Author's note: I'm so sorry this took so long! I've been extremely busy with school and travel! I also had a severe case of writer's block (never fun). Anyways, thank you guys so much for the reviews and for reading. It means so much!

Chapter 18: Seize the Day

Tina's time in college seemed like it was flying by. Before she knew it she had completed her sophomore year, got an apartment with her roommate Raquel, and had just landed an internship with a newspaper company that was halfway between Wagner and the restaurant. That way, she could still visit her friends at college, as well as stop in and visit the family.

Zeke and Tina's relationship was as strong and healthy as ever. They had moments where they would argue and not talk to each other for a day or so, but all couples have their share of arguments. Needless to say, with the addition of tougher classes and a busier schedule, Tina was more than happy to come home for the summer.

The family had another graduation party at the restaurant for Gene, this time, in the basement. Gene insisted on DJing the party as well as continuing the party well after the restaurant closed. He invited his classmates, close friends, and, of course, family and regular customers. Tina eventually found the opportunity to sit down in the empty restaurant and talk to Gene and get away from the excited and slightly inebriated partygoers.

"So, are you excited to start college?" Tina asked.

"I can't wait," Gene said as he let out a relieved sigh, "Pratt has an amazing performing arts program as well as writing."

"You're still set on performing?"

"Yeah, I figured if I don't get a career as a performer I can always write. Not just articles and… well, what you're doing, but I want to write plays and musicals, like-"

"Like Die Hard: The Musical?"

"Exactly! I think if I work on that on especially, it'll make it."

"Speaking of making it," Louise chimed in as she sat down next to Tina, "what are you and Todd gonna do?"

Gene shrugged, "we're gonna try making it work. He's going to Juilliard, so he'll still be in New York, but we'll be in different neighborhoods."

"I think you guys can make it work," Tina said reassuringly.

"Hm, I don't know," Louise said with doubt in her voice, "New York's a big place filled with different people. Could be a good idea, but you guys might run into other people." Louise had been very pessimistic when it came to relationships nowadays. After breaking up with Rudy and rebounding with Craig, who wound up stringing her along until he graduated high school and left her in the dust the second he got to college.

Gene's face turned slightly red. "You're just saying that because of what happened with Craig."

Louise shrugged, "it happens whether you like it or not, Gene. Maybe not to everyone, but it happens." She got up from her seat and went back to the party.

Tina and Gene sat in silence for a while until Rudy, the lovable redhead, graced them with his presence. "Hey guys," he said cheerfully, do you mind if I sit down? It's too hot down there and I need to breathe some fresh air."

"Of course," Tina said as she scooted over, "how's Jessica?"

Rudy shrugged, "ah, it was a mutual break up," he started, "Louise was so angry at us for dating and the both of us missed being friends with her. So, even though it's kind of awkward I'm glad we're all friends again. I think she's talking to Hogarth Haber now or something."

"Well, you have a positive attitude about it." Gene said reassuringly.

"Thanks," Rudy wheezed, "so… is Louise seeing anyone? Or does she still think I'm a sponge?" Before anyone could answer, Zeke came upstairs.

"Whew! It's hot down there! Mind if I sit with y'all?" He asked.

Gene scooted over, "by all means, compadre."

Zeke sat down and looked around, "so what we talkin' about?" He asked. Tina briefed Zeke on the situation. He looked at Rudy, who was clearly blushing, and crossed his arms. "Well, you'd probably like to know that I've spotted her checking you out all night. No matter what that lil devil calls you, she still likes you."

"Really?" Rudy asked as he puffed his inhaler. "How do I go about talking to her?"

"Just pull her aside and strike up a conversation," Tina suggested, "it might not happen right away, but you can always try and take it slow with her. Louise is hardheaded, but when it comes to someone she likes, or wants to pursue, she becomes a completely different person."

"I couldn't agree more," Zeke said as he smiled at her, "happened with me and Tin. Try to make small talk and once you feel comfortable ask her to lunch or to go to the Wharf or something."

"Okay, y-yeah! I will. Thanks guys!" Rudy said as he went back downstairs with pep in his step.

After Gene went back downstairs to the party, Tina and Zeke went upstairs and hung out on the couch. They were the only people in the house, since Bob and Linda were essentially chaperoning highschoolers. The two cuddled on the couch and watched the Banjo movies, which were once locked in Linda's jewelry case.

Zeke rubbed Tina's shoulder and sighed, "I'm really glad you're home," he said as he kissed her head.

"I'm glad I'm home, too."