My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 206

Evelyn

Two days had passed since the excitement of Jacob's proposal, but something else had been gnawing at me like a relentless leech. One nagging, soul-crushing question: Was I even on the pill?

The fact that I couldn't remember was maddening. It felt like trying to grasp smoke. I needed to know-desperately. And worse, there was no one I could ask.

Who else would know about my pregnancy precautions? That was my responsibility. Solely mine. And I had failed. Miserably.

I bit the inside of my cheek, shutting my eyes tightly, trying to will the memory back. Nothing. Just a hazy void where clarity should have been.

The only person who might help? Nancy.

Jacob was still in the shower, so I had time to call her. My fingers fumbled over my phone as I pulled up her contact and hit FaceTime.

The call rang. And rang. Anxiety surged like a tidal wave, crashing harder with each unanswered ring.

"Pick up, you stupid bitch," I muttered under my breath, pacing the room. "Come on, I need you! Pick the damn phone!"

Finally, as if the gods decided to take pity on me, Nancy answered. The screen flickered to life, revealing her sprawled across a bed, her hair tousled and a barely awake man lying beside her. I didn't recognize him, but given her track record, I didn't expect to.

She adjusted her satin nightie and gave me her signature smirk. "Hey, bitch. What's up?"

"Nancy," I blurted, barely able to contain myself. "I think I screwed up. Big time."

Her brows furrowed as she sat up slightly, though her smirk didn't falter. "Don't tell me you're already getting cold feet. Seriously, Evie, it's been like three days! Too early for a meltdown."

"No!" I snapped. "That's not it. I want to marry Jacob. There's no doubt in my mind about that."

"Then what? Spill." Her voice softened, but the confusion lingered.

I swallowed hard, avoiding her gaze. "I... I forgot when I last took my pills."

The line went silent for a beat. I braced myself for one of her classic are-you- serious-right-now looks. Instead, she blinked, processing. Then, finally:

"That's no biggie," she said with a dismissive wave. "It's all about your period. You didn't miss it, right? No way you're pregnant if"

Her words trailed off as my face betrayed me.

Period.

Fuck.

Two months. Maybe more. Exactly when had I last had it?

"Evelyn..." Her voice dropped, her playful tone replaced by something serious. "No. Tell me you're not about to say what I think you're about to say."

right now, but between everything in America and the chaos of coming here... I didn't even notice I'd

let out a strangled groan and leapt out of bed, startling her bedmate, who groggily muttered something before

do you just—" She stopped mid-rant, pressing a hand to her forehead. "Okay. Okay. First things first: Are you sure? Sure-sure? Or are we panicking

her words crash down on me.

"I don't know anything

voice was sharp,

throat dry. "Two months,

bridge of her nose. "Okay, let's take a breath. Calm down first." She inhaled deeply, exhaling slowly as if hoping I'd mirror her composure. "Have you had any symptoms? Nausea?

tension coiled tighter in my chest as her words hit home. My pulse raced. "All of them," I admitted, my voice barely

waiting for? Why haven't

quickly, my words tumbling over each other. "I thought it was just fatigue, you know? I kept brushing

Jacob is remotely

breathed, dread curling its cold fingers around me. It felt like a thousand tiny spiders crawling under my skin, and the suffocating weight of uncertainty settled in my chest. "I screwed up, Nancy.

in panicking until you know for sure. Start with a pregnancy test, okay? Just take the first step. Then call me with the results. It

if it is?" I asked, my voice trembling. My hand drifted to my stomach, fingers curling around the soft fabric

said, hesitating slightly before adding, "There

options struck me like

of it settling heavily in my gut. That

consider. No matter how

the thought of taking that option made

s

snapped me

"Yeah?"

are you planning to

still resting on my

figure it out. I don't think he'll

bathroom door opening cut my

stepped out,

a quick text: I'll let you

Don't leave me hanging. Jacob dropped the towel on the floor, his usual careless habit. Normally, I'd groan and tell him to

were you talking to?" he asked, his tone casual as he stood by

I lied, forcing a nervous laugh. "She was just checking

"Hmm." His lips

curved into a small

he leaned

kiss against mine.

warmth through me, momentarily quieting the storm

I murmured, rising to

twisting tighter in my chest. How am I supposed to tell

***

was at the office, I finally worked up the