Page 66 of My Best Friend's Dad

“Comfortable?” I asked, unable to hide the sarcasm in my voice.

Tony glanced over at me, a knowing grin spreading across his face. “Like a glove,” he replied, his tone light. “It’s been a while since I drove a car this… cozy.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, I bet. Sorry about that.”

“Don’t worry about it, Jenna,” he said, his voice reassuring. “I’ve been in tighter spots. Besides, it’s a good car. Dependable. Reliable. Good on gas.”

I sighed, looking out the window as we drove through the familiar streets. “I just feel a bit ridiculous, having to bring a bodyguard to a friend’s party.”

Tony’s expression softened. “I get it. It’s not ideal. But you know Vincenzo just wants to make sure you’re safe. And so do I.”

“I know,” I muttered, still feeling a bit grumpy. “It’s just… I don’t want my friends to think I’m being weird or something like that.”

“They won’t,” Tony said confidently. “And if they do, I’ll just tell them I’m your overly protective big brother home from college for the summer. I’m good at that role.”

I smiled at his words. Tony’s easygoing nature was hard to resist. “Thanks, Tony. I appreciate it.”

“Anytime,” he replied, his eyes focused on the road. “So, tell me about this party. What’s the plan for tonight?”

“It’s just a casual get-together,” I explained. “A bunch of us from school catching up, having a few drinks, maybe some dancing. Nothing too wild. I just hope it’s not too awkward with you there.”

Tony laughed, a deep, genuine sound. “Don’t worry, Jenna. I’ll be a fly on the wall. You won’t even know I’m there. And if anyone gives you trouble, they’ll have to answer to me.”

I laughed, the image of Tony intimidating my friends amusing to me, especially the little energy ball Sophie. He’d certainly have his hands full with her.

“I doubt anyone will mess with me with you around,” I finally said with a shake of my head.

“Exactly,” he said with a wink. “I’ve got your back.”

When we pulled up to Sophie’s house, I chewed my lip, trying to reconcile with the nerves boiling through me. What were my friends going to think of me having a bodyguard?

“Ready?” he asked.

I nodded, taking a deep breath. “Ready.”

As we walked up to the door, for some reason, I couldn’t help but feel a bit grateful for him being there.

Sophie opened the door, her face lighting up when she saw me. “Jenna! You made it!” she exclaimed, pulling me into a tight hug. I squeezed her back. Now that I was here, it felt nice to see her. I hadn’t spent any time with the rest of my friends this summer, so maybe tonight would be fun after all.

“Hey, Soph,” I said, hugging her back. “This is Tony. He’s… here to make sure I stay out of trouble.”

Sophie raised an eyebrow, looking Tony up and down and then back to me. “Well, you definitely brought the muscle. Nice to meet you, Tony.”

“Nice to meet you too, Sophie,” Tony said with a friendly smile. “Don’t worry, I’m just here to make sure Jenna has a good time.”

Sophie laughed, nodding. She didn’t ask too many questions, which made her a really good friend for a person like me.

“Alright, come on in. Everyone’s in the living room,” she invited, bouncing on her heels and pointing down the hall like she was some kind of Vanna White.

“Lead the way,” I said, my voice light, and she grinned in my direction.

The party was in full swing by the time we walked in. The living room was packed with familiar faces from school, everyone mingling, laughing, and having a good time. The music was loud, a mix of pop and hip-hop that made the floor vibrate beneath our feet.

Sophie introduced us to a few new faces. There was Claire, her bubbly roommate, who was already a few drinks in and giggling uncontrollably. Mark, a tall guy with a shaggy mop of hair, was setting up a beer pong table in the corner. Jess and Tara, my friends from freshman year of college, were sitting on the couch, engaged deep in conversation but looking up and waving as they saw me.

“Hey, Jenna!” Jess called out. “Long time no see!”

“Hey, guys!” I smiled and waved back.

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