My Dad's Bestfriend novel Chapter 22

Evelyn

"So...Clara, can I ask you something?"

"Oh, since when did you start acting so formal?" She burst into laughter. "What happened? Do you have a fever or something?"

I sighed, feigning sadness. "I don't get you or Dad. Even when I try to be nice, it's always a problem."

"Enough, drama queen," Clara chuckled. "Ask me what you want to know."

A smile tugged at my lips as I leaned in, adjusting my chair to ensure she heard me clearly. "By any chance, do you think Jacob has been through a heartbreak or something?"

"What?" Confusion etched upon her face, "Where's this coming from?"

"I am just curious, you know," I tried to keep my curiosity subtle.

"And why are you suddenly curious?" She asked skeptically.

"Well, it's just that he sometimes seems like a lone soul," I laughed, though it came out sounding nervous. "So, I got curious."

She paused for a moment, as if recollecting her memories in one place. "I'm not entirely sure, but I heard from your Dad that he had a serious relationship in the past. After it ended on a bad note, he never pursued relationships again."

"What else do you know?"

"That's all I know. Every time I asked your Dad, he said it's a long story," She shrugged. "Besides, this wedding is the only event where I've seen Jacob, so I haven't had the curiosity to pester Samuel further. Although hearing a little story would have been interesting, you know, your dad can be so boring sometimes."

"Oh, I see," I replied before shifting my focus back to the plate full of pancakes drowning in chocolate syrup that Clara had made for me.

So...Jacob went through a heartbreak.

A few minutes passed as I delved deeper into my thoughts. Suddenly, the sound of the chair beside me being pulled interrupted my contemplation.

"Hello, ladies," Jacob's face greeted my view as he sat beside me; Dad followed suit, taking the chair beside Clara across from us.

"I must say, you look in a really good mood today." There was a hint of suspicion in his voice, causing me to drop my fork onto the plate.

"Dad, what's wrong with you? If I'm in a bad mood, you have a problem, and if I'm not in a good mood, you still have a problem!"

"No, my problem is that you've started having these odd mood swings all of a sudden." He quirked an eyebrow. "Is this about any guy?"

My cheeks burned red, and my eyes widened in shock. "Dad!" Disbelief screamed through my voice.

"What? I was just asking," he shrugged nonchalantly.

From the corner of my eye, I could see Jacob trying to hide his laughter behind his hand. Well, of course, he would find it amusing because he knew the truth, and he also knew that I couldn't tell Dad the truth.

"Why don't you just keep your stupid questions to yourself?"

"I have the right to know what's going on with my daughter," he said, crossing his arms over his chest. "It's my moral right."

Clara burst out laughing, and I had to wrestle the smile that fought to curve on my lips.

Dad was too cute, but that didn't mean his suspicion wasn't a risk. If he started becoming observant, both Jacob and I would be in deep trouble.

"Nothing is going on. I just had a good sleep. That's it!" I emphasised, hoping to end the conversation.

"That's convincing, but still not enough."

"Then I don't care! Just let me have my pancakes, I'm hungry!" I snapped.

His relentless questioning made me nervous. Not only that, it triggered an annoying blush to rise on my cheeks because the reason behind my good mood was right beside me, and his lingering gaze made it nearly impossible to keep my face devoid of any emotion.

I despised the effect Jacob had on me, yet paradoxically, I loved it at the same time.

It was obvious that Dad couldn't resist opening his mouth once again. Knowing him so well, I knew he wasn't going to let it slide so easily.

"There must be something you're hiding," he squinted his eyes at me as if examining a culprit.

"Dad, I swear to God, if you don't stop right—"

"Samuel, leave the poor girl alone," Jacob chuckled, coming to my rescue. "Can't you see how red she's gotten?" He shot me a glance, a mischievous smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

This man...

He knew exactly how to get on my nerves. He was playing it dirty, fucking dirty!

"So, this is about a boy..." Dad mused to himself, his suspicion growing.

Well done, Jacob! You fucked this whole situation up for me.

"No, it isn't. It's about a man. I've found a very handsome and hot man," I flashed Dad a sarcastic smile, and a frown settled on his face. "Do you want to know his name?"

From the corner of my eye, I could see Jacob genuinely shocked by my response, yet there was curiosity shining in his eyes as well.

"What's his name?" Dad asked, seemingly oblivious to the sarcasm in my voice. I couldn't believe he failed to catch on, but I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Dad had a knack for taking things too literally.