Page 68 of Unbroken (Russo Mafia)

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Oscar, I need this. Let’s just chance it. Please.”

He pulls me into his chest. “That’s why I’m your ride or die, preferably not the latter.”

“Well, I ain’t planning on dying anytime soon. Let’s go.” I chuckled.

Stepping outside, felt amazing. I breathe in the October air. The leaves are just changing colours. This is my favourite time of the year. Bring on the sweater weather. If only I can literally enjoy it. I’m too busy sweeping the street to make sure no one is parked that doesn’t belong. Climbing into Oscar’s Honda I somewhat relax. I can tell he’s nervous, too. The entire drive, I keep checking the mirror or checking over my shoulder for any vehicle that was following us. This isn’t the way I want to be living forever.

“Chuck, stop doing that. You’re making me nervous and I’m already freaking myself out.”

I dampened my lips. “Sorry, I don’t mean to.”

He looks over at me before looking back. “It’ll be fine, remember I’m an excellent driver. Besides, we’re here.”

Did I spend all that time worrying that I didn’t even notice that we pulled down Dad’s street? I’ve lived in this neighbourhood for years. My mind is going crazy on me. At least being here is safe. Stepping out of the car, I’m greeted with silence. I always forget how quiet our area is compared to Lucca’s. Walking up the walkway, the front door swings open.

“Pumpkin. You’re a sight for sore eyes!” Dad greets me cheerily.

“Hey old man. I brought Oscar too.” I point my thumb in his direction.

“Hi Scott, hope you don’t mind that I tagged along.”

“Never son. Come on in. I’m making lunch.”

At least he’s looking healthy. His last treatment must be working. One can only have hope. I honestly don’t know how it all works. Maybe I should do more research. I feel like a shit daughter because he hasn’t been my focus like he was supposed to be. I moved back to help him, yet I’ve been deep in mafia bullshit. Who does that? Apparently, me, that’s who.

Oscar gives me a nudge. “Don’t think about that. I can read you like a book, Chuck. He’s doing amazing I can tell.”

“You think? I should be here more.”

“He wants you to live your life. That’s what he wants. Come on, let’s eat.”

The lunch Dad made was spinach quiche, I’m shocked. I don’t recall him ever cooking like this before. Must be the new girlfriend.

“So, this new girl you had over. What gives?” I blurt out.

Dad coughs around his food. “Shit, I didn’t want you to meet her that way. Um… Her name is Pamela.”

“And we met where?” I questioned.

He looks around the room, avoiding eye contact. Oscar can only laugh. I kick him from under the table. He lets out a yelp. Glaring at me, I stick my tongue out.

“She’s um… my nurse.”

“Dad! Isn’t that against some sort of rule?”

“All right Mr. Holmes,” Oscar cheers. Giving Dad a high five.

Dad’s gaze gripped onto mine. “Charlotte, I need to tell you something.”

Oh fuck, this is it isn’t it. He’s fucking dying on me and he’s going to tell me over a spinach quiche! Tears prick my eyes. Dad holds my hand.

“It’s nothing bad, pumpkin I swear. I finished my very last treatment. So, I’m waiting to hear from the doctor now. This could be good news.”

I smack him in the arm. “Lead with that. Jesus. I thought it was worse than that. So, you could be in remission?”

“Potentially, yes. Let’s not get too excited.”

I hug him tight. “That’s great news, Dad,” I whisper in his ear.

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