My Dad's Bestfriend novel Chapter 4

Evelyn

"Evelyn, get the hell out of the pool....you'll catch a cold!" Dad's voice echoed across the poolside, but I chose to ignore his yell and swam to the other side, determined to enjoy the water.

"I am not a kid, Dad!" I shouted back, my voice laced with defiance as I leaned against the edge of the pool. "Go and get some rest!"

The party had ended an hour ago, and the once lively poolside had now emptied, revealing the vastness of the mansion Dad owned. It was nothing short of a palace, capable of accommodating over a hundred people, though there weren't nearly as many guests invited. But I had a feeling the wedding day would be an exception.

"Evelyn, I said get out right now!" Dad ordered but once again, I paid no attention to his words.

At that moment, there were only four of us left by the poolside: Clara, who was struggling to suppress her laughter; Dad, who was determined to spoil my swim; me, defiantly sticking to my decision; and Jacob, silently observing the entire spectacle from one of the plush chaise lounges scattered around the area.

"Grow up, Dad," I didn't know why I loved getting on Dad's nerves, "Let me enjoy my swim."

As expected I could see Dad's face turning different colours and he yelled again, "What did you just say? You are me telling you to do what?"

"Grow up, Dad," I repeated and Clara burst into a fit of laughter. Even Jacob couldn't hide his amusement, attempting to stifle his own laughter behind his hand.

"Evelyn Fernandez, get the hell out of that pool right now!" Dad barked,

"Samuel, let her enjoy herself," Clara interjected, coming to my defence as Dad and I competed in the mini glaring contest, " She just started swimming a few minutes ago."

Dad's glare remained fixed on me, "She has a tendency to catch a cold easily, Clara. She shouldn't be so careless."

"Dad, the water is very warm. You can check it if you want," I chimed in.

His glare faded, replaced by a frown of contemplation.

Knowing my dad, I could almost see the internal debate happening in his mind. Ether he'd continue this argument or let it go.

There was another chance of his to confirm if....

Before I could even complete my thought I saw Dad crouching down and checking the temperature of the water by reaching his hand inside the pool.

The laugh tore from my mouth automatically but Dad, being himself, seemed unfazed. He slowly stood up after confirming the temperature was safe for his daughter's health.

"Fine, you got an hour, and after that, I want you back in the mansion, and if not then I'll drag you out from the pool by myself." He spoke still keeping his stern voice and I nodded trying hard to not laugh again.

He still treated me the same way he used to when I was a kid, apparently for my dad I'll always remain a little kid no matter how old I get.

"Jacob; Clara and I are expecting some guests who will likely arrive in a few minutes. Could you please keep an eye on her and let me know if she starts sneezing or experiencing any discomfort?" He looked at his best friend and I had expected Jacob to look surprised or say anything but he only nodded.

With that, my dad left the premises, and Clara, blowing a kiss my way, soon followed suit, disappearing from my sight.

No sooner had they departed than the atmosphere around the pool area grew inexplicably heavier.

It was just the two of us in this vast expanse, and there were no signs of any guests yet. This section of the mansion facing the pool primarily consisted of rooms reserved exclusively for us. Some remained unoccupied, awaiting the arrival of my friends and family members.

"Need something, Evelyn?" Jacob seemed to notice the stillness of me and my unruffled gaze that was staring at the reflection of him that fell on the water.

"I'm afraid you won't be able to assist, Mister Jacob," I replied, swimming closer to the pool's edge and settling on the submerged blue-tiled steps. This position allowed half of my body to remain above the water, with only my hips and legs immersed.

To my surprise, he questioned me in return, "And why do you believe that, young lady?"

There was a subtle shift in his tone, almost imperceptible, yet it made my skin crawl with something new. Damn it, even watching him without being able to turn my wildest fantasies into reality right there by the pool was sheer torture.

"It's not a matter of belief; it's a certainty," I asserted, resting my elbows on the steps behind me and leaning back, basking in the gentle caress of the sun's rays on my face as I closed my eyes.

Even with my eyes shut, I could sense Jacob's gaze tracing the path of water droplets gliding down my skin.