T2 - The Second Toretto

Chapter 13

"None to be found Charlie, don't worry about that." he replied, kissing my head.

"I miss them so much Dom, just sitting here is like he's right here." I said as the tears started to pool.

"I miss them too Charlie, the world isn't the same without them. I like to think they're proud of us for the most part."

"They'd be proud of you Dom, for keeping the family together. Doing whatever you have to - to keep us together, Senior would be proud and so would dad."

"They would be proud of both of us, the first college graduate. Your dad would be so proud of you."

"I should give it a chance shouldn't I?" I asked and he knew exactly what I was talking about.

"You should. If things don't work out for whatever reason, though I think it will, we'll be here for you."

"Thanks."

"Finish your tea and get to sleep, we've got a long day tomorrow since we're one man down."

"I'll be in soon, you know this is my . . ."

"Favorite part of the day, I know. Good night Charlie." he said, kissing my head before walking inside.

Dom could always see things inside of me that others couldn't, things that I would never admit and it's part of what I missed. As much as I love them, I can't have these kinds of talks with Mia or Letty, they wouldn't understand.

We spent the next day in the garage as a unit, putting the finishing touches on Brian's car. We've been texting back and forth all day except for a short time when he didn't have signal. I couldn't help but think about what the girls and Dom said. What if I'm falling in love with him? That's a good thing, isn't it? Dad would be happy for me since I'm happy, he would approve.

"Hey, earth to Charlotte." Mia said.

"What? Sorry, a little out of it."

"Thinking about Brian?" she asked with a smile.

"No, I was thinking about dad." I told her as we walked out of the garage.

"He'd be proud of us, both of them would." she said softly.

"That's what Dom said, I like to think they're together cursing us out and scolding us silly in heaven. God knows we've done more than enough to deserve a few head slaps." I said, laughing.

"That much is true, are you coming home?" she asked.

"No, I'm going to my place. Gotta live there sometime, I'll see you tomorrow."

"See you."

I drove to my house with the music on high in my car and singing at the top of my lungs. It felt good to just let loose for a little bit, it was a relief to the anxiety that I've been feeling. I left the AC on in my apartment when I left yesterday so walking into my apartment was another relief.

Cooking seemed like a good idea so I made baked chicken with baked sweet potato garlic Parmesan fries. The apartment smelled amazing but like garlic so I turned the AC off and opened the balcony door. I made way too much food and put the leftovers in containers to take to the garage tomorrow for the team.

Once dinner was done and I cleaned everything I hopped into the shower, pulling on an old ratty t-shirt and another pair of knee high socks. These had little cat faces on them with the ears pointing up from the top part. My TV was calling me so I watched a few movies before my phone started ringing at around 10:30.

"Hey stranger, how was your day?" I asked Brian.

"Long and boring, how was yours?"

"It was good, your car is pretty much done. Just a few last minute details left."