On Dry Land (Swimming Upstream #3)

by Rebecca Barber

  It was barely nine when Tyler crawled back in his car. After making a doctor’s appointment for Ava, he headed back to his place. He had some work to do. When he got to the door, he wasn’t surprised to see someone leaning against the wall, arms folded across his chest, creasing his expensive black suit.

  “Morning,” Tyler offered, thrusting his hand out expectantly.

  “Tyler.”

  “Coming in?”

  “Thanks.”

  Tyler unlocked the door and watched as Jake sauntered through it. He’d been expecting his visit for days now, yet he was surprised it had taken this long, especially now everything was back as it should be.

  Heading straight for the fridge, Tyler grabbed the bottle of juice and poured himself a tall glass before offering Jake one, which he quickly declined.

  With a tight grin, Tyler felt the need to be put out of his misery. Jake was pacing around the apartment like he was looking for evidence. “Okay, Jake. You going to spit it out?” Tyler asked as he rinsed his glass and leaned against the kitchen counter.

  “What are you doing?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Ava!”

  “What about Ava?”

  “What are you doing to her?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Bullshit!”

  “Jake, calm down. Ava’s fine. Well, she’s not, but she will be—”

  “Tyler, what the fuck?”

  “Geez, Jake. Stop. Sit. Fucking listen for once.”

  A sound emanated from the back of Jake’s throat that sounded like a wounded animal. Tyler could read the rage in his eyes and he didn’t understand it. They’d been through this before. Tyler knew the score. If he hurt Ava, Jake hurt him. It wasn’t rocket science and it definitely wasn’t a threat he was about to forget.

  Jake perched himself on a barstool, folded his fingers together, and looked at Tyler with venom in his eyes. If Tyler had ever doubted that Jake would follow through on his threats, they were all confirmed now. “Well, I’m waiting.”

  “It’s pretty personal, Jake…I mean—”

  “Tyler, I don’t give a flying fuck! Why isn’t she at work? And why isn’t she here?”

  The penny dropped. Jake hadn’t been stalking about, winding himself up for a fight. The fight was already in him. He was looking for Ava. Or signs she’d been here. “Calm down, would you? Ava’s at her place. Probably still asleep where I left her.”

  “Keep talking.” It wasn’t encouragement, it was an order.

  “We’ve had some issues, well, I’ve had some issues. And I was an arse. Ava didn’t do anything wrong, Jake. It was all on me. I was a shithead and instead of dealing with it and trusting that Ava could deal with it, I bolted—”

  “Switzerland?”

  “Switzerland. How’d you know?”

  “Seriously?” Jake asked with a sceptical raised eyebrow.

  “Anyway, truth is, I missed her. Came home. Sorted shit out. All good now.”

  “Why do I feel like you skimmed over some things?”

  “Because some things are need to know. And frankly you don’t,” Tyler offered. “Jake, she’s fine. She’s had some bug or something for the last couple of days, that’s why she isn’t working. I’ve got her a doctor’s appointment at eleven.”

  Tyler saw Jake’s whole demeanour change at his words. His shoulders slumped, his grip on his fingers loosened, and the tick in his firmly pressed jaw evaporated. Tyler knew he must have said what Jake needed to hear.

  “Okay.”

  “Okay.”

  “Where is she then?”

  With a sneaky smile, Tyler looked over at Jake, “At her place. We’ve been staying there for a couple of days. But we won’t be for much longer.”

  Tyler was too excited to keep the news to himself. He wanted to scream it from the rooftops and tell the world, but he knew that wasn’t the smartest idea, so he’d settle for telling Jake.

  “Huh?”

  Proudly, Tyler puffed out his chest and straightened his spine. “I asked Ava to move in with me.”

  “When?”

  “Last night.”

  “And she agreed?”

  “Of course she did.”

  “When’s the moving date?”

  “Not sure yet,” Tyler confirmed as the air went out of him. Even though it was agreed it was going to happen, until it did Tyler wouldn’t let himself be fully happy. “As soon as she can get out of there. I mean, I’d gladly move her today and pay whatever notice period she had to give but I doubt she’d let me even suggest it without kicking my arse.”

