My feet led me back to Charlie's old office. I stood outside the door before I finally pushed it open and entered. I’d never been inside on my own. Never really taken the time to look around.
"What were you doing in here?" I muttered to myself.
I went to the spot that Xavier was standing in last night and placed my coffee mug on the shelf as I looked over the photos. So much of Luc's childhood, it was obvious to see Charlie adored his son even if he had been tough on him. I smiled at the picture of Luc and Dante that Xavier had held last night.
Pulling my phone from the pocket of my pajama shorts, I dialed before I had time to think it through.
"Hey, Mia," Gabe's voice came down the line. "Everything alright?"
"Hey. Yeah. I mean, I'm a little hungover but good."
He laughed. "Join the club,bella. Why'd you call? Are you coming over?"
"No, not today. I was wondering..." I trailed off.
"What is it?"
"I was wondering if you knew anything about your Dad and Charlie?" There was silence and I tried to think of something to say. "I wanted to know how involved in the ceremony Xavier should be and I didn't want to ask Luc because you know how he is with Charlie."
More silence. I worried I had come across as suspicious.
"Do you ever take a break?" Gabe asked me. "You decided on a date yesterday and you're already trying to plan things?"
"I only have 5 months, Gabe," I said with a nervous laugh.
"Dad and Charlie were really close. Pretty much like brothers. You've seen how Dante and Luc are? That was Dad and Charlie," Gabe explained. "Tori and I pretty much grew up around Luc but there were plenty of people that hated the fact Charlie was close to Dad. They did what they could to rip it all apart. You've heard about Isa?"
I took in a deep breath. "Yes, Luc told me."
"Yeah, well, someone took Charlie out too. Dad lost it and Luc shut off. Dad's Luc's godfather but it's like they both went completely different ways. We haven't seen him much over the past 4 years."
My heart tugged in my chest at the information.
"I guess Luc kept a low profile because of everything," Gabe said.
"Did you ever find out who did that to Charlie?" I asked quietly.
"Yes. Dad, well, to be honest, it's probably best not to discuss it whilst you have a sensitive stomach."
I felt goosebumps appear on my skin.
"So, to answer your question, Dad's the closest thing to a father figure that Luc has, but you've seen it can be a little strained sometimes."
"Mmm, okay. Thanks, Gabe," I said.
"No worries. If you need anything else just let me know."
"You'll be a bridesmaid, right?"
"Fuck you, Mia," he laughed.
"Speak to you later, Gabe."
"Ciao."
I put the phone away and looked back at the photos. Maybe I had read into it too much. Maybe Xavier really just wanted to look out for Luc.
A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. When I checked the time, it was eleven o'clock and I grabbed my mug from the shelf and trotted down the stairs to answer the door.
