Yeah, we'll see about that." 

My dad's words stuck with me as I thought about the future.