  With a deep chuckle, Jake said, “Yeah, you’re probably right. But I might be able to help…”

  “Seriously? How?” Tyler’s enthusiasm surprised both of them.

  “I know her landlord.”

  “Really?”

  “Intimately.”

  Both men stared at the other across the kitchen counter. “Jennifer!” they said in unison before laughter settled over them.

  When they calmed down, Jake pulled his phone from his jacket pocket and shot off a text before winking at Tyler. “I’m scared to ask…what’d you do?”

  With a nonchalant shrug of his shoulder, Jake winked. “Had Ava evicted.”

  “Shit!”

  Chapter 38

  Ava

  The incessant buzzing broke through Ava’s slumber, rousing her from sleep. She was not happy about it either. After a few attempts to accept the call, her tired, uncoordinated fingers hit the right button.

  “Morning, Short Stack!” Tyler sung merrily. He was way too happy in the mornings.

  “Mmmm.”

  “You feeling any better today?”

  “Mmmm.”

  “Did I wake you?”

  “Mmmm.” Ava was having trouble forming words. And opening her eyes. And sitting up. And functioning in general.

  “Well, it’s almost ten. I need you to get up, grab a shower, try and eat something, and I’ll pick you up soon so we can head to the doctor’s. Don’t even think about arguing, okay?”

  “Mmmm.”

  “Do I need to call you in ten minutes to make sure you got out of that tiny bed of yours?” Tyler taunted.

  “Mmmm,” Ava mumbled. She was awake now and could have answered properly but getting under Tyler’s skin was one of her favourite things to do.

  “Go! Get in the shower. I’ll see you in a bit.”

  Ava heard the phone go dead and let the smile light up her face. Even if she didn’t want to admit it, waking up to Tyler was the best way to start the day. Preferably in his arms, but a phone call would do. As quick as she could, Ava shuffled into the bathroom and got ready.

  As Tyler strode through the door, Ava’s jaw dropped. How the hell did she ever get so lucky? He looked like he’d just stepped from a magazine shoot. A white button down shirt, with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows did absolutely nothing to hide the wide expanse of tanned of skin. His jeans hung low on his hips and looked like they were made for him. Or he was made to wear them. With the dark denim stretched across his thighs, you didn’t need an imagination to know there was something good hiding beneath. With his aviator shades, a smile, and thongs, he looked casual yet mouth-watering. Ava couldn’t help but stare.

  “Morning, Short Stack!” He grinned as he removed his glasses, his chocolate eyes never once leaving her.

  “Morning,” Ava replied, taking another bite from her toast.

  “You smell so good,” Tyler added, sniffing her hair before kissing her cheek and slipping into the seat beside her.

  Avoiding his compliment, she asked, “How was training?”

  “Same as always. Sleep well?”

  “Yeah, I did, actually. I don’t know why I was so tired.”

  “It sounded like it!”

  “Meaning?”

  “You, Ava Jacobs, snored like a freight train last night!”

  With an indignant look, Ava slapped Tyler’s chest at the same mome
nt he reached over and stole the other half of the piece of toast, taking a huge bite. “Get used to it!”

  “Looking forward to it!”

  Together they finished up Ava’s breakfast, cleaned up the mess, and headed out the door. Darting in and out of traffic, Tyler drove like he had precious cargo on board. He sat under the speed limit, stopped for every orange signal, and checked his blind spot relentlessly.

  “What’s wrong?” Ava dared to ask ten minutes into the drive. Her doctor was only five minutes from her place, so she was a bit confused why they were still driving.

  “Nothing. Why do you ask?”

  “Because you’re driving like an old lady!”

  “It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it. We’re here. You ready?”

  Ava gulped. Was she ready? Hell no. Did she want to do this? Absolutely not. Was she dumb enough to believe that Tyler would let her get out of this? Unfortunately not. Not trusting her voice to give away her nerves, Ava nodded softly. Tyler reached over and wrapped his hand around hers, giving it a supportive squeeze. A moment later they climbed from the car and hand in hand, entered the noisy, crowded doctor’s office.

