It took a few moments for the side comments to die down before the attention once again focused on Tyler. “So it’s serious then?” the busty blonde asked, although her voice had lost its perkiness.
Over their heads, Tyler winked conspiratorially at Ava. Ava sucked in a deep breath but nodded. Barely.
“Absolutely!” Tyler declared, leaving no room for dispute as he began pushing his way through the throng of people until he reached Ava’s side. “Let’s get dinner,” he suggested as he wrapped an arm protectively around her shoulders and led her towards his car.
Behind them, clapping and cheering broke the silence of the night.
Tyler walked Ava directly to the car, not wanting to give them time to catch up. When he opened Ava’s door for her, she handed him the keys. “You’re perfect!” she whispered as Tyler dropped an innocent kiss on her forehead.
“Ava…Ava…Ava. How many times do I have to remind you…” Tyler murmured as he stepped to close her door for her. “Perfection is just an illusion.”
THE END
Acknowledgements
I guess the person who I owe the biggest debt of gratitude to is the boy who was my childhood crush, who grew to become my main inspiration. You will never know, but if this is my one chance to say thanks to you, then I can’t let it pass. For a long time you were my dream and even now, so many years later, you still inspire me and keep me going.
To my family—Mum, Dad, Simon, Karenya, and Nerilee. You guys have put up with the silences, moodiness, and everything else that goes along with living inside my head, but you were the first to celebrate with me as together we ride this wild rollercoaster. When the news comes in, good or bad, you’re the first ones I want to share it with. Thank you. Having you on my side and in my life makes everything better.
To the people who believed. Barb Steadman—you have read every crappy, badly worded draft and always keep coming back for more. You are not simply a friend, you’re family. Thank you. Kymberlee Ellson, your enthusiasm, although sometimes overwhelming, keeps me moving forward, even when I don’t want to. Your willingness to help with the bits we both know I’m no good at is truly appreciated.
To my friends and family at Dexar. Your support and happiness for me when I sprang this secret on you from left field has overwhelmed me and I can’t thank you enough. Your faith in me is more than I can ever repay. Graeme, John, Peter, John—thank you for not only helping me take this incredible journey but for the years of fatherly advice and support you’ve imparted. And Matt, you’re not simply a colleague—I consider you one of my most trusted friends.
Toni and Lori at Limitless Publishing, what can I say? You make crazy, messy writing look good. Without your talents and expertise, I have no doubt that my book, my baby, would be filled with typos, spelling mistakes, and sentences that don’t make sense on any continent.
And to Rob. Thank you. You’re my best friend, my biggest supporter and the editing Nazi. When I am tired, miserable, and grumpy, you always bring in the chocolate and you have never once let me give up. Not on my writing and not on myself. One day you’ll get your 38%…I promise.
Bec
About the Author
Rebecca, one of four kids to her parents who are both primary school teachers, was born in Wollongong on the south coast of Australia before moving to the country with her family. After a few years of embracing all that country life had to offer, the family relocated to Port Macquarie with its white sand beaches. After a brief period enjoying the sun and the surf they finally settled in Canberra where Rebecca still lives today. But all through her childhood a notepad and a book were never far away. These days Rebecca is an avid reader, and when she isn’t buried in a book or cheering on her beloved football team she’s spending time with her husband Robert and their overly spoilt dog Levi.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/rebeccanrobertbarber
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/RebeccaBarber7
Nobody's Obligation (Swimming Upstream #2) Page 30
