33

Jennifer

I could hardly believe Anthony managed to fit into the driver’s seat of my car. My little light blue Honda Fit had always been a source of pride, but watching him squeeze himself into it was almost ridiculous.

It was like trying to shove a square peg into a round hole.

Or maybe like fitting Vincent ’s—nope, not going there.

Despite my best efforts, my mind wandered there anyway, and I felt my cheeks heat up.

Hopeless. Absolutely hopeless. You dirty-minded idiot.

Anthony ’s face was a mix of irritation and determination as he pushed the seat as far back as it would go, though his knees were still slightly bent. I couldn’t help but smirk a little, even though the fact that he was tagging along still annoyed me. The visual of this big, intimidating man crammed into my tiny car was too amusing to ignore.

“Feeling cozy?” I asked, unable to hide the sarcasm in my tone.

Anthony turned to me, a playful grin spreading across his face. “Like a perfect fit,” he quipped lightly. “Can’t remember the last time I squeezed into a car this… snug.”

I chuckled despite myself. “Yeah, I can imagine. Sorry about that.”

“Don’t sweat it, Jennifer ,” he said, his voice calm and reassuring. “I’ve been in tighter spaces before. Besides, this is a solid car—reliable, fuel-efficient, and practical. You’ve got good taste.”

I sighed and glanced out the window as familiar streets blurred past us. “I just feel kind of silly bringing a bodyguard to a casual party with friends.”

Anthony ’s expression softened. “I get it. It’s not exactly ideal. But you know Vincent only wants to make sure you’re safe. And, honestly, so do I.”

“I know,” I mumbled, my mood still a bit sour. “It’s just… I don’t want my friends to think I’ve suddenly gone weird or something.”

“They won’t,” Anthony assured me confidently. “And if they do, I’ll just play the role of your overprotective big brother home from college. Trust me, I’m good at that act.”

I couldn’t help but smile at his response. His easygoing demeanor made him hard to resist. “Thanks, Anthony . I mean it.”

“Anytime,” he replied, eyes focused on the road ahead. “So, what’s the plan for tonight? What kind of party are we walking into?”

“It’s nothing crazy,” I explained. “Just some old friends catching up, having a few drinks, maybe dancing. Pretty low-key. I just hope it won’t be too awkward having you there.”

Anthony let out a warm, genuine laugh. “Don’t worry, Jennifer . I’ll stay in the background. You’ll barely notice me. And if anyone gives you trouble, well, let’s just say they’ll regret it.”

I laughed at the thought of Anthony scaring my friends, especially someone like Sophie, who was a whirlwind of energy. “I don’t think anyone will dare mess with me while you’re around,” I said, shaking my head in amusement.

“Exactly,” he replied with a wink. “That’s the plan.”

When we pulled up in front of Sophie’s house, I bit my lip, nerves bubbling up inside me. What were my friends going to think about me bringing a bodyguard?

“You ready?” Anthony asked, his tone calm.

I took a deep breath and nodded. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

As we approached the door, I found myself feeling oddly reassured by Anthony ’s presence.

Sophie flung the door open, her face lighting up the moment she saw me. “Jennifer ! You’re here!” she squealed, pulling me into a tight hug. I hugged her back, feeling a rush of warmth. It was nice to see her again after such a long time apart.

“Hey, Soph,” I greeted her with a smile. “This is Anthony . He’s, uh… here to make sure I stay out of trouble.”

Sophie raised an eyebrow, giving Anthony an obvious once-over before flashing me a mischievous look. “Well, you definitely brought the muscle. Nice to meet you, Anthony .”

“Pleasure’s mine, Sophie,” Anthony said with a friendly smile. “Don’t worry, I’m just here to make sure Jennifer has a good time.”

Sophie laughed, her curiosity apparently satisfied, which I appreciated more than I could say. “Well, come on in! Everyone’s in the living room,” she said, gesturing down the hallway like a game show hostess.

“Lead the way,” I replied, matching her playful tone, and she beamed as she turned to guide us.

By the time we stepped into the living room, the party was in full swing. The space was packed with familiar faces from school, all laughing, mingling, and enjoying themselves. The music was loud, a mix of upbeat pop and hip-hop that made the floor vibrate beneath us.

