Daddy's Best Friend

CHAPTER 1

SOPHIA'S POV

I have waited almost four years for this day, the day I would receive an email from UCLA to know if I would be accepted into UCLA, moving to California has not always been my dream and let's not forget UCLA isn't some sort of ivy leaguer school one would be excited to go.

But I had my reasons.

"So, you won't believe it, Kylie. Four o'clock can't come soon enough," I blurted out, my excitement bubbling over as I plopped down in the library chair opposite her. I was not just excited but also anxious as I knew all that would be at stake if I didn't get accepted.

Kylie glanced up from her book, raising an eyebrow. "Okay, spill. What's got you counting the minutes?"

I leaned in, unable to contain myself. "The email, Kylie. The email from the school that would determine my future. I'm freaking out, honestly."

Kylie closed her book, a bemused smile tugging at her lips. "Wait, slow down. Email from who? And why are you freaking out? I thought you already got all the email that you were waiting for"

I clasped my hands together, my anticipation almost tangible. "From UCLA. Remember that email I sent? They are going to reply me today and this would determine my future, especially that of I and Henry."

Kylie's eyes widened. "Henry? Oh my god, the Henry? Like your dad's best friend, Henry?"

I nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, that Henry."

She leaned back, her expression a mix of disbelief and amusement. "You're nuts, Sophia. Seriously, nuts."

"Hey, watch it!" I playfully nudged her. "It's not like you've never been a little crazy."

Kylie let out a dramatic sigh. "Fine, you got me there."

"Anyway, don't tell anyone, but guess what?" I couldn't hold it in any longer. "I got into Harvard and Brown!"

Kylie's eyes widened even more, "Are you freaking kidding me, you got into two Ivy league,"

"Lower your voice! Do you want the whole library to know?"

She blinked innocently. "Oops, my bad."

"I don't want anyone to know about it,"

Kylie shook her head, exasperation and amusement warring on her face. "You're something else, Sophia. First, you're freaking out about an email that will determine your so-called future with a man twice your age, and now you casually drop that you got into Harvard and Brown like it's no big deal."

I grinned unabashedly. "It's not, really. I mean, they're just Ivy League schools."

Kylie stared at me incredulously. "Just Ivy League schools? Oh my god, you're hopeless."

I shrugged, relishing in her disbelief. "Hey, I can't help it if I'm smart and Ivy League-worthy. " I teased and she gaze at me getting humor and she had also gotten into Yale but she was more excited than I am.

Kylie sighed. "You're a piece of work. Did you at least tell your dad?"

My grin faltered, and I shook my head. "Actually, I told him I got rejected."

Kylie's eyes practically popped out of her head. "You did what?"

I winced, feeling a tad guilty. "I had my reasons."

Kylie stared at me, realization slowly dawning. "Oh, I see. You think if you tell him you're going to UCLA, you'll be closer to Henry."

I nodded, feeling a bit sheepish. "Yeah, it's kind of my plan." I smirked, I get it, but there is no way my dad would let me go to UCLA if he knew that I got into an Ivy League.

Kylie burst into laughter, and I couldn't help but laugh along. "Oh, Sophia, you've outdone yourself this time."

"I know, I know. It sounds crazy," I admitted, my laughter fading.

Kylie's amusement softened into something more earnest. "Look, I get it. You've had this crush for ages, and it's intensified into something more. But seriously, UCLA just for him?"

I leaned in, my tone more serious. "It's not just a crush, Kylie. I've thought about this a lot. I mean, I'm an adult now. I have the chance to finally be with him without restrictions."

Kylie raised an eyebrow skeptically. "You think it's that simple? He's twice your age, Sophia. And he's your dad's best friend!" She kept reminding me of this and for the umpteenth time I told her I didn't care about all that.

I huffed, frustration building. "I know all that, but I don't care. I've come this far, and I can't turn back now."

Kylie's gaze softened, understanding in her eyes. "Okay, fine. But just remember, there are other ways to be with someone you care about. And going to an Ivy League school is one heck of a way to set your future up."

I sighed, my heart torn between the sensible voice in my head and the passionate one in my heart. "I know, Kylie. It's just... It's complicated."

Kylie sighed too, letting out an exasperation. "Yeah, I can see that. Just promise me you won't make any hasty decisions, okay?"

I nodded, a sense of resolution settling over me. "I won't. And hey, maybe UCLA's email will shed some light on all this."

