The Sound of Summer

24. Just In Case

*UNEDITED*
Dom doesn't tell me where we're headed as we walk to the train station. He's holding my hand firmly in his, bouncing up and down slightly as he walks. I'm so relieved that we resolved our issues. I know this just one hurdle in many to come, relationships are, but now I know he's willing to match my energy and that makes me feel so much better. Even though I'm still reeling from sleeping with Dré, I feel a lot less alone then I did before.

We spend the entire train ride talking like nothing ever happened. There's something so incredibly easy about being with him like this. I know it's not what either of us wanted exactly, but obviously we both have a lot of shit to deal with.

We get off the 6 train at 51st street, and Dom leads the way. I don't spend a lot of time in this area so seeing it all feels really new. Dom holds my hand as we walk down the street.

"Can you tell me where we're going?" I say, squeezing his hand tighter just for the fun of it. he brings mine up to his face and places a light kiss on it.

"Tranquila, cariño. [Calm down, darling] We're here," he says, and stops in front of a deli. He stares at the storefront for a long time before leading us in. I know from the solemn look on his face, his steady and careful steps that this is not just some random place. It means something to him, so I walk behind him, patiently waiting for him to open up to me.

"Do you want anything?" He doesn't look at me when he asks. He keeps glancing back at the man behind the register. I can sense he's nervous, which tells me that man means something to him. I hold his hand to try and comfort him a bit and it seems to help

"Yes please," I say shooting him my biggest smile. He returns it, and wraps his arm around me. we browse down the aisles picking up snacks and drinks. I order a cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese and Dom gets a gyro. Once we have everything we need, we make our way to pay.

A short and stocky man is huddled behind the cash register. He has a very intense vibe to him that's only sharpened by his hard-set eyes and eyebrows. We put our items out in front, and he starts to scan them. The entire time he doesn't spare us a glance and instead is glued to the lotto tickets sprawled in front of him.

When I look over at Dom, I see he's still nervous, but genuine happiness gleams in his eyes.

"That will be $15.24," the man says as he bags up the items and places the bag in front of us.

"¿No hay descuentos para un amigo? [Is there no discount for a friend?]" Dom says, and the man finally looks up. At first he stares blankly, clearly confused by the question. The recognition lights up his eyes and he bursts into an infectious laugh.

"Dominic! ¡Que carajo¡ [What the fuck!]" he bellows as he leaves the booth to give Dom a hug. I don't know who this man is, but i haven't seen Dom this affectionate with anyone. Dom's clinging on the man with so much love it warms my heart. Even though the man is much shorter than Dominic, it doesn't seem to matter at all. His presences towers over Dom, but not in an intimidating way. In a protective, fatherly kind of way.

When they pull away, they dive into a conversation in heavy Spanish I can't keep up with. From the few words I do understand, I know they're talking about how much time has passed since they last saw one another. The man gestures at me and Dom looks back it me with pride in his eyes.

"Manolo, this is Lungi," he says and wraps his arm firmly around my waist before placing a kiss on my head. The lack of a title isn't lost on me, but strangely I appreciate it. I give Manolo my friendliest smile and extend a hand over to him. He looks at it and laughs before pulling me into a bear hug. He suffocates me by his sheer strength, but it doesn't bother me. I find myself getting weirdly emotional. I can't remember the last time my dad hugged me like this. Probably never. I shake the thoughts and focus on Dom and Manolo.