The Best Day of My Life Read online

  “Ok, thank you. Did they say when they would be home?” She turns to me as she opens the huge fridge. “Theon, would you like to stay for dinner?”

  Shit, no, I can’t. I need to get back to Grandma.

  “Sorry Evelyn, I can’t stay too long. My grandma will have my dinner ready.”

  “They said they would be home for six,” Maggie says.

  “Oh okay, Theon, no worries. What time do you need to be home for dinner?”

  “I said I’d be back for six thirty.”

  We head through her house up the stairs to her room. I try hard not to let it show just how much in awe I am. Her room is huge. It’s at the top of the house in the attic. We move through it, I notice there are lots of sea turtle ornaments on some shelves, and posters on her wall of them, her bed is big but looks small in this room, which also has its own sitting area, we head to the back where she opens the door to a very large office with desks and computers. Not just one computer, oh no, she has two computers that I can see and four screens set up. We move to the biggest desk, and she wheels a chair over so we can sit side by side.

  “Evelyn, this place is amazing. You look like you have everything you need right here. I envy you,” I say looking down as I start getting my laptop and notebook out of my bag.

  “I know how lucky I am, believe me, I do. I just don’t like to flaunt it, which is why I never bring anyone home.” I look up at her in admiration yet again. She amazes me. She is the most beautiful girl I know, with her short auburn hair, her sparkly green eyes, and pixie-like features. She has a stunning figure, not too skinny like those cheerleader girls who I think barely eat. She is just amazing, but if I carry on thinking like this I may need to use the bathroom.

  “Will your parents mind you bringing me up here? Just not many parents would allow their teenage daughter to bring a boy up to their room to study.” Way to change the subject, Theon.

  “I’ve never brought anyone home before, but I don’t think it will be a problem. They are easy-going, and they trust me. I’ll check with them later when they’re home.”

  We brainstorm for the rest of the time. We have some amazing ideas working together, we bounce off each other perfectly, and I can’t believe how relaxed we are in each other’s company. But, it’s almost six, and it will take me a good half hour to walk home from here.

  “I best make a move, Evelyn, before your parents get home. I need to get home in time for my dinner.” I really don’t want to go. I don’t want to leave her.

  “Yeah sure, Theon. That was a great couple of hours. My head is full of so many ideas. I think we made a great start. You’re amazing with all this, and your ideas are truly remarkable.”

  “Ditto, you really know your stuff too. You amazed me. When you walked into the lecture theatre, I thought you had the wrong class.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Well, you’re not exactly a nerdy type, are you, Evelyn?” I can feel myself getting very red again, as I pack my stuff up and rush to the door without looking at her before she can question my comment

  “Right, I’ll see you tomorrow in class.” I rush for the stairs. I hope I can remember my way out of here, it’s like a maze it’s so big, and I didn’t exactly pay attention walking up here. With following behind Evelyn, my mind was elsewhere.

  “Hey, I’ll show you out. You look like you’re in a rush?”

  “Yeah, thanks, just need to get home.”

  “Do you want me to take you?”

  “No, it’s okay. I can run home, thanks anyway. I need my run, I didn’t get it in today, I was distracted,” I say with a small, shy grin.

  She distracted me.

  I would have run home from school like I usually do. I may not be a big muscled Jock, but my physique is pretty good for a nerd. I lift weights in the college gym then run home, but it looks like I won’t be doing that for a while. I’ll have to run in the morning, go to the gym, shower, then let my school day begin.

  We pad quietly down the stairs, not speaking. When we get to the bottom into the vast hallway, Evelyn overtakes me and heads to the front door.

  “Here, this way is quicker. I can’t hear any talking, so I take it my parents aren’t home yet.”

  We stand on the steps, and I’m just about to turn to say goodbye when a car rolls into the drive. Shit, I didn’t want to meet her parents, not yet anyway.

  The car is a Maserati, not that I know much about cars but the Maserati emblem of the trident on the front grill gives it away, I have no idea of the model. I hardly know anything about Fords or Chryslers never mind these expensive types of cars. It is a beauty.

