My Dad's Bestfriend novel Chapter 11

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?"