Kylie grinned, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "Oh, I can't wait to see how this unfolds."

It was a crazy, tangled mess of emotions and choices, but it was my mess, and I was determined to navigate it, no matter how complicated it might be.

"Have you thought about the fact that you haven't seen him for a while, what if he has someone who he is with now?"

I thought about it for a second and shrugged the thought away, "He doesn't the last time I over heard a conversation he had with my dad he stated so, so I have hope,"

I whispered to myself, I have hope.

****

I walked through the door, and there was Dad, sitting in the living room with a grin that practically stretched from ear to ear. "Hey, early bird," I greeted him.

He chuckled a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Well, I couldn't miss this moment, could I?" My dad is the sweetest most supportive soul ever.

I flopped down on the couch beside him, my heart racing. "Yeah, about that... I'm kind of nervous."

Dad patted my back reassuringly. "No matter what, Sophia, I'm incredibly proud of you. Ivy League or not, you've done amazing."

I appreciated his words, but I was still too antsy to sit still. I glanced at the clock. Four o'clock. It was time. I refreshed my email, my heart pounding as I scanned the inbox.

And there it was. An email from UCLA, what I have been waiting for, for years. I clicked it open, my heart in my throat. "Congratulations!" the subject line read.

I couldn't contain my excitement any longer. I screamed, "Dad, it's here!"

He leaned over, his eyes scanning the screen. And then he saw it too, the words that brought tears to my eyes. "Congratulations!" he echoed, pulling me into a tight hug.

I hugged him back, feeling a mix of relief, joy, and accomplishment. "Thank you, Dad."

He held me at arm's length, a proud smile on his face. "I always knew you could do it, Sophia."

As I wiped away a few happy tears, he continued, "You know, Sophia, since Henry has that mansion in California and he's family, I was thinking..."

I looked at him, curious. "Thinking what?"

He grinned mischievously. "Why don't you stay with him while you're in California? It'll be good for you, and I trust him to take care of you."

My heart raced, and I struggled to keep my composure. This was it, the chance I had been waiting for. "Stay with Henry?" I pretended to consider it. "Well, I don't know. I mean, he's a bit strict, don't you think?"

Dad chuckled. "That's exactly why I think it's a good idea. You need someone to keep you in line."

I feigned a grumble. "Fine, fine. I'll do it."

Dad grinned, his eyes twinkling. "Great. I'll go call him and let him know."

As he left the room, a triumphant smile spread across my face. I had done it. I had orchestrated the perfect plan to be close to Henry. And now, with Dad's unwitting approval, everything was falling into place.

I sat there, my heart dancing with excitement, replaying the moment in my mind. It wasn't going to be easy, living under Henry's roof. But it was a small price to pay for the chance to be near Henry. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, all my fantasies and dreams were about to become a reality.

All my life I had waited for this opportunity to be close to Henry and here it was.

After all the rejection, it was finally here.

My mind flickered back to years ago when I first confessed my feelings for him and he rejected me, breaking my heart into pieces.

Four years ago

CHAPTER 2

SOPHIA'S POV

I sat close to the school library, it was close to the driveway and far from the hallway, it had become my new favorite spot, it was far from the classroom, from the people in high school, You know that saying about high school being the worst moment of your life, it was precisely that for me.

Growing up, I was constantly criticized and made fun of for how I looked. I was a chubby girl, well, I used to be a chubby girl. Then I made it a daily task to work out and become the cheerleading squad captain.

"How do you think he would ever notice you if you constantly shy away from him," Kylie spoke, startling me from my ever-lost thoughts.

"I don't want him to notice me," I muttered, and continued sketching a familiar figure on my notepad, Kylie and I have been friends since we were kids and since my foster dad adopted me, we have been inseparable. She is the only one who knows all my dirty little secrets, especially my little crush on my dad's friend Henry.

Okay, my crush on Henry might not be that little, but it was massive. Everything about him made me feel different, I know that he is older than I am, way older than I am and there is no logical reason why I find a man twice my age attractive but I just can't help it.

Kylie leaned back in her chair, her brows knitted together. "Sophia, seriously, you've got to let go of this crush on Henry. He's like an ancient in comparison to you." I hated it whenever Kylie tried to school me about my feelings for Henry, I had to tell her because I trusted her to keep my secret.

I rolled my eyes, a dramatic sigh escaping my lips. "Come on, Kylie. Age is just a number, you know? And it's not like I can control my feelings." This had always been a constant back and forth battle for us, she didn't seem to get it why I was this in love with Henry, because she insisted that this was more than a crush already, and she was right. It was more than just a crush.