  It didn’t get past her that they were being stared out. Some blatantly pointed, while others mentioned Tyler’s name in what they must have thought were hushed tones. Ava heard every word. When someone pulled out their phone and snapped a picture, Ava felt the room spin around her as she turned to Tyler.

  “Should you be here?” she whispered.

  “Of course! Why? What’s wrong?”

  Grimacing, Ava looked at Tyler’s wide, surprised eyes. Sometimes he really was naïve. “People have recognised you. And I just saw someone take a photo. Are you sure you want to be seen at the doctor’s surgery waiting for an appointment with some girl?”

  Taking her face between his hands, Tyler didn’t miss a beat. “Firstly, you are not some girl. You’re my girlfriend. I don’t give two shits who knows it. So what if photos show up of me holding your hand at the doctor’s? You were sick, I took you to the doctor’s. No secret. No scandal.” Tyler’s words were clear, decisive, and loud enough that no one sitting in the waiting room was left wondering.

  “You’re sure?”

  “Positive. Get used to it, Short Stack. You’re stuck with me now!”

  Before Ava had a chance to reply, the doctor appeared and called her in. Tyler kissed her nose gently and let go, making no effort to follow her. “You’re not coming?” Ava called over her shoulder when she realised Tyler wasn’t behind her.

  “You’ll be all right. I’ll meet you right here.”

  Confused, Ava stepped into the doctor’s office and heard the click of the door behind her.

  Chapter 39

  Tyler

  The moment Ava stepped through the door and vanished from sight, Tyler nodded at the old doctor with thick glasses perched on his nose and followed him down the hall. He’d never planned on lying to Ava, and he’d been very extremely careful to avoid doing it, but he hadn’t told her the whole truth either. He didn’t know how. His stomach was eating him from the inside as he glanced around the impersonal, sterile room and breathed in the scent of bleach. Even after all the chlorine he’d ingested over the years he was surprised to see how much it burned his nose.

  Ten minutes later, craving a shower, Tyler re-emerged into the reception area and paid the bill. Both his and Ava’s. He was stuffing the receipt in his pocket when she appeared, carrying a handful of papers.

  “Everything okay?”

  “Yeah. Just some blood tests. Nothing major,” Ava fobbed off.

  Recognising the uneasiness in Ava’s eyes, Tyler found himself on edge. He knew Ava well enough by now to know she’d talk when she was ready and not a moment before. Pushing hadn’t worked for him in the past, so he wasn’t about to try now.

  “Okay then. Well, I’ve already paid, so what do you say we get out of here? Go grab some lunch?”

  The moment Ava slipped her hand into his and looked up into his eyes, Tyler’s breath caught. He sent a silent prayer up, desperation wrapped around him like a vine.

  “Sounds perfect.” Ava smiled, bringing his attention back to her. Without another word, he led her out the door and helped her into the car.

  They drove in silence for what seemed like an eternity. Tyler didn’t know where he was going, and when he stole at glance at Ava, her expression was blank as she stared out the window, barely registering anything.

  “How about Moroccan?”

  “Okay,” Ava agreed quickly.

  Turning around, Tyler got them to the restaurant and seated in a back, private booth in record time. He needed to know what the doctor said. He needed to know what the worried look that crinkled her forehead was all about. And more than anything, he needed to know how he could make it go away.

  The waitress appeared and began flirting unashamedly with him but he shut her down quickly before ordering for both of them. He watched her hasty retreat after his blunt rejection, but right now he didn’t give a shit about the blonde’s feelings. The only woman’s feelings that counted right now was the one sitting in front of him, pale as a ghost, spinning a sugar packet around and around in her fingers.

  “Okay, she’s gone. Now, please, Short Stack, tell me. What did the doctor say?”

  “Nothing really,” Ava replied softly, lifting her eyes to meet with his.

  “Please, Ava. I’m freaking out over here. Look! My hands are shaking.” As if to prove his point, Tyler lifted his hand from the table and attempted to hold it steady, only to fail miserably. He knew it was shaky before he’d attempted his little experiment but seeing how much he trembled shocked even him.

  Ava grabbed Tyler’s clammy hand between her own. “Honestly, Tyler. They didn’t say much at all. Just that they needed to run some blood tests to rule a few things out.”

