My Dad's Bestfriend

Evelyn

My eyes widened slightly at the sight of the roses and Cameron standing there early in the morning. My brows lifted in surprise as I breathed out softly, my hand instinctively reaching to take the bouquet from his hand. "That's...that's so sweet, Cameron," I whispered, my gaze fixed on the roses. A strange guilt gnawed at me, knowing how much effort he put in for me, while I could never reciprocate even a fraction of it. "I-I...thank you so much."

God. I felt so fucking guilty.

Why was he so nice to me? I so badly wished he was not this nice because it would have made it easier.

"Who is it, Evie?" Clara's voice boomed from inside, snapping me back to reality. Standing in the doorway, I blocked their view of Cameron. They could only catch a glimpse of his blonde hair and hints of the red jacket he wore. Not even Jacob could see him, and the thought of getting on his nerves overshadowed the guilt I'd initially felt when I initially saw the roses.

I was a horrible person. So fucking horrible.

"It's Cameron," I called out, knowing Jacob would hear it all too well, "He brought me flowers!"

"Oh really?" Clara's excitement was palpable in her voice, and then she proved it by coming to the door, her eyes darting between me and Cameron with a playful smile. "Flowers and all... Well, not bad!" she mumbled, pinching my arm. I shot her a glare.

"Hey, Clara," Cameron flashed one of his dazzling smiles, "Nice to meet you again." Ever the polite gentleman, he offered his hand to her, and she shook it.

I should really like this guy....

But why couldn't I? What was wrong with me?!

"Nice to meet you too, little boy," Clara smiled, "Now get inside. We're having breakfast together, and you should join us."

"No, Clara. It's alright. I just came="

"Bring him in, Clara. I have a few questions to ask him." Dad's voice boomed from inside, and I froze.

Great... He was definitely going to ask about last night's drinking.

"I drank too much last night," I whispered to Cameron, my horror evident. He chuckled softly.

"Well, it's only fair I take responsibility for that since I took you out. It was my duty to keep you...well, controlled? Is that the right word?" He chuckled again before glancing at Clara. "So, I guess I'll have to accept your invitation, Clara. Because Samuel has a few questions for me-more like an interrogation, right? Since I took his princess out, I may as well answer his questions and apologize for my blunder." "I like him," Clara chuckled, patting his back. "Get inside, kiddo."

As she walked back inside, Cameron followed, with me trailing behind. "Technically, it isn't your fault. I drank too much-it's my blunder, not yours." I whispered, tugging at his jacket from behind. His eyes glinted with amusement.

"Doesn't matter, beautiful," he said, "I should be the one saving you, no matter the situation. That's what a man should do."

"So you think you're a man?" I chuckled, biting my bottom lip. His eyes flicked toward mine, and for a moment, he seemed to stiffen as his gaze fell on my lips, but then he shrugged it off.

"If I were just a boy, would you ever hang out with me?" He cocked an eyebrow. "I know your type, Evelyn. I've done my research."

Holy....

"So you stalked me?"

He leaned closer, his breath hot against my ear. "A lot more than stalking."

I couldn't tell if he was joking. The thought was terrifying. If he knew my type, he probably knew about Jacob and me. We never hid it, but we also didn't plaster it all over social media. We were too busy with each other—more likely fucking each other. Cameron was smart, and

Jacob never bothered to hide it, even

around Cameron. What did that mean? Did he know about Jacob?

Fuck! Maybe I was overthinking...

"So, tell me about my dates," I said, clearing my throat. "Who's the man you think I dated? Any names?"

A smirk played on his lips. "Do you really want me to?" he asked. "I don't prefer dwelling on the past, but if you insist-"

Suddenly, Dad's voice boomed. "Hey, you two. Enough talking. Get over here."

I nearly jumped. I'd been so engrossed in the conversation with Cameron that I forgot my parents-and my ex-were watching. The feeling of daggers being shot at my back became all too real. Jacob was watching everything.

Good. I wanted him to watch.

"Sorry, Samuel," Cameron scratched the back of his head. "We were just planning how to avoid your wrath."

"So none of you are avoiding it.

Come here," Dad commanded, arms crossed over his chest. My eyes flicked to Jacob. His expression had darkened, his jaw clenched so tight it looked painful. He was trying to hold back, every part of him itching tédash out, maybe even kill

Cameron?

I didn't want Cameron dead, but I'd love to see Jacob try. I wanted to see that rage, that jealousy, that fire. I wanted it all.

"Okay," Cameron suppressed a chuckle as he took a seat at the table. I followed, sitting next to him. The whole time, Jacob's gaze remained locked on me.

"So tell me, Cameron-" Dad began, but Clara interrupted, serving a plate for Cameron.

"Guys, why not finish our breakfast first?" she offered, always the peacemaker. "We can discuss everything after that."

"No, but-"

"Samuel, Cameron's a guest. You shouldn't interrogate a guest," she said, taking her seat. "So, cut it off. What's gone is gone. He'll take care of it next time, won't you, sweetie?" She smiled at Cameron, who relaxed visibly.

"Yes, Clara. It won't happen again."

Dad opened his mouth to argue, but Clara spoke first. "Then it's settled. No further discussion. Start eating, kids. Evelyn says I make the best pancakes ever."

And just like that, even though I sensed Dad's reluctance and his desire to continue the conversation, the tension faded. The atmosphere shifted to a peaceful breakfast, like a typical family.

Except for one thing-Jacob. His

clenched jaw and fists never relaxed.

This wasn't a typical family

breakfast because in a typical family, the girl doesn't date her dad's best friend and that best friend certainly doesn't screw up so badly and breaks her heart.