Love's Complicated.

Love's Complicated - Chapter 13

"For god sake, just call him already!" Tally cried, snapping Avery out of her trance-like state. She glanced around, her cheeks going red at other customers curious looks in their direction.

"Tally," she hissed, trying not to look at the smirking older waitress as she placed down their smoothies. "Keep it down, will you? Betty's isn't the place for a loud discussion."

"I'm just saying, I brought you here to get your mind off Aden, not sit there glumly. No offense, but right now, you're really bad company."

Avery didn't mind the jab, she knew Tally was giving her some tough love, but to be honest, she was about half a smoothie away from pulling out her cellphone and dialling his number.

"Sorry, it's just...I feel horrible," Avery muttered, looking into the creamy brown froth in her see-through cup. Tally's painted fingernails tapped on the wooden table rhythmically, the bright pink distracting her for a second.

"Do you want to tell me why you're fighting with him?" Tally prodded, but Avery was already shaking her head. It wasn't her secret to tell, even if it had caused this argument between them.

"Av? You know I love you, and I love hanging out with you, but go away and ring him." Tally's face said it all. Avery almost threw her arms around her best friend in gratefulness, but not wanting to cause a scene, she stood, smiling at Tally.

"What about you though?"

"I'll call Scott or someone. Now go!"

"Thank you, I'll make it up to you!" Avery called over her shoulder as she pushed open the cafe front door and flipped out her cellphone. Ringing his number once, twice, she groaned and looked around. Nice, hot day, sun shining, he had to be at the beach. She jog-walked along the pier, scoping the sand and water for him. Finally, she made out his silloette against the blue waters, lying on his surfboard.

Spotting his towel and shirt, she took off her shoes and walked barefoot towards them. Sitting down, she waited.

Avery was under no illusion that he hadn't seen. She was in plain sight, and she knew he was just biding his time. Five minutes ticked by, he rode some waves. Another five.

Fine, if he wanted her to wait, she would wait.

Finally, he emerged. Slowly, he walked towards her, wiping his face and shaking his hair out, like a dog would if it had just been swimming and shook all over an unsuspecting victim. She couldn'y help it, and even though he was mad, she had to admire his build as he walked closer.

Not saying a word, he sat beside her, close enough to know he wasn't about to shut her out, but far enough away to know he still had reservations.

Aden, I-I'm so sorry, I just didn't think! I was so selfish and self-centered, asking you to not like Barker because of my own stupid reasons! Which, by the way, aren't even related to me directly, but I had to stick my nose in and look where that got us, but I don't want to let you-"

"Av, I'm not mad, so you can breath before you suffocate."

Avery gasped, looking at him in shock. His handsome face turned towards her, and she saw the hint of his old smile returning.

"What?"

"I'm not mad."

"But-" She stuttered, and his expression filled with amusement as she struggled for words, "I would be mad at me!"

"Good thing I'm not you," he replied, and relief washed over her so swiftly, she almost felt dizzy.

"I just needed a bit of time to think. And I'm sorry for not calling, I was a jerk about that." He continued, and Avery couldn't believe how amazing he was. She had come to do the apologizing, and he had flipped it so he was the one doing it.