Evelyn
After what felt like an hour of relentless bickering and a barely controlled wrestling match, Jacob and Bianca finally collapsed onto the couch. Both were panting, disheveled, and bruised-though we all knew Jacob had gone easy on her. Let’s be real: one solid punch from him could probably send ten Evelyns and ten Biancas straight to heaven.
“Are you two done now?” I asked, trying-and failing-not to laugh. Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined I’d witness two grown adults behaving like this.
“Yeah,” they grumbled in unison, their synchronized reply only making my lips twitch with amusement.
“Great,” I said, standing up. “Once you two finish catching your breath, we’re setting the table together. I’m starving, and I’m sure you are too.”
Jacob, of course, couldn’t help himself. “Well, I doubt we can eat if Bianca cooked.”
Bianca’s head snapped up like she’d been personally insulted by the gods. “Excuse me, you absolute piece of shit in the name of human! If you don’t want to eat what I cooked, you can kindly get the hell out of my house.”
“This isn’t your house. Dad paid half,” Jacob shot back with a smug grin, knowing exactly how to push her buttons.
“You fucking-”
“Enough!” I cut in, throwing my hands up before another round of chaos erupted. “I am hungry, and watching you two fight is not helping my appetite.”
“It’s Jacob’s fault, Evie,” Bianca whined, ever the queen of deflection.
“No way! It’s all on Bee,” Jacob fired back, pointing a finger at her like an overgrown child.
I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose. “I don’t care whose fault it is. I just care about food. Now, get up and help me set the table before I lose my mind.”
Still chuckling under my breath, I headed toward the dining room. Behind me, the two squabbling siblings begrudgingly followed, their bickering trailing after me like an annoying-but oddly endearing-background track.
***
As we ate, Bianca turned to me. “So, Evie, what are you wearing to the party tomorrow?”
I blinked, baffled. “Party? What party?”
“Shit,” Jacob muttered, slapping a hand to his forehead. “Bee, I completely forgot.”
“You can’t be serious right now,” Bianca said, glaring at him. “Robin told you about it at least three times! What the fuck is wrong with you?”
I raised a hand, interrupting before they could launch into another round of bickering. “Can someone please explain what party we’re talking about? Because I am completely clueless.”
“It’s Robin’s party,” Jacob explained. “Dad’s friend. He’s throwing a celebration for some big business win. He told me about it before I went to America, while I was in America, and right before I boarded the plane back to Italy.” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “But I still forgot.”
“You’re unbelievable,” Bianca said, staring at him in disbelief.
“Hey, it’s not my fault!” Jacob defended himself. “I was stressed, then busy, and then… well, too happy to care about anything else.”
“Really, Jacob?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes, really,” he said with a shrug. “I just forgot, okay?”
Bianca rolled her eyes. “Fine, it’s not your fault. But now what? The party’s tomorrow night.”
“Exactly!” I said, groaning. “I didn’t bring anything remotely fancy, and I have no idea how I’m supposed to pull this off. So, Mr. Jacob, what’s your grand solution?”
Without hesitation, Jacob pulled out his phone. “First, I’m calling Eliot.”
“Who’s Eliot?” I asked, curious.
“A friend.”
“And how’s this friend supposed to help?” Bianca asked, giving Jacob a skeptical look.
“He’s a fashion designer,” Jacob said with a grin as he dialed, putting the call on speaker.
The phone rang twice before a voice answered-high-pitched and unmistakably flamboyant, though layered with background noise: chatter, commands, and a flurry of activity.
“Hello, darling,” the man greeted. “Ellie speaking. Hold on-side parting! More hairspray, you lazy cow! She’s on the ramp in five!-Alright, Jacob, love, what do you need?”
Jacob chuckled. “Ellie, I need a huge favor. We’ve got a party tomorrow night, and I need you to make sure my girl looks incredible. Please tell me you can help.”
“Your girl?” Eliot teased. “Lucky her. Send me a picture, sweetie, and I’ll handle everything. I’ll be there tomorrow with options.”
“You’re the best,” Jacob said, grinning. “I’ll text you her photo tonight. Thanks, man.”
“Anything for you, Jacob. Kiss-kiss!” Eliot hung up, leaving the room in amused silence.
“See?” Jacob said, leaning back smugly. “Problem solved.”
Jacob raised an eyebrow, “Great. Now, if I may ask, what are you wearing, Bee? And please don’t show up in another suit like last time. It’s ridiculos.”
“I came straight from a meeting! What did you expect?”
“At least a nice dress,” Jacob said, “Anyways, we gotta go. I am really tired and need some sleep.” Then, without warning, he stretched and slipped his hand under the table, grabbing my thigh.
I nearly choked on my wine, forcing myself to swallow the gasp that threatened to escape. Ignoring the warmth of his hand, I focused on my glass, hoping no one noticed.
“Oh, please. I know why do you two need to be home so soon, I am no stranger. You can go and fuck the hell out of each other for all I care for… but-” Bianca scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Are you two seriously doing this here? You can’t even pretend to act normal for one meal?”
“Normal is overrated,” Jacob quipped, leaning toward me. Before I could stop him, he grabbed my jaw and ran his tongue along my cheek.
A startled laugh escaped me. “You’re impossible,” I said, kissing him quickly on the lips.
“Guys, get out of my house!” Bianca stood abruptly, cringing. “Jesus Christ!”
“How about we stay the night?” Jacob teased. “You can listen to us all night long. Not a bad deal for someone so tragically single.”
“You disgusting pig!” Bianca shouted, flinging a pillow at him. “Out! Now!”
“We could try your bed next,” Jacob continued, unfazed. “Looks sturdy.”
“Yuck! Get. Out. Now!”
I grabbed his hand, laughing. “Okay, okay, we’re leaving. Sorry, Bee-he’s out of control.”
“Out of control? He’s a menace,” she retorted, her face contorted in disgust. “Take him away before I vomit.”
As I dragged Jacob toward the door, he leaned close, his voice low and teasing in my ear. “Shall we get going?”
A shiver ran down my spine. This man was trouble-and I was entirely okay with that.