  “Too late, Theon, you didn’t escape my parents, sorry.” She has a great smile, and it’s aimed right at me as I turn to her.

  “Hello, darling, what a nice surprise, having you here to greet us when we get home. I usually have to tear you away from your computer. Hello there, I’m Sonia, Eve’s mother and you are?” She reaches her hand out to shake mine — shit I’m sweating. I wipe my palm on my top before shaking her hand,

  “H-h-hello Mrs. Westcott, I’m Evelyn’s friend Theon. Theon Tourney.” I’m so nervous my voice is shaking. Just then her dad comes around to us. He eyes me suspiciously. I’m still holding Mrs. Westcott’s hand. I drop it.

  “Hello, darling.” He leans in for a hug and kisses Evelyn on the cheek.

  “I miss you, darling. I’m just glad we were able to get away to have dinner with you tonight. I want to hear all about your week.” He puts his arm over her shoulder facing me.

  “And who might this be?” he asks Evelyn looking directly into my eyes.

  “This is Theon, my friend from school. We’ve been paired to do a project together. We were having a brainstorming session.” Mr. Westcott puts his hand out to shake mine. I take his hand, stuttering again, “Nice to meet you s-s-sir.” Shit, I feel stupid.

  “Good to meet you too, Theon.”

  “Sweetie, would you like to join us for dinner?” Mrs. Westcott asks me

  “He has to get back home, mother. He’s having dinner with his grandma. I’ll be inside in a couple of minutes. I’m just saying goodbye to Theon.” I think that’s Evelyn politely telling them to leave us. Thank god. She’s good at reading me. She can see how nervous I am.

  “Nice to have met you, Theon,” Mrs. Westcott says as she heads inside.

  “You too, ma’am. Sir.” Mr. Wescott just nods, appraising me for a second, kisses Evelyn’s temple then puts his hand on the bottom of Mrs. Westcott’s back, directing her gently inside. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

  “Tense huh?” Evelyn says to me. I run my hand through my black mass of curly hair that needs a cut.

  “You could say that.” I laugh.

  “I must get going, Evelyn. Thanks for this. I had a great time. We seemed to get a lot done today, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “I agree. I love sharing my ideas with someone who understands and is as enthusiastic as me. Bye, Theon. See you tomorrow.”

  I turn and walk down the steps and out of the drive heading home. I have a definite spring in my step. As soon as I turn the corner at the end of the road I set off running. I can’t stop smiling when thinking about Evelyn as I run along the streets home. You would never know she comes from money, she doesn’t act like she does and that puts me at ease. I’m pretty sure she won’t judge me based on where I live, but it’s not info I will freely share yet.

  That was by far the best couple of hours of my life, and I’d say the best day of my life so far. There is no doubt I’ve fallen for this beautiful, unassuming girl. I can’t wait for tomorrow.

  Present

  THE EVS ARE IN my car, setting off to school. They just missed the bus again. It’s getting to be a regular thing.

  “This has to stop, you two. It’s happening more and more, and I’m late for work most days.”

  “But, Dad, it’s better when you drop us off. We get to spend a bit of time with you befo
re the day begins. Don’t you want that, Daddy? I mean, to spend more time with us?” The little madam has those puppy dog eyes that she knows gets me every time. I know her game.

  “Don’t give me that look, Evelina. I know what you’re playing at. You just don’t want to get up any earlier. Well, I’m sorry, but the pair of you need to get up half an hour earlier.” She tuts and rolls her eyes, and Evander looks up from his games console and into the rearview mirror also giving me an eye roll.

  “Less of that, thank you. That’s what happens, up, dressed, then breakfast, in that order. No matter how you want to play it, we leave the house at 7.45 a.m. every morning. Got that, you two? In fact, I’m banning any games being played after breakfast from now on.” I look at them in the rearview mirror. Evelina is pouting and sulking, with her arms crossed high up. Only her. Evander cool as a cucumber

  “Works for me, Dad. It’s Lina who messes around. I’m always ready, just laying on my bed until she’s done.” I see Evelina give him a filthy look and pull her tongue out at him and laugh to myself.