Sophie quickly introduced us to a few new people. There was Claire, her bubbly roommate, who was already tipsy and giggling uncontrollably. Mark, a tall guy with messy hair, was setting up a beer pong table in the corner. On the couch sat Jess and Tara, friends I hadn’t seen since freshman year, chatting animatedly but pausing to wave enthusiastically when they noticed me.

“Jennifer !” Jess called out, her face lighting up. “It’s been forever!”

“Hey, guys!” I waved back, feeling a genuine smile spread across my face.

For the first time in a while, I started to feel like maybe tonight would be exactly what I needed.

Anthony stayed nearby, keeping his promise to stay in the background. As I grabbed a drink from the makeshift bar in the kitchen and took a sip, the cool liquid helped calm my nerves. Anthony leaned against the doorway, his sharp eyes scanning the room while giving me an encouraging nod.

“Go enjoy yourself,” he mouthed silently, and I couldn’t help but smile at his attempt to be supportive.

As the evening unfolded, I decided to let loose a little. A few more drinks later, I felt lighter, my worries melting away with every sip. Anthony observed me with a slightly amused expression, his arms crossed over his chest.

“Don’t overdo it,” he murmured as I reached for another drink. “You know who won’t be happy if you go too far.”

You know who. Oh, Vincent . Just wait until I show him what “too far” really looks like.

“I’ll behave,” I replied with a playful wink. “A little fun won’t hurt anyone. What Vincent doesn’t know won’t kill him, right?”

Anthony sighed, shaking his head, but didn’t push the issue further. I took his silence as a green light.

The party’s energy picked up as the night went on. Someone started a game of flip cup, and soon the entire room was gathered around the table, cheering and laughing. I jumped into the game, my competitive side surfacing as I tried to outdo Mark and his team.

“Come on, Jennifer !” Sophie cheered from the sidelines. “You’ve got this!”

I focused intently, flipping the cup perfectly on my first try. The room erupted in cheers, and my team celebrated loudly when we won. Fueled by the energy of the night, we all toasted our victory with another drink.

Afterward, the living room was cleared for a makeshift dance floor. The girls and I moved to the center, the beat of the music drawing us in. As I swayed and twirled, I felt the alcohol buzz settle under my skin, loosening my movements.

Claire stumbled over, giggling as she grabbed my hand. “Jennifer , you’re such an amazing dancer!”

“Thanks, Claire!” I laughed, spinning her around. “You’re not too bad yourself!”

The drinks kept flowing, and before long, I was giddy and laughing at everything. Tara approached me at one point, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

“So, what’s the story with Anthony ?” she asked, leaning in. “He’s kind of hot. Is he single?”

I burst out laughing, the thought catching me off guard. “I have no idea. I’ve never thought to ask.”

“Well, I’m going to find out,” Tara said with a mischievous smile. She strutted over to Anthony , flipping her hair dramatically. I watched as she tried her best to flirt with him, only for him to politely but firmly shut her down. When he glanced my way, his glare was met with my amused shrug.

Serves him right.

Feeling the need for another drink, I made my way back to the kitchen, which was still buzzing with people. Pouring myself a generous glass of punch, I took a sip and leaned against the counter. The room seemed to sway slightly as the alcohol hit me harder than I expected, but I waved it off. I was just having fun, wasn’t I?

Suddenly, the music cut off, and someone shouted, “Cops! The cops are here!”

Panic rippled through the crowd as people scrambled in every direction. My heart raced, and before I could think twice, I bolted out the back door.

The cool night air hit my face as I stumbled into the backyard, relief washing over me. I thought I was in the clear—until I felt a firm hand grip my arm.

My heart skipped a beat, and I gasped, spinning around to see a stern-looking police officer.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he demanded, his tone cold.

“Uh… just stepping out for some fresh air,” I stammered, trying to sound innocent despite my pounding heart.

“Not so fast,” he said, tightening his hold as he led me back toward the house. I didn’t resist; even tipsy, I knew better than to argue with a cop.

Back inside, I spotted Anthony already speaking with another officer. His expression shifted to relief when he saw me, and with a quick nod to the officer he’d been talking to, he stepped forward.

“It’s alright, Officer. She’s with me,” Anthony said firmly.

The officer holding my arm glanced between us suspiciously. “And who exactly are you?” he asked, his tone skeptical.