Page 124 of Against The Tide

“No, I did not…and no, she didn’t.”

“I know, it’s absurd. It’s not like Scarlett will drown in a rock pool.”

“Technically you can drown in anything over two inches of water.”

“Why would Scout drown?” Iris asks, peering up from the YouTube show she’s watching on Rhett’s iPad. “She can swim.”

“Anyone can drown. It’s why it’s important to be sensible and stay safe in the water.”

“Don’t you forget that,” Rhett growls in the monster voice that always makes her laugh. “Your suit is hanging in the coat closet if you need it.”

“They’re not actually going in the water. The tide is out far enough this time of year that unless they fall into the rock pools, it should be okay.”

“It’s not that cold today either,” he adds, eating the last piece of his breakfast bar before swallowing it down with the last of his coffee.

“Worked out well.”

“Are you nervous?” Rhett links our fingers, squeezing our palms together. “It’s a big day.”

“Not really. From what my old boss told me, the aquarium here wants to expand their touch tank, and they have a reef exhibition planned. Both projects that I’ve worked on back in Washington.”

I put half of what’s left of my granola bar on Iris’s plate and start clearing up after us. Mornings are always messy for us with me allowing Iris to feed the dogs. I spend more time picking up kibble from the floor than actually making our breakfast and sitting down to eat.

“Baby, I need you to go get ready now or you’ll be late for school,” I tell her once I’ve swept up today’s lost kibble mound.

“I need to head out too. I have an early appointment at the clinic.” Rhett brings his and Iris’s plates over and rinses them both before putting them in the dishwasher as I put the orange juice and milk back in the fridge.

Our routine is fine-tuned to the point that while he chases Iris up the stairs to her room, I make him a short espresso. When he returns, it’s cool enough that he can drink it in one gulp before kissing me and heading out. It might seem strange to some, but this right here is all I’ve ever wanted. Someone to fall in step with but never lag behind or feel as though I’m on my own.

“I’ll meet you after class, Miss Summers,” he calls back with a laugh at the reminder of our tryst last night.

My entire body flames as I follow him to the porch and watch him get in Jo’s truck and drive away, leaving his fancy car for me to ferry Iris to school in.

Ugh, another thing I need to add to my settling to-do list—get myself my own ride. Rhett can’t go on using the old truck while I’ve commandeered his luxury SUV. Even if he’s the one insisting I keep using it.

Within the next half hour, I manage to get myself and Iris ready. After I’ve dropped her off, I get in the Jag and head straight into town to meet with the director of the aquarium. I’m not even two blocks from the school when I spot the blacked-out Suburban tailing me. Of course, all the good juju and energy that’d put a pep in my step disappears.

Without a second thought, I dial Rhett, and when he doesn’t pick up, I try Callie too. But nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Although the voice in my head reminds me that I told Rhett I wouldn’t talk to Mike about the situation—I would leave it with Rowan and Callie, unless they hit a brick wall with it—I find myself dialing him as I pull up to the side of the road, outside my favorite coffee shop. The line rings a couple times before I decide to listen to my better judgment and hang up, but it’s too late by then.

“Avery,” Mike answers. “Everything okay?”

I look up at my rearview mirror to search for the FBI vehicle tailing me, and it takes me a moment too long to find it parked behind a delivery truck on the other side of the road.

“Doll?”

“Hi, Mike.”

“Hey.”

I take a deep breath, hoping this won’t lead to another argument with Rhett. But I already know that the minute I tell him, he’s going to be disappointed. That on its own is worse than any argument we might ever have. The thought of letting him down when he’s done nothing but looked out for us and⁠—

“Is something wrong?”

“No. I-I…I wanted to check in and see how you were. I guess I’m trying to hold on to the small family I have left.” It’s not entirely a lie, but it sure sounds like it even to my own ears.

“Why don’t you tell me what’s really going on? You know, I can’t help but feel that guy you’re seeing is trying to take you away from the people that love you.”