Falling Asleep On A Stranger

Chapter 9

Jenna:

I couldn't believe that the sun was coming up already. Crap! I had totally forgotten about Kristi and Leila. I got my phone out and saw I had a message from Leila. 

2:33 a.m. Turns out the party was a few streets from my place so we're going to walk home when it's over. Meet you there! 

I was so glad that they had found a way home. "Well as much as I hate to say it, I think it's time for me to go home to my hungover friends and clean up whatever mess they made in my absence." Tony laughed. "You sound more like a mother than a friend." I chuckled, "I guess I do. Well I am the oldest and I see them as my little sisters, so I'm just a bit protective of them." Tony smiled at me. "Well, here." he took my cell phone from my hands and started doing something on it that I quite couldn't see. "If you get tired of your friends then go ahead and hit me up." He handed me back my phone and I realized that he had added his number to my contacts. "Mind if I take a picture of you for the caller ID?" I asked. "Of course not! Go for it." He put on a huge smile and I tapped the shutter button on my iPhone screen. "Perfect. Thanks." "Well I hate to say it, but you should head home and get some sleep." he smiled slightly. I did not want to leave I wanted to stay there forever, but I knew that wouldn't be very appropriate so I stood. Tony stood up with me and followed me out the door.

"Where are you parked?" he asked walking along with me. "Somewhere in the Sports Arena parking lot. It shouldn't be hard to find because I'm pretty sure it'll be empty by now." I chuckled. We walked into the parking lot and sure enough it was empty except for my white Chevy Cruze. "I'm guessing that's yours?" Tony asked and I nodded. "Yep, that is my baby." "I like it. It's nice." He walked me over to my parking space and stopped when we reached the driver's side door. "Well I guess this is it for today. I had an amazing time Jenna. Thanks so much for all your help and advice." I hated the fact that he sounded a bit sad about saying goodbye. "I had a great time too. It was not how I expected this night to turn out but I'm glad we got to know each other more." I smiled at him and opened my car door. "Wait, hand me your phone." I said holding my hand out and he didn't hesitate. He placed his iPhone in my hand and I unlocked it and tapped on contacts. I added my number to his contact list and handed him back his phone. He smiled and lifted his phone to take a picture of me. I stuck my tongue out at him and he chuckled as I heard the shutter sound.

I set my phone down on my car seat and that's when I remembered that I was still wearing his jacket. "Oh shoot! I almost forgot to return your jacket!" I said as I started sliding it off. He smiled at me. "You know what? Keep it. That way you can stay warm in the cool San Diego weather. And you'll remember me every time you wear it." I smiled like a fool. I knew better than to argue and decline, he would simply insist. "Okay, thank you. I wrapped my arms around his neck and gave him a tight hug. I felt his strong, tattooed arms go around waist and he held me for a moment. I couldn't help thinking that I wanted to stay there, but he might think I was hitting on him and he'd feel awkward. I didn't want to scare him off when I had just started to know him. I pulled away from him and gave him a smile. Then I got into my car, placing my phone on my lap.  "Thanks again for last night. Drive home safely and feel free to call me any time. If you want to hang out or just want to talk." he said leaning one hand on the roof of my car and the other on the open door. "Oh, don't tell me that. You'll never get rid of me." he laughed. "Well maybe I don't want to." he smiled and I could see him blush a bit. "I'll make sure to call then. I'll see you soon Tony. Have a good day and thanks for the jacket and hat." I smiled up at his adorable face. "No problem. Thanks for the necklace. I hope to see you again real soon. Don't be a stranger. Goodbye." He stepped away from my door and closed it for me. I started my car and looked at him as he walked away. He turned to see me one more time and I smiled and waved. He waved back and I pulled out of the parking lot. I glanced at the clock on my dashboard seeing that it was 5:47 a.m. I had spent the whole night talking to Tony Perry. I turned on my radio and got out my spare key to Leila's house. Then I thought about tonight's events. I still couldn't believe it. 

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Very short chapter, but finally the whole beginning is pretty much done. Time to move on with the story.. what will happen now?