  As we approach the wait line at school, I notice Evelina looking a bit forlorn.

  “Are you still sulking, Evelina? You’ve been quiet back there. That’s not like you.”

  “I’m okay, Dad. Nothing to worry about.” Well, that’s an odd thing to say.

  “What would I be worried about?” She doesn’t look at me. She’s raking her teeth over her bottom lip which is her tell that something is bothering her.

  “Come on, poppet, spit it out. What’s wrong?” She’s worried. Maybe she thinks I will be upset with her.

  “Evelina, you know you can tell me anything, right? No matter what it is. I will always listen to you, poppet.”

  “I didn’t want you worrying about me, Daddy.”

  “Well, now you are making me worry. What’s wrong?”

  “I’ve not been feeling well sometimes.” Is this a ploy? Is someone picking on her at school?

  “In what way?” I edge along in the car as the vehicles in front finish dropping their kids off

  “I keep getting pains in my tummy and head. It’s not all the time, Daddy, just sometimes. I was sick as well, about four times now …” She looks at her hands, which are now in her lap. This isn’t like her at all. I haven’t noticed her not being herself.

  “When was this?”

  “It’s just been a few times over the last couple of weeks. But I was sick again after my breakfast today. My tummy really hurt.”

  “Does it still hurt now?”

  “No, Daddy. That’s what’s strange. It happens fast then it’s gone. It doesn’t always make me sick. Daddy, when I went to the toilet when my tummy hurt, there was some red in the toilet when I got up to flush it.” Oh shit, is it blood? She’s too young for her monthlies, isn’t she?

  “Is it always after breakfast?”

  “No, it’s different times.” She shrugs. Evander is looking at her like he doesn’t believe her. His eyes have gone to slits and are boring into her.

  “What’s up, Evander. Did you know about this, son?” He doesn’t look at me but keeps looking at Evelina.

  “Lina, you said you weren’t going to tell Dad.” Wait, what’s going on here? Why don’t they want to tell me? I edge the car forward—we are nearly at the front of the line.

  “Whoa, whoa, guys. What’s all this about not telling me? Why would you not want to tell me? I want to know everything that concerns you both.”

  “We just didn’t want you to worry. You always worry about us.”

  “Poppet, it’s my job to worry about you. I tell you all the time; you two are my life. If something is worrying you, then you need to always tell me. You got that? I love you two to the moon and back. Now I’m going to make an appointment to take you to see Dr. Harrow, okay?” She nods at me

  “Sorry, Daddy.”

  “Don’t ever be sorry, poppet. Just both promise you will never keep anything from me, okay. Promise?”

  “We promise,” they both say together. Suddenly there is a horn blasting, and I realize I haven’t moved and the car behind is getting annoyed. It’s my turn to let the kids out.

  “Hey, give me a big hug and kiss, you two.” I turn in my seat, and they both stand and throw their arms around me as best they can.

  “Are you sure you feel okay now, poppet?”

  “Yes, it didn’t last long.”

  “Okay then, I’ll make the appointment with the doctor for after school. I will be here to pick you both up so don’t mess around. Come straight out when school is finished, okay?” They both nod at me then scramble out of the car.

  “Evelina, if you feel poorly at all during school you make sure you tell Ms. Thomas. Do you hear me?”

  “Yes, I will.”

  “Love you both to the moon and back.”

  Together they both retort.

  “Love you back from the moon to us.”

  God, I love them.

  I GET TO work late. Aggie, my secretary, smiles at me as I get off the elevator on my floor.

  “Good morning, Aggie. How are you today?”

  “Good morning, Theon. I’m good, thanks. Here are your messages. You have a meeting at eleven with that new software developer, and I will bring you your coffee in a couple of minutes.”

