Filed to story: Young Girls Forbidden Love Series: My Best Friend’s Daddy
“Thank you for telling me all of this,” I said.
“Thank you for listening,” he responded simply.
“It seems like we’re making a habit of telling each other all of our secrets,” I said with a small giggle.
“I hope that continues.”
“Me too,” I answered.
“Lauren has another dinner planned on the upper deck. Can I walk you up?” Michael asked me.
“I’m actually feeling a little seasick, I don’t think it would be wise for me to eat right now,” I answered. I didn’t feel like spending another evening with Lauren and her new fiance.
“Do you need a doctor? We have a nurse on the yacht, but we will be making port in just a few hours; I can call and have one meet us at the dock.”
“No, I’m okay, really. I just need to go back and lie down.”
“Okay, if you are sure. I’ll walk you down to your room,” Michael said, checking his watch.
“No, no. I’m fine, really.”
“Okay,” he said reluctantly, “but please use the intercom in your room if you need anything.”
“I will, I promise,” I said with a small wave and left to slowly make my way back to my room.
I took my time moving through the ship. I didn’t want to run into anyone heading to Lauren’s dinner, where the topic of conversation was sure to be all about her recent engagement.
I was relieved when I saw that most of the hallways were completely empty, so I quickly started toward my room.
“Shelby!”
I turned and saw Reggie walking up behind me.
“Hey, Reggie. It’s been a while,” I said with a smile.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“I’m going back to my room. I wasn’t really in the mood to spend dinner with everyone.”
“Well, I was on my way to play some cards with some of the crew members. Why don’t you come?”
Reggie must have seen the hesitation on my face.
“Come on. It’s actually fun to hang out with normal people every once in a while.”
I laughed. I hadn’t realized that Reggie thought I was just as wealthy as the rest of Lauren’s friends.
“Reggie, I am a normal person. Let’s go.”
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Michael POV
I made my way up to dinner alone. I silently wished Shelby would be joining us. She was one of the only ones in the group that I actually cared to have a conversation with.
However, it might be for the best that she wasn’t coming. I found myself always drawn to her, and if I weren’t more careful, Lauren would catch on to my interest in her friend.
I knew that would not go over well.
I was the last one to arrive, and I took the only seat available next to Lauren’s new fiance, Todd.
“I never got the chance to congratulate you on the engagement last night,” I said as I shook Todd’s hand. “I rushed out because I had an urgent business matter I had to attend to.”
I hoped that would adequately explain my quick departure the night before. I felt a little guilty that I had not stayed to celebrate and instead took off after Shelby to make sure she was okay.
If I was being honest with myself, my evening spent with Shelby, talking in the sauna, was much more enjoyable. I probably wouldn’t be winning any best dad of the year awards, though.
I’d already smoothed things over with Lauren this morning. I showed up to her room with a pair of diamond earrings from Tiffany’s. I’d bought them for her birthday, but they were perfect as a stand-in engagement present.
Once I brought out the diamond, I don’t think she heard another word that I said. I was happy to see that she was wearing them tonight. She truly did look happy, and I prayed she would be in her marriage.
“Thank you so much, sir. I hope you approve of our engagement,” Todd said.
I’d almost forgotten that it was customary for a man to ask for his daughter’s hand to get the father’s approval of the marriage.
“I think you two make a fine couple. I’m looking forward to having you as part of the family, Todd,” I said and then stood up. I tapped my wine glass to get the group’s attention. Everyone at the table quieted quickly and turned to me.
“I want to congratulate Lauren and Todd on their recent engagement. May they find happiness in each other and enjoy each other’s company for many years to come.” Lauren’s friends all clapped at this statement. Once the quiet returned, I started again.
“As my engagement gift to the couple, I would like to throw you two an engagement party at my home here in the Bahamas.”
This announcement received a very excited response from all of Lauren’s friends. Lauren’s face was beaming at all of the attention she was getting. She smiled and stood up to make an announcement of her own.
I noticed she shook her head gracefully from side to side, causing the earrings to catch the light. She was an expert at showing off wealth; no wonder she was doing so well as an influencer.
“Thank you so much, Daddy! I’m so glad you approve, and an engagement party will be the perfect way to announce to the world that I am about to be married. I am so excited about the upcoming wedding, and I would be honored if all of you were part of our wedding party.”
Lauren was met with murmurs of agreement from the men and squeals of excitement from the women present. She sat down with a huge smile, clearly pleased with the group’s reactions.
“Daddy, can you hire some professional photographers for the engagement party? I need some really good pictures to post.”
“Of course,” I said.
“I wish we could have gotten some great shots of the actual engagement, but Todd didn’t think about that part of it,” Lauren said, with a hint of annoyance in her voice.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart, but I told you it wasn’t exactly planned. We had such an amazing day, and it just felt like the right time,” Todd said defensively.
“I guess I am marrying a true romantic,” Lauren said, resting her chin on Todd’s shoulder.
“Is there anything else you two need?” I asked, trying my best to be supportive.
“I will need to pick one more bridesmaid so we have even numbers,” Lauren said to Todd.
“Why not ask Shelby?” I asked, confused as to why Lauren wasn’t planning on asking her most likable and attractive friend.