  “Things like…”

  “Normal things. Girl things.”

  “Fuck, Ava,” Tyler hissed, causing Ava’s eyes to snap to attention. “Girl things? What the fuck are ‘girl things’?”

  Before Ava had a chance to answer, their drinks appeared and Ava withdrew her hand. Biting her lip, Tyler read her like a book. She was pissed. At him, undoubtedly. His stupid big mouth had gotten him in trouble again.

  “Ava…I didn’t mean…”

  “Yes, Tyler. You did. Don’t pretend you didn’t. But if you must know, they’re checking my hormone levels, iron level, checking for diabetes, checking for any sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy—”

  “Pregnancy?”

  “Yes, Tyler. Pregnancy.”

  “But…how? When? Why? Who?”

  Tyler knew the exact moment he’d gone too far. The moment he asked ‘who’ had done it. Now he was fucked. Yanking the napkin from her lap, Ava dropped it on the table and grabbed her bag before Tyler even had a chance to back track.

  With as much poise and sophistication as she could muster, Ava bent over, resting her hands on the table between them. “You did not just ask me that, because if you did, Tyler Andrews, you’re a bigger asshole than I realised.” Ava spat the words, full of venom, in his face, and Tyler felt himself physically recoil away from her. It wasn’t that he was afraid she’d hurt him, he was more disgusted at himself for the whole situation. Ava didn’t deserve that. He’d been a prick and he knew it. As the waitress delivered their meal, Tyler watched Ava stomp out of the restaurant and all he could do was hope it wasn’t out of his life as well.

  Chapter 40

  Ava

  As Ava stormed away from the restaurant and from Tyler, she ignored the curious glances and pitied looks as the tears streamed down her face. Ava didn’t dare look back to see if Tyler had come after her. She didn’t need to. She knew he hadn’t. If he’d wanted to, he would have caught her by now. Blindly groping about in the bottom of her handbag, Ava grabbed her phone and dialled the first number she thought of.

  “Hi,” she sniffled through the tears.

  “
Hey Ava. I was about to call you.”

  “You were?”

  “Yeah. Are you home? I need to come see you. I know you’re having a couple of days off. Is everything all right?”

  “I’m fine,” Ava lied through gritted teeth. The truth was she was anything but fine right now. “I’m out at the moment, why? What’s up?”

  “I didn’t want to tell you this over the phone, Ava…”

  Ava was vibrating. She didn’t like where this conversation was headed and she liked it even less that it was coming on the heels of Tyler’s words. “Tell me what, Jake?”

  She heard him clear his throat and her heart sank. Not once, in the entire time they’d been friends had Jake come across nervous. “Jennifer wants to sell the apartment.”

  Ava dropped to the ground.

  Everything spun around her. The world was out of control. She was out of control.

  “Miss! Miss! Are you okay?” a childlike voice sung, seeming far away. “Miss!”

  Ava pried open her eyes only to slam them shut again a breath later. She was surrounded by people. All staring at her. All wearing the same concerned expression. A pregnant woman, wearing a long striped dress stepped towards her, her hand outstretched, Ava’s phone in her palm.

  “Ava! Ava! Fuck me, Ava!” she could hear Jake’s distressed voice booming down the phone.

  “Jake, I’m fine. But please, you gotta stop yelling.”

  Holding her hand against her head, Ava brushed away the tiny rocks that had embedded themselves in her forehead. Glancing down, she noticed her knee was covered in bright red blood and there were more scrapes on her arm. “Sums up my day, really,” she sighed to herself.

  “Stay right where you are, Ava. I’m on my way.”

  “Jake…don’t…”

  “Don’t fucking move. I’m five minutes away.”

  Ava heard him disconnect the call and she attempted to straighten herself out. Folding her battered legs beneath her, Ava tried to force the contents of her bag back inside. They weren’t cooperating. When a shadow loomed over her, Ava shivered in fear. The last thing she needed right now was to be mugged on top of everything else. Glancing up, the sun glared in her eyes, making her vision blurry but she saw enough to know she was in trouble. Big trouble. And not the kind she’d been expecting.