by Heather Beck
“Amazing, aren’t they?” Rowan said, reaching Ava’s side. “I know I’m not supposed to play favorites, but I think these are the best paintings we have here. I wanted to display them at the front, so it would be the first thing people see when they come in, but the artist was too humble and insisted on keeping them near the back. It’s a shame, really. I’ve never seen anyone combine ink and watercolor with such skill.”
“They’re like something out of a dream,” Ava said. “Who painted them?”
Rowan gave her a smile and spoke in a kind tone. “The artist is actually a friend of yours.”
Ava’s eyes fell to the bottom right-hand corner of one of the paintings, finding the name Javier de la Cruz scribbled, almost undecipherable. She’d been so fixated on the beauty of the works that she’d forgotten to look for a signature. Ava could’ve easily been surprised that Javier was such a talented artist, but she wasn’t. She had a feeling he was good at a lot of things and that he wasn’t the type to brag about it.
“Javier made these?” Tessa asked, sounding genuinely impressed for the first time that day.
Rowan nodded. “I bet the collection would go for a good price, too, if he decides to exhibit them, that is. I think he needs one more painting, though – something to stand out as the masterpiece but still tie everything together.”
“I would think the painting of the beach does that perfectly,” Isabelle pointed out.
“It does, but I know he’s capable of more.”
“Sounds like you don’t go easy on your artists.” Isabelle let out a little laugh. “I hope you’re not as hard on your co-workers.”
“Oh, I’m worse – much worse.” Rowan gave her a wink, so she’d know that he was only kidding.
Before Isabelle could respond, a pretty Mexican girl with long black hair came into the building. She saw them right away and began to walk toward them, a pleasant smile on her face.
“Hey, welcome to Corazón de Artista,” Rowan greeted the girl in a friendly tone. “Is there anything I can help you with?”
“Yes,” she said in a soft voice, her accent thick but her grasp of the English language good. “I’m interested in making pottery and maybe even sculptures. I heard this is the best place to do that, and I was hoping you’d have space for me.”
“Of course. We’d be happy to have you. You’ll have to fill out some paperwork and then we can go from there.”
“Um, I was wondering if what I heard was true,” the girl began, looking a little uncomfortable. “That it really doesn’t cost a thing.”
“As long as you meet the criteria, which we’ll go over in the paperwork, it’s completely free.”
The girl’s face lit up. “Oh, that’s great! I’ve wanted to do this for so long, but I’ve never had the chance.”
“Would you like to get started right away?” Rowan asked. After the girl had nodded eagerly, he turned to Isabelle. “If you like, I can show you how we register our clients.”
“That would be great,” Isabelle said. “I always say there’s no better way to learn than to jump right in.”
“Um, we’ll leave you guys to it, then,” Ava said, suddenly feeling a little out of place and not wanting to hold her mom and Rowan back. “Tess and I can take a taxi back to the villa.”
“Don’t be silly. You can take the car.” Isabelle dug into her purse until she found her keys. She then handed them to Ava. “Just drive carefully, okay?”
Ava nodded. “What time do you want me to come and pick you up?”
“No need,” Rowan piped up. “I’ll make sure she gets home safely.”
Isabelle smiled gratefully. “That’s so sweet of you, Rowan. Thank you.”
“Okay, I guess I’ll see you later,” Ava said.
After saying goodbye, Ava and Tessa headed for the door, but before going outside, Ava turned back to watch her mom and Rowan helping the Mexican girl. Rowan clearly had a heart of gold and was the perfect friend and co-worker for her mom, but there was something about him, about their friendship that was troubling her. When Rowan had told her Javier was the artist of those beautiful paintings, his tone had been gentle, kind, sympathetic, like he knew what she’d gone through her first night in Mexico and how Javier had been there to save her. If Ava was right, then her mom would’ve been the one to tell Rowan, and telling him something so personal made her wonder how close they really were.
* * *
Chapter Eight
Later that same day, Ava stood in front of the mirror, taking one last look at herself before her date with Javier. She’d changed her outfit from the morning, now wearing a flowy white top, a faded denim skirt, and a comfortable pair of white tennis shoes. The only makeup she wore was mascara, a hint of blush, and a pomegranate-flavored lip balm. She was cute but not flawless, just like an ordinary girl, and that was exactly the look she was going for.
Satisfied, Ava turned away from the mirror, grabbed her purse, and headed down the stairs, finding the living room empty. She’d asked her mom and sister to give her some privacy since she was a little nervous about her date, and she was glad that they’d listened.
The doorbell rang right on time, making Ava’s heart beat a little faster. Taking a calming breath, she turned to the door and opened it, her eyes falling upon Javier, who looked absolutely delicious. His unruly hair, which she already found sexy, was styled neatly. He wore a black long-sleeved shirt and what appeared to be a new pair of jeans. In his hand, he held a small potted cactus plant that had just started to flower.
“Hi,” she greeted him softly with a smile.
“Hi,” he echoed, looking the slightest bit nervous as he smiled back at her. Their eyes met and a silence fell over them, comfortable but also filled with excitement for the possibility of things to come. “This is for you,” he said, handing her the cactus. “I was going to bring you flowers, but I thought you might like something a little different. I hope you don’t think that’s weird.”
“It’s not weird, it’s sweet,” Ava said, admiring the plant’s little pink flowers, “but you didn’t have to get me anything.”
“I wanted to. It’s meant to bring you good luck.”
“Then it’s exactly what I need. Thank you.” She placed the cactus on a nearby table, planning to take it up to her room later that night.
“No problem. So, are you ready to go to dinner?”
“Definitely,” Ava said, letting Javier go out the door first and then locking it behind them.
The evening air was warm and a soft breeze blew gently as Javier guided Ava toward his car, his hand on the small of her back. “You look beautiful tonight,” he said, sneaking a peek or two at her, “but then again, you always do.”