She chuckled, shaking her head. "Trust me, Sophia, he's not going to see you in that way. You're practically a baby compared to him." I was getting a bit infuriated by her comments. Henry didn't see me as a baby even though the age difference was something though.

I slumped in my seat, my chin resting on my hand. "But Kylie, have you seen those eyes of his? And that rugged charm? It's like he stepped out of a romance novel." I said in a dream like state, my mind flying to how he would look without his shirt on, but I shrugged the thought away, this shouldn't be what I should be thinking about.

Kylie raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a half-smile. "Romance novel? Are you serious? This is real life, Soph." Of course, I knew this was real life but I knew he was more of a far off dream to me, but I wanted all of that.

I pouted, feeling a touch defensive. "Hey, love can strike anywhere, right? Even in a business meeting or a coffee shop." I know what I just said now made zero sense but it was the only defense I could think about at the moment.

She leaned forward, her tone empathetic. "Look, I get that he's attractive, but he's also-well, way out of your league. And I don't mean because he is a well established billionaire, I am saying this because he is twice your age and also your father's friend; Sophie, It can never work."

I shot back, determination in my voice, "Maybe not now, Kylie, but just you wait. One day, he'll notice me." I was just thinking about how that would be, whene he would finally get to see me for who I was.

Kylie burst out laughing. "Oh, come on! You're delusional!"

I narrowed my eyes at her, my playful demeanor shifting slightly. "You just wait. He'll realize that I'm the one who understands his jokes, who laughs at his terrible puns. I am sure he doesn't get that with another and why do you think he is not married now, it is because maybe, deep within him somewhere he is waiting for a girl like me."

Kylie's laughter subsided, and she sighed. "Sophia, you're setting yourself up for heartbreak."

I shook my head, adamant. "No way. This is destiny. Like in the movies, where the underdog wins the heart of the unattainable guy. It could be just like that movie, about a student falling in love with her teacher,"

"You do know that ended in a tragedy, right?"

"Whatever, mine would be different."

Kylie threw her hands up, defeated. "Fine, have it your way. But don't say I didn't warn you."

A triumphant smile tugged at my lips. "I'll be sure to invite you to our wedding." I teased her, trying to lighten the mood because whenever Kylie and I talked about Henry it always ends up in some uneven quarrel.

She rolled her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips. "Sure thing, future Mrs. Sophia Henry."

I leaned back in my chair, my heart fluttering with a mixture of hope and nervousness. "You'll see, Kylie. You'll see."

I clung to my crush on Henry like a lifeline, convinced that someday, against all odds, he would see me for who I was: the girl who could turn his world upside down.

Kylie eyed me with frustration written all over her eyes. "You are seriously the most stubborn person I know, Sophia. Why can't you just consider dating guys your own age?"

She has now shifted to my least favorite topic, the one that has to do with dating guys my age. But today I was up for all the quirky conversation.

I leaned in, a mischievous grin playing on my lips. "Because, Kylie, those guys just don't do it for me. Older men have this, I don't know, charisma and experience that's way more attractive." it was true when it comes to boys my age they were mostly kids that still needed their mother for direction.

She threw her hands up in exasperation. "Charisma and experience? Or is it just the fact that Henry has a job and a car and let's not forget, he is a freaking billionaire,"

I shrugged, a playful glint in my eyes. "Hey, those things don't hurt his case, you know?"

Kylie rolled her eyes, her tone tinged with sarcasm. "Right, because dating your dad's business partner and best friend isn't complicated at all."

I waved a dismissive hand. "Details, details. Love conquers all, remember?"

She groaned. "You're impossible."

A sly smile crept across my face. "Oh, and just so you know, I've decided to take matters into my own hands."

Kylie's eyes widened, she was curious and it was written all over her face. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm going to confess my feelings to Henry tonight," I announced, this was something I had thought about for a very long time and the more I waited the more I felt like I was running out of time.

Kylie's jaw dropped. "Wait, what? Are you out of your mind?" she yelled out and the people who were around us and walked in a minute ago stared at us.

I leaned back, crossing my arms confidently. "Nah, it's the perfect plan. I'll pour my heart out in a heartfelt message, and who knows? Maybe he feels the same way." when it came out of my mouth, I realized that it sounded much better in my mind and would be so much more complicated in real life.

