In Love With My Dad's Best Friend

ELIANA

“So, how’s school going, princess?” Dad asked, cutting into his steak.

“Fine.”

Aunt Susie glanced at me. “And those girls who were bothering you? Have they stopped?”

I paused, my fork halfway to my mouth.

For weeks, Vicenta and her friends had made my life miserable. They mocked me, spread rumors, and found every opportunity to humiliate me. Yet, suddenly, they’d stopped.

“I haven’t had any problems lately,” I answered, realizing they must have done something about it.

Dad exchanged a brief look with Aunt Susie.

“Good,” he said. “You shouldn’t have to put up with that nonsense. You’re there to study, not deal with bullies.”

I smiled. “Thanks, Dad.”

He nodded before setting down his fork. “Speaking of which, I have some exciting news. My best friend is arriving in two days.”

My heart skipped a beat.

Scott.

After all this time, he was finally coming back.

“And since it’s his birthday, we’re throwing him a surprise party,” Dad continued. “We’ve already invited a few people. I want everything to be perfect.”

I lowered my gaze, desperately trying to hide my excitement.

Two days.

In just two days, I'd see him again.

“Are you listening, Ellie?” Aunt Susie asked.

“Yes!” I answered too quickly.

Dad chuckled. “You sound excited.”

“Of course. It'll be nice to see him again.”

Nice? That was the understatement of the century.

I hadn't seen Scott in forever. I still remembered how effortlessly he filled a room with his presence and how my heart raced whenever he looked my way.

He was Dad's best friend. The man I'd secretly loved for years.

And soon, he'd be standing right in front of me again.

I could hardly wait.

After dinner, I hurried to my bedroom and shut the door. Then I grabbed my phone and called Cassie.

She answered after a few rings.

“Hey! I was just thinking about you,” she said. “So, are we still having our sleepover in two days?”

“Actually, that's why I'm calling.” I settled on my bed. “I can't make it that day. Dad has an event I need to attend.”

“Oh, really? What kind of event?”

“It's for his best friend's birthday. He's coming back to town, and Dad's throwing him a surprise party.”

“Ah, I see. No problem. We can reschedule.”

“Thanks, Cassie. I'm sorry for cancelling.”

“It's fine, Ellie. Just don't forget about me when you're busy partying with the adults.”

I laughed. “I won't. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?”

“Okay. Bye!”

“Bye.”

I ended the call and tossed my phone onto the bed.

Then I reached beneath my pillow and carefully pulled out a photograph.

Scott.

A soft smile spread across my lips as I traced my fingers over his face.

He looked so handsome, even in a photograph. I could still remember his deep voice, his confident smile, and the way he carried himself.

I pressed the picture against my chest.

“I love you,” I whispered. “I can't wait to see you again.”

It was foolish, perhaps, to love someone who had never looked at me that way. But I couldn't help it.

I'd tried to forget him. I'd tried telling myself that my feelings would fade with time.

They hadn't.

And now, after all these years, I was finally going to see him again.

I placed the photograph beneath my pillow and settled under the covers, a smile lingering on my lips.

Before long, sleep claimed me.

But instead of bringing sweet dreams, it dragged me back to the memory I'd spent years trying to forget.

“Guess what?” I whispered to my friend, struggling to contain my excitement. “I have a crush on someone.”

She leaned closer, grinning. “Who?”

I glanced around before whispering, “Scott. My dad's best friend.”

Her eyes widened.

“Are you crazy? He's practically old enough to be your father!”

“Shut up!” I giggled, covering her mouth. “He's so handsome. I think I'm in love with him.”

“Love? You barely know what love is!”

“Keep your voice down!”

“Who's supposed to keep their voice down?”

We froze.

That deep, familiar voice came from behind us.

Slowly, I turned.

Scott stood a few steps away, his expression unreadable.

My stomach dropped.

He'd heard us.

“How long have you been standing there?” I asked, my voice barely audible.

“Long enough.”

My friend mumbled an excuse and hurried away, leaving me alone with him.

Scott folded his arms.

“Eliana, you need to stop this nonsense.”

I stared at him, my cheeks burning.

“What nonsense?”

“Whatever foolish ideas you've been entertaining. I'm your father's best friend. You should know better than to think of me that way.”

His words struck harder than I expected.

“But I—”

“No buts. You're too young to understand what you're talking about. Focus on school and leave these childish fantasies alone.”

He turned and walked away.

I stood there, fighting back tears.

I wanted to tell him my feelings weren't childish. That I couldn't simply switch them off because he said so.

But I said nothing.

I watched him leave, carrying my secret and my broken heart with me.

And even in my sleep, I felt the sting of his rejection all over again.