“Hello, April,” he lisps. “Fancy meeting you here.”
I sit up. “Hey Tyler. Actually, I live here, as you know. But what’s going on? What are you doing? This pool is only for residents of my complex.”
Tyler doesn’t say anything for a moment, instead letting his eyes roam over my body. I think he means to be suggestive, but instead, it just makes me feel gross and dirty.
“Looking good, baby girl,” he clucks. “You’ve always had some solid pounds on your frame.”
I smile humorously.
“Thanks. Are you still living in your parents’ basement?” I ask politely, trying to change the subject. He frowns angrily, furrows forming between his brows.
“No. My parents kicked me out for smoking pot. What losers! They’re such fucking assholes, so my brother Talon is letting me crash on his couch instead. Geez, you think a guy could catch a break, right? I just got out of the armed forces, and yet my parents are so fucking cheap and miserly.”
To be honest, I’m not sure mooching off his brother is any better, but then again, they’re family. I guess maybe Talon feels that he has an obligation to take care of his younger brother. I smile wanly.
“Well, at least you have a place to live. Do you have a job yet?”
Tyler shakes his head, and lets out a disdainful snort. “Jeez Louise, you sound just like my parents, April. I’ll figure it out, okay? Everyone’s so gung ho about me getting a job and it’s frankly really fucking annoying.”
I nod.
“Well, just asking. Good luck, and I wish you the best. It was nice to see you Tyler.”
He rolls his eyes and makes to stride off, but then stops and whirls around on me. “You know, not everyone has two rich guys to bankroll their lifestyles, so you should talk,” he spits.
I gasp, my face going pale. “What did you say?”
Tyler’s expression turns sinister and a chill runs down my spine. I don’t think my ex would do anything violent, but still, he’s sending off mean-spirited vibes and I don’t feel safe around him. One hand slips down to cradle my swollen belly unconsciously.
“Haven’t you wondered why I’m here today, April?” he hisses.
I try to shrug in a nonchalant manner.
“Because it’s a beautiful day?”
“No!” he almost screams. “I had to see for myself if the rumors are true! You have been fucking two men simultaneously, and now you’re pregnant,” he spits, staring at my tiny belly.
Oh shit, oh shit. This is my worst nightmare come true but I try to play it off.
“Where did you hear that?”
Tyler scoffs. “It’s all over town, you cunt. Everyone knows. Why, you think you were being discreet? Well guess again. Everyone knows you’re dating Frank and Dylan from that stupid auto body shop. What’s it called again? Lube It All? What kind of name is that?” he sneers.
I cover my belly with my arms, suddenly feeling scared. Everyone knows? Oh god. But I summon my courage and fix my ex with a stern stare.
“I think you should go, Tyler. This is a private area for residents and their guests only.”
Unfortunately, my ex doesn’t budge, and instead continues to stare daggers at my pregnant tummy. I fumble for my bag and towel. Fine. If he isn’t going to leave, then I will.
But when I stand up to depart, Tyler grabs my arm and hisses venomously.
“Are you really going to let everyone believe that one of those guys is the father of this baby?”
I stare at him.
“Of course I am because it’s the truth.”
Tyler’s eyes flash with an angry flame. “You know what? You’re even sluttier than I thought, April, hooking up with two men like this. But I’m not going to let you pull the wool over the world’s eyes because that baby is mine!”
That makes me stop in my tracks, my jaw dropping to the ground.
“What? No, that’s not true. This baby belongs to Dylan and Frank.”
My ex merely sniggers evilly.
“Whatevs, April. Come on, I know what’s really going on. We had sex a few months ago, and yeah, I know you weren’t overwhelmed with my performance in bed but I’m a virile man and my little swimmers know their stuff. You’re just ashamed because I’m unemployed and couch surfing, so you’ve decided to put this on the guys at the garage. Seriously, it’s pathetic, April. I can’t believe they’re letting you do this, and I have to think you’re letting them pound you non-stop as payment for their generosity.”
I gasp. Tyler’s words are so foul that my stomach churns and vomit rises in my throat. But I merely shake my head.
“No, that’s not true,” I say confidently. “We had sex ages ago, Tyler. Too long ago, and besides, we used protection. Nothing happened that night and you definitely didn’t get me pregnant.”
Tyler sneers. “You’re lying to yourself April! Why would you even believe that? Please, get a grip on reality. Those guys work around cars all day, so they’re probably infertile from the gas and oil fumes. Hell, isn’t antifreeze poisonous? Besides, when that baby comes out looking just like me, everyone’s going to know the truth. The game will be up, and you’ll regret your lies because my genes are strong. That kid’s going to be my mini-me.”