Kylie looked aghast. "Sophia, that's an absolutely terrible idea. If your dad finds out, you'll be grounded until you're, like, a hundred."

I shrugged off her concern, my excitement building. "I don't care about that. Love is worth the risk."

She grabbed my shoulders, a desperate plea in her eyes. "Sophia, seriously, you can't do this. It's a disaster waiting to happen and I know you, you are definitely not a glutton for punishment."

I brushed her off, my mind made up. "Don't worry, Kylie. It's happening."

A sigh escaped her lips. "You're unbelievable."

I grinned, a mix of nerves and anticipation bubbling within me. "Wish me luck, Kylie. Tonight's the night."

A flurry of arguments and protests, but deep down, I was resolute. I was going to send that message to Henry, consequences be damned.

I am going to confess my feelings to Henry tonight.

CHAPTER 3

SOPHIA'S POV

Walking through the door, I froze. Henry in my living room? My cheeks flushed. "Umm-hi," I managed, feeling a bit tongue-tied. He was always in my house but I didn't expect him to be here today, not when I had decided to muster up all the courage I needed to tell him how I felt about him.

Henry smiled warmly. "Hey there, Sophia. Don't just stand there, give me a hug!"

Surprised but eager, I hurried over, wrapping my arms around him. His scent engulfed me, sending a shiver down my spine. My heart raced like a hummingbird's wings. He always asked me to hug him, and it was my favorite thing about him.

"Good to see you," he said, ruffling my hair. I pulled back, his touch lingering like a sweet melody.

Dad grinned at my obvious fluster. "She's growing up, Henry. Turning sixteen soon, high school, and college. you need to stop treating her like a kid."

I didn't even notice my dad was in the room, all I could think about then was the fact that Henry was there. Don't get me wrong, my dad is important to me, ever since I lost my parents, and he adopted me; he was a good friend of my mum. He had been the next best thing that happened to me. He always took care of me and ensured that I was taken care of.

Henry nodded, that serious glint in his eyes that always intrigued me. "Time flies. College is a big step."

I nodded too quickly, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. "Definitely, yeah."

Dad motioned toward the dining table. "Join us for dinner, Sophia."

My pulse quickened. Dinner with Henry? I forced a smile, trying to act cool, collected. "Actually, I should, uh, take a shower first. Be back soon." I have had dinner with them in the past but today was different, today I was more conscious about Henry being in our house more than ever.

In my room, I leaned against the door, heart still doing a marathon. Changing into my nighties, I took a deep breath.

Back downstairs, I fumbled through dinner conversation. Henry's words held my attention, but my own responses seemed to get lost on the way out. I stole glances when I thought no one was looking, but Dad's knowing smile told me otherwise. My dad knew I had a crush on Henry but he presumed it was just an innocent crush and nothing innocuous about it.

Dinner felt like an obstacle course. Henry's words flowed like honey, and my attention clung to them like a magnet. But whenever I tried to speak, my words turned into a jumbled mess.

I managed to sneak glances at him, convinced I was being discreet. There was just something about his present that felt so different to me. My dad ALWAYS told me that I act and talk way older than my age but I lose that grip over myself whenever Henry is around.

Henry turned his gaze toward me, a friendly smile curving his lips. "So, Sophia, any thoughts about college?" He has always been a conversationalist, he loved to talk about things and had been particularly concerned about my studies, he is big on the whole school stuff.

"What are your thoughts on college?" he repeated his question, I was lost in my thoughts and over analysis.

My heart skipped a beat, and I almost choked on my food. College? Did he really just ask me that? Keep it together, Sophia.

I cleared my throat, feigning nonchalance. "Yeah, I've been considering Ivy League schools. Maybe Brown or Harvard." I have always wanted to go to an ivy league school, my dad went to one so did Henry.

Henry raised an impressed eyebrow. "Wow, aiming high. You're a smart kid, Sophia."

I fought the urge to roll my eyes at being called a kid. "I'm turning sixteen soon, you know."

He chuckled, that warm sound that always sent shivers down my spine. "You're right. I should start addressing you as the young lady you're becoming."

My cheeks flushed, and I tried to focus on my food to hide my embarrassment. "Yeah, well, that's what happens when you grow up, I guess." These were one of those moments that made me totally believe in my feelings for Henry. There was something special about the way we talked and relate to one another, it is almost like the world fades away when we are together.

He flashed me a teasing smile. "Indeed. So, young lady, any other plans besides conquering the Ivy League?"

