In My Arms by Taryn Plendl Page B

several things I could work on from my laptop, and he seemed to be very understanding.  I’m not sure that would be the case if he knew what those personal issues were.  I was going to have to figure out what to do about work when I got back, but I couldn’t imagine working with Trevor right now.  I was too hurt.
    “Oh mom, it turns out my knight in shining armor was just some liar in tinfoil.”  I groaned.
    “Honey, please don’t let this harden your heart from moving on.  You have so much love to give.  I hate the thought of you shutting everyone out.”  She put her hand on my arm.
    “Mom, I may not have anyone lying next to me, but at least I won’t have anyone lying to me either.”  I stood up.  “I think I’m going to take a walk on the beach.  I need to clear my thoughts.”  I kissed my mom on the cheek before I walked out the back door.
    There was a soft breeze blowing.  It felt great as I moved through the sand.  I slipped off my sandals and dragged my toes through the warm sand.  The waves were rolling in almost methodically.  It was peaceful.  I sank down into the sand and pulled my knees to my chest, draping my sundress over them and hugging them.  I let my head drop and rested it on my knees, listening to the water as I cried another bout of tears that I thought would never stop coming.

Chapter 15
     
    Trevor
    “Okay Trevor, Tom told me you insisted on seeing me, so this better be good.”  The pint-sized blonde walked through my door with her hands firmly planted on her sides.
    “Talia, I need to explain...” I started.
    “Trevor, where is the laundry soap?”  I turned around at Rachel’s voice. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know you had company.”
    “So it’s true?”  Talia shook her head in disbelief.
    “What’s true?”  I asked.
    “There is another woman. I almost didn’t believe Ava when she told me, but here she is right in front of me.”  Talia looked at Rachel.
    “Talia, I want to introduce you to someone who is very special to me.”  I motioned for Rachel to come closer.
    “Don’t Trevor.  I have no desire to meet your…”
    “Sister.”  Rachel and I said at the same time.
    “Wait, your what?”  Talia paused.
    “Sister.  This is my little sister Rachel.”  I smiled at Talia’s shocked face.
    “Holy shit!”  She shouted.
    “Yeah, exactly.  Now please help me find Ava.”  I pleaded.
    I watched as Talia ran her hands through her hair. She pulled her phone out of her purse and dialed.  It went straight to voice mail.  Ava’s phone had been turned off for the last two days, but that hadn’t stopped me from trying.
    “Ava.  Call me now.  We need to talk.”  Talia hung up the phone and stuck her hand out to Rachel.  “It’s nice to meet you Rachel.  I’m sorry for the bitch treatment.” She smiled. 
    “It’s okay.  I would’ve done the same thing for my best friend.  This has been a rough couple of days.  Trevor has been a complete mess! If I’d have known the issues my visiting would cause, I would have never come.”  She smiled sadly.  I knew she felt horrible, but it wasn’t her fault.  It was just a huge misunderstanding.
    “It’s not your fault Rachel.  Ava has been through some shit and when she saw you two together, she just assumed the worst.”  She turned to me. “I’ve never seen her this bad—ever.  She loves you Trevor, you know that don’t you?  You better go get her.” 
    “Just tell me where she is and I will.”  I assured her.
     
    ***
    The weather was beautiful in Clearwater.  Talia had given me Ava’s mom’s address and I wasted no time.  I got on the next flight out, right after I told Mr. Jameson I needed to take a couple personal days.  He must’ve had some Idea that something was going on.  He just smiled and told me to get it figured out by Monday and bring Ava back with me.  I assured him that I would.
    I drove over the bridge to Clearwater Beach and followed the