Daddy's Best Friend

25

CHAPTER 25

SOPHIA’S POV

I sat at my desk, trying to focus on my writing, my mind kept betraying me. It replayed the memory of that passionate kiss with Henry. The sensation of his lips against mine, the warmth of his embrace—it all felt too vivid to be just a figment of my imagination. I scolded myself, convinced that no such thing had happened. I was an adult, and my fantasies should stay in the realm of fiction.

My internal struggle was interrupted by a knock on my bedroom door, followed by Henry's entrance. I looked up at him with a frown, ready to fend off another scolding. "What do you want now? Another lecture?" I asked, my irritation seeping into my voice.

Henry shook his head, his expression earnest. "No, Sophia, I'm not here to lecture you," he replied calmly. "I came to apologize."

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by his unexpected admission. "Apologize? For what?"

He sighed, clearly choosing his words carefully. "Look, Sophia, I know you're an adult, and you have every right to make your own decisions. But you're also under my roof, and I can't help but worry about you."

I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms. "You worry too much, Henry."

He offered a small smile. "Maybe I do. But I can't help it. I care about you."

I softened a bit, realizing that his concern came from a place of genuine care. "I know you do, but sometimes you're overbearing."

Henry chuckled. "Fair enough. I'll try to tone it down."

I decided to change the subject, wanting to lighten the mood. "Speaking of school, I made a new friend today. Her name's Jennette."

Henry's eyes brightened at the mention of a female friend. "Finally, a female friend, huh? Not a fan of Jason?"

I smirked playfully, teasing him. "Are you jealous of Jason or something?"

He chuckled, shaking his head. "No, it's just good to hear that you're making friends outside of... Jason."

I couldn't help but laugh at his attempt to hide his obvious concern. "Don't worry, Henry. Jason's just my course advisor."

Henry stood up, stretching his arms. "Well, it's about time for dinner. Why don't you join me downstairs? We can chat some more."

I hesitated for a moment, then closed my notebook. Maybe spending some quality time with Henry would help us bridge the gap that had formed between us recently. "Sure, I could use a break," I replied, standing up. " Let me change into a more comfortable clothing I will join you in a bit," I said and he nodded his head and left.

I made our way downstairs, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth. Despite our differences and,  the occasional clashes, Henry had always been there for me. Maybe there was hope for our relationship after all.

As I descended the stairs, dressed in one of my shorter, more revealing outfits, I couldn't help but notice the exasperated sigh that escaped Henry's lips. He was always so serious, especially when it came to me and my choices.

"Why don't you ever listen?" he asked, his tone a mixture of frustration and concern.

I grinned mischievously, deciding to tease him a little. "Maybe I'm just waiting for you to give me a good spanking before I start listening," I replied, my eyes dancing with playful mischief.

Henry chuckled, his stern facade softening just a bit. "Be careful what you wish for," he warned with a sly smile of his own.

We headed to a local hot dog spot, and as we sat down, the casual atmosphere seemed to ease the tension between us. We both ordered our hot dogs, and as we dug in, the topic turned to fears.

"I heard you have a fear of clowns," Henry said, raising an eyebrow.

I nodded, taking a bite of my hot dog. "Yeah, it's ridiculous, I know. But those painted faces and exaggerated expressions just creep me out."

Henry laughed, a warm sound that made me smile. "Everyone has their quirks. I'm afraid of spiders, so I can't really judge."

We continued talking, our conversation flowing more easily now. I decided to take the opportunity to ask him about something that had been on my mind.

"So, Henry, tell me about your ex-wife," I ventured, trying not to make it sound like an interrogation.

Henry's expression grew a touch somber, and he set down his hot dog for a moment. "Well, we were married for a while, but we both wanted different things in life. I wanted stability and a family, and she had other dreams, ones that didn't involve settling down."

I nodded, understanding the complexities of relationships all too well. "It's tough when two people want different things."

He smiled sadly. "Yes, it is. But sometimes, it's for the best. We both needed to pursue our own paths."

As we finished our meal, I couldn't help but feel a deeper connection forming between us. Despite our earlier conflicts, we were getting to know each other on a more personal level, sharing our fears and our pasts. It was a step in the right direction, and for the first time in a while, I felt a glimmer of hope that things could improve between Henry and me.

After a pleasant evening with Henry, we returned home, the warmth of our laughter still lingering in the air. It felt like a glimpse of the friendship we used to share, and it brought a sense of comfort I had missed.

As we stepped through the doorway, I couldn't resist the urge to dive into a conversation that had been haunting my thoughts. I needed answers, and today seemed like the right moment to seek them.

"Hey, Henry," I started, my voice laced with curiosity. "I really enjoyed today."

He smiled, his eyes reflecting the sincerity of his response. "Me too, Sophia. It's been too long since we've had a day like this."

I nodded, appreciating this brief respite from our recent conflicts. But there was something else, a question that had been festering within me for years. Taking a deep breath, I decided it was time to ask.

"Do you remember that email I sent you when I was younger?" I began cautiously. "The one you turned down?"

Henry's demeanor shifted slightly, and I could tell he was wondering where this conversation was headed. "Yes, I remember that email," he replied carefully. "But that was a long time ago, Sophia."

I forged ahead, determined to uncover the truth that had eluded me for so long. "If I had been older, would you have said yes?"

His hesitation was palpable, as if he were wrestling with his own thoughts. Finally, he let out a sigh and met my gaze with a mix of resolve and reluctance. "No, Sophia. Even if you had been older, I would have said no."

The disappointment was immediate, but I respected his honesty. Yet, I couldn't let the matter rest just yet. "But why, Henry? Age is just a number. It shouldn't matter."

He looked down, deep in thought. "It's not just about age. You're like family to me, and your father is my best friend. I couldn't... I can't entertain those thoughts."

I couldn't help but smile, feeling like I was finally piercing through a barrier that had separated us for far too long. "You're just making excuses, Henry. Deep down, you want me."

Before he could respond, I turned and walked away, my heart buoyed by the small victory. Somewhere within our complex relationship, I sensed a connection that transcended age and familial ties. Perhaps, just perhaps, he was beginning to acknowledge it too.