My Dad's Bestfriend

Evelyn

"Evelyn, rise and shine! We can't afford to be tardy," Clara nudged me, determined to rouse me from my slumber whilst I tried to sink my head into the pillow.

"Not today, Clara. My head is throbbing like a war drum," I groaned.

"Did you drink alcohol last night?" Her keen observation was almost immediate; Of course, she couldn't miss the scent of liquor.

"Don't breathe a word to Dad, but yes. I may have consumed an entire bottle."

God! The consequences were evident in my pounding head and queasy stomach.

"Why did you overdo it? You know your tolerance for strong liquor is lacking," she sighed, sitting beside me.

I couldn't reveal the true reason, could I? Absolutely not.

"I simply wanted to let loose and have some fun, but I went a little too far with the alcohol. Perhaps sticking to beer would have been wiser," I confessed, turning on my back and pinching the bridge of my nose, "The idea of having fun fucked me up."

Of course, it was a lie. Every syllable that escaped my lips, save for my complaints of a pounding headache and a churning stomach, was nothing but a big fat lie-I had not simply drunk for the sake of enjoyment.

First I drank last night because I had finally managed to make Jacob jealous, and then I went overboard with it because the worry of him changing his stupid mind shrouded my mind.

So technically the main reason behind this hangover was none other than Jacob Adriano.

"Yes, you should have," Clara sighed, "Because this pounding headache of yours is anything but delightful, isn't it?"

"Indeed, it's unbearable. I simply need some rest," I declared, "You all can go ahead. I've grown tired of Dad's monotonous yacht excursions anyway."

The truth was, I had been on countless yacht tours with Dad, and even without this wretched hangover, today's itinerary failed to pique my interest.

"There's no way I'm leaving you like this," she scolded, her eyes filled with concern. "I'll inform Samuel to reschedule today's plan. We can go another time."

"No! I won't let you cancel the plan because of me," I shot up to sit, forgetting about my hangover completely.

"You are all that matters to Samuel and me. We can always rearrange everything. For now, I'll stay by your side and take care of you," she declared, gently brushing my dishevelled hair away from my forehead. "Now, be still and lie down."

"Clara, it's your and Dad's wedding. During these precious few days, all that should matter to you is savouring every single moment together," I implored, clasping her hands in mine. "Remember, I planned this entire destination wedding with one goal in mind: to give both of you the time and moments you couldn't have before. Do you think it would bring me any joy if you cancelled today's plan because of me?"

"But, Evie..."

"No, Clara. It's my request, please don't let my hangover hinder your plans. I want you and Dad to relish every second and create beautiful memories together," I pleaded. "Can't you grant me this one small favour? Not even for the sake of my happiness?"

"Okay, okay, fine," she finally relented with a sigh. "We'll go!"

A radiant smile adorned my lips, and I launched myself into her embrace, just as I always had. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

"But I do have a few conditions," she added, quickly.

Well...this was new.

"What are they?"

"First, you must take utmost care of yourself while I'm away, and absolutely no alcohol for the rest of the week," she asserted. "Deal?"

"Clara, you'll only be gone for a few hours," I rolled my eyes.

"Deal or not?" she pressed.

"Fine, deal."

******

As the afternoon lingered on, the sun casting its warm glow, I found solace in the medication Clara had provided. It had worked wonders, relieving me of the weight of a hundred jeeps crushing my head.

I felt better. A lot better!

Convincing Dad to proceed with the plans without me had been no easy task. My excessive drinking had earned me a handful of his threats, but Clara had skillfully managed the situation. It was a relief to see her handle everything so smoothly.

To be honest, it was very boring being all alone in this entire mansion except for a few workers who solely remained busy with the tasks at their hands. This solitude felt stifling.

I had always preferred chaos. To be honest, my entire life had been like that, no matter how my father tried to make it all go smoothly. Being a single parent was no easy feat yet he made it. Regrettably, I couldn't claim to have been the epitome of an ideal daughter in return.

God. This is why I hated silence. It'd take me to the worst corners of my mind where my fears and insecurities lurked.

In my attempt to push away one troubling thought, another insidious idea crept into my mind the worry that Jacob could potentially fall prey to manipulative individuals like Gloria and her claws- That man is stupid and too polite sometimes. The mere notion sent a wave of regret crashing over me, making me curse my decision to remain behind instead of joining everyone on the yacht.

You are so stupid, Evelyn! So fucking stupid!

Without further delay, I made my way to the closet to grab a bikini.

Yes, it may have seemed random, but the soothing rhythm of the water would surely help me find respite until the return of the others to the mansion.

So why delay?

Slipping into my bikini, I descended the stairs and headed outside, securing my hair in a messy bun. The absence of people created an eerie stillness, a silence that enveloped the surroundings like a delicate hush. It bothered me quite a bit.

Reaching the pool area, I walked down the steps, relishing the sensation of the slightly warm water caressing my skin as I submerged myself. It felt liberating, truly exhilarating.

Oh, how I loved pools!

I inhaled deeply, filling my lungs with the crisp air, before propelling myself forward, slicing through the water with each stroke. I maintained a steady pace, my head held above the surface, savouring the refreshing coolness enveloping me.

Undoubtedly, taking a swim had been the right decision.

As I swam in gentle circles, a newfound tranquillity settled over my body and mind. Closing my eyes, I turned my face toward the sky, allowing the sun's warmth to wash over me, melting away any lingering traces of stress or worry.

Merely minutes into my solitary aquatic sanctuary, a noise shattered the calm, causing my head to snap up in alarm.

I pivoted in the water, my eyes widening in disbelief as I beheld a sight that defied all logic-Jacob Adriano strolling into the pool area.

What in the damn hell-

How had he appeared here? Wasn't he supposed to be with the rest of the group?

Before I could gather my wits, Jacob spoke, his gaze lingering on my glistening, water-drenched form, seemingly captivated by every subtle detail. Okay.....

"Saw you swimming, all alone. Thought I should join," he uttered, his words hanging in the air.

Okay, I definitely wasn't prepared for this...