I shrugged, my heart doing a little happy dance at the nickname. "Just trying to survive high school for now."

Dad chimed in, "She's got her eyes on the debate club. Aren't you, Sophia?"

I nodded, grateful for the change of subject. "Yeah, I enjoy speaking my mind. And saying how I feel about things"

Henry leaned back in his chair, looking pensive. "Debate club, huh? That's a great way to sharpen your skills."

"Sophia is so smart, she doesn't even talk or act like kids her age, she makes me so proud," my dad said boastfully and I know that was how he truly felt, not just because he had said it about a million times already.

Our eyes met, and for a moment, it was just the two of us. My heart raced, and I felt a rush of courage. "Maybe you can come watch one of our debates sometime."

Henry's smile held a hint of intrigue. "I'd like that. Just let me know when."

As dinner wrapped up, I helped clear the table, my mind replaying our conversation. My crush on Henry wasn't just a silly infatuation. It was real, complex, and maybe, just maybe, he saw me as more than a kid. The sparks in his eyes, the shared smiles-it was a silent understanding that sent my heart soaring.

We were in the midst of a moment, just Henry and I, lost in our conversation. Then, like a sudden gust of wind, my dad jumped in. "Henry, you'll be traveling soon, won't you?"

My heart plummeted, shattering into pieces. Why did he have to bring that up now? And what does he mean by Henry would be traveling, traveling to where, with who?

Henry's eyes met mine, his smile fading slightly. "Yes, that's true. I'm actually setting up a new office in California, Florida to be precise. It's going to require quite a bit of travel."

California. The word echoed in my head like a distant echo. I felt a sinking sensation in my chest. He was leaving me but for how long, was it going to be just temporary.

Dad looked curious. "Wow, California. That's a big step. How's everything going with the new office?"

Henry's expression became more serious. "It's a lot of work, but I think it'll be worth it. Once everything's set up, I'll be moving there permanently."

My heart clenched as if it were being squeezed in a vise. Permanently? It was like a storm of emotions swirling inside me. I was having a raging heart attack and I could feel it, Henry would be moving away permanently from me and there was nothing I could do about it.

Dad nodded, impressed. "That's a big commitment. But I'm sure you'll do great."

I felt like a bystander in my own body, my heart pounding in my ears. I managed to find my voice, almost a whisper. "Permanently?"

Henry turned to me, his gaze softening. "Yeah, Sophia. Once the office is running smoothly, I'll be based in California, because I would have to manage operations and overall performance of the business. But of course, I'll be stopping by here every now and then."

"Every now and then?" I echoed, my heart fluttering in my chest. What does that even mean, it wasn't the hope or assurance I needed. It was just a far of promise and nothing more.

He smiled, that same reassuring smile that made my heart skip. "Definitely. You'll get sick of seeing me around, I'm sure."

My dad chuckled. "I doubt that."

As they continued talking about the logistics of the new office, I tried to process what Henry had just said. He was leaving, yes, but he was also leaving behind a promise, a connection that wouldn't just vanish with distance.

As dinner wound down, Dad said, "Why don't you stay for dessert, Henry?"

I kept my gaze lowered, sipping my water with more focus than necessary.

Henry's voice was gentle, "Another time, Collins. Thanks."

Dad gave me a meaningful look. "Sophia, why don't you walk Henry out?" He had always asked me to walk Henry out and any of our other guests since I was a kid. It was my own way of showing courtesy.

My heart skipped a beat. Walking Henry out? I nodded, my pulse racing again. We reached the door, and I managed a shy smile.

"Thanks for coming over," I mumbled, my gaze flickering to his lips for a split second.

Henry's smile was understanding. "Anytime. You're becoming a big girl now."

The way he said it, a twinkle in his eyes, had me blushing like crazy.

"See you soon, Sophia," he said, patting my shoulder.

I watched him leave, my mind in a whirl. When I turned around, Dad stood there, arms crossed.

"You're quiet tonight," he remarked.

Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I shrugged. "Just tired, I guess."

He arched an eyebrow, and I quickly changed the subject. "I'm going to take that shower now. Night, Dad."

In my room, I leaned against the closed door, replaying the evening's moments. Henry's presence, and his words, all echoed in my mind. Tomorrow, I vowed, tomorrow I would take a step beyond shyness. Because maybe, just maybe, this crush could become more than a fluttering heart.

He was leaving and I needed to act as soon as possible.