  “Thanks, Aggie. Will you phone Dr. Harrow please and get an appointment for four this afternoon if she can fit us in? It’s for Evelina. She’s been a bit under the weather.”

  “Yes, of course, I will do that right now before I get your coffee. I hope the poor little thing is not too poorly, bless her.”

  “She seems fine, but she just told me she gets tummy pains and headaches and is sick sometimes. Then she said there was red in the toilet bowl this morning. Please tell me she’s too young to start her monthlies, isn’t she? She’s not 11 yet.”

  “Theon, every girl is different. Some girls can start very young. It certainly sounds like it to me, but I’m no doctor. Good job you’re getting her checked. I’ll make the appointment now for you.” I head to my office, thanking Aggie.

  I REALLY NEED to look at either seeing if I can take over another floor of the building or find a bigger space. We just keep growing and growing as a company, which is excellent. People still want to game, no matter what the financial market. It helps that we sponsor one of the biggest gaming competitions here in L.A. Which reminds me, we need to get that sorted as it’s only a couple of months away now.

  I look at the office directly across from me. I refuse to let anyone use it. With my floor-to-ceiling window next to my door, the office opposite is the mirror image. It was Evelyn’s office. We loved that we could have our own space but still see each other through the glass. It still breaks my heart ten years on. I know I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her and our first project together back in college.

  18 Years earlier

  OUR FIRST PROJECT was going well. We only had a week left to hand it in for marking, I knew without a doubt we were going to get top marks.

  We’ve spent every day together, including what time we could grab at the weekends to make this the best game ever.

  I love every single second with her. I’m now starting to panic about what will happen when we’ve finished. Will we still be friends? Will she talk to me at all? I don’t know how or if I will cope without her. After my computers, she’s my addiction. We’ve been to her house every day after school, and I’ve had dinner with her parents, Sonia and Arnold, a few times. They are nice to me, but it took Arnold a while to come round to me being with Evelyn so much.

  It isn’t always studying though. A few times at the weekends, if I’m not tutoring, I go over, and we spend a couple of hours on the project then we hang around the pool.

  I remember the first time I saw Evelyn in a red bikini. I had just come out of the pool house where I got changed, and she was already in the pool. She gazed up at me with water dripping down her face and neck toward the swell of her boobs, which were still s
lightly submerged, but not all the way. I followed the drips that traveled down between her breasts, and I licked my lips without realizing I was doing it. It was only when I noticed Evelyn watching my mouth while I stared at her that made me realize what I was doing. Then her eyes lowered, and I just knew she had seen the erection tenting my shorts. Shit. I turned beetroot. I could feel my cheeks burning. I moved my hands lower trying to cover myself up and squishing my thighs together as if that would help me out before I turned my back to her. I looked at her over my shoulder. I must have been the same color as my bright red shorts.

  Evelyn, being classy, didn’t mock me. She just smiled then pushed off the side of the pool and floated away on her back.

  “That is not helping,” I muttered to myself as I turned to watch. Her boobs were completely out of the pool now, and I could see her flat tummy and the small bit of material covering her bottom half. She was stunningly beautiful.

  She was also taking in my physique — her eyes lingering on my abs. She licked her lips. I turned and walked painfully and slowly back into the pool house. I needed to calm myself down.

  I was in the bathroom for a few minutes when I heard the door to the pool house open and shut. “Theon,” she called softly near the bathroom door. “Are you okay in there?”

  Oh God, what do I say? No, I’m hard as steel in here trying to calm down.

  “Yeah, I’m good, Evelyn, thanks. I just needed the bathroom. I won’t be long.” Great, now she thinks I’m shitting in here. I don’t know what’s worse.

  “Ok, I’ll grab us some waters from the house.” That was her way of giving me some space so I could get in the pool while she’s not there.

  I heard the door open and close again. I took a couple of deep calming breaths trying to think of something gross to free my mind of Evelyn. It didn’t work. I made a run for it and jumped into the pool, just what I needed; the cold sharp shock of the water. A couple of minutes later she joined me.