Ava blushed. It was a compliment she often heard, but coming from Javier, it somehow felt more genuine. “Careful,” she teased lightly, “if you keep talking like that, I might become vain.”
“I don’t think you could ever be vain. You don’t seem the type.”
“And what type is that?”
“I have a few theories,” he said playfully as he opened the car door for her, “but I guess I’ll have to wait and see.”
“I guess you will,” she said, slipping into the car and then glancing back up at him. “And just so we’re clear, I think you look pretty good tonight, too.”
He smirked, clearly pleased with the compliment as he closed the door behind her and then got into the driver’s seat.
“So, this restaurant you’re taking me to, have you been there before?” Ava asked as Javier started the car and began to drive out of the villa grounds.
“Yeah, but only once. It’s actually the restaurant I went to my first night in Mar de Lágrimas. It has one of the best shrimp fajitas I’ve ever tasted. And don’t get me started on the spicy crab dip.”
“Are you some sort of foodie?”
“Hardly, but I do know what I like.”
Ava bit her lip to stop herself from asking what else he was liking righ
t now – say something or someone in the car. Instead, she played it safe and said, “So, if this place is that good, why haven’t you been back since?”
“I don’t know. I guess I didn’t have anyone special to go with.”
“But there was someone special…on that first night in Mar de Lágrimas?”
“I guess you could say that – I went with my mother.”
Ava laughed, glad that it wasn’t another girl, even though she knew she was being silly. It wasn’t like she hadn’t had other boyfriends before, but there was something about the thought of Javier with another girl that made her a little jealous.
“So, have you had the chance to see some of Mexico?” Javier asked, driving through the downtown core of Mar de Lágrimas, his voice almost drowned out by the loud, thudding calypso beats coming from a nearby nightclub. “Or have you not really been feeling up to it?”
“I’m feeling up to it,” Ava hurried to say. She knew he was referring to the incident with Miguel, but she really didn’t want to talk about that, at least not tonight. “I just haven’t had the chance is all.”
“Sounds like you’re in need of a tour guide. Luckily, I happen to know a great one.”
“That would be awesome. Can I get their number?” she asked, playful.
“I didn’t know you could be so cruel,” Javier said, pretending to sound hurt even though there was a hint of a smile on the corner of his lips. “You should know something about me, though – I’m not so easily dissuaded.”
Ava flashed him a flirtatious smile. “Good to know, but who says I’m trying to dissuade you?”
He smiled back at her, the streetlamps outside illuminating his gorgeous face. They’d driven out of the downtown core, and everything was a lot quieter now – not to mention private. All she could think about was leaning over to him and kissing him square on the lips, never minding the fact that he was driving.
Gawd, what’s gotten into me? she thought. In an attempt to control her urges, she tore her eyes away from him and looked out the window just in time to see him make a left-hand turn onto a well-traveled gravel road that ran alongside the sea. The road was on a slight incline, hardly noticeable at first, but the longer they drove, the higher they got until the large stones on the beach below looked like nothing more than pebbles being splashed as the water ebbed and flowed.
Ava was about to ask Javier where this restaurant was when she spotted lights up ahead, revealing a long wooden building with an outdoor patio already filled with people.
“This is it,” Javier said as he drove toward the parking lot. “Tesoro del Mar – Treasure of the Sea.”
Ava looked at the crowd on the patio, everyone having a good time as they talked, laughed, and ate with family and friends. “I know it’s Friday night, but this place is really happening,” she noted.
“I hear it’s like this every night, except Saturdays, of course. That’s the one day a week they’re closed.”
“Closed on Saturdays? That can’t be good for business.”
“I’m sure they have their reasons,” Javier said, pulling into the last available parking space. “Something tells me they aren’t hurting for money, anyway.”
“No, probably not,” she agreed.
Javier cut the engine, and they began to unbuckle their seatbelts. “Let me get the door for you,” he offered, and before she could say that he didn’t have to do that, he’d gotten out of the car and opened it for her.
“Thank you,” she said as he closed the door behind her.
“Sure thing.” He gave her his signature it’s-no-big-deal shrug even though she thought it was a big deal. He was chivalrous, and she had a feeling that he didn’t even know it.
They walked toward the restaurant, the smell of freshly-cooked food filling the air. Javier opened the large plank door for Ava, and as she stepped inside, her eyes widened. Tesoro del Mar had big port windows overlooking the sea, making it feel as if they were in a boat instead of a restaurant, and the nautical nuances didn’t stop there. The walls were made of dark planks and on them hung anchors, which looked like they’d spent some time at sea, and old drawings of ships, maps, and aquatic mammals. There were even several fish tanks throughout the restaurant, filled with sleek, silvery fish that swam back and forth at a relaxed pace.
“Reservas para de la Cruz,” Javier said to the host, a handsome middle-aged man who, although dressed casually, still looked polished.
“Sí señor. Justo por aquí,” he said, leading them through the restaurant until they came to a small table nestled in a corner that had an amazing view of the sea.
“Gracias,” Javier said, Ava echoing him as the host handed them their menus.
“Su mesero estará con usted en breve. Que tengas una noche maravillosa,” the host said before taking his leave.
“What did he say?” Ava asked.
“That a waiter will come shortly and to have a wonderful night.”
Oh, I’m hoping we will, Ava thought as she opened the navy-blue menu. She scanned the long list of appetizers, main dishes, and desserts written in both Spanish and English. “I have no idea what to order,” she admitted. “It all sounds so good.”
“What are you in the mood for?”
You, Ava thought, not daring to say it out loud. “Um, maybe a salad and then something spicy.”
“I think I know the perfect meal. Mind if I take the reins?”
“Definitely not.”
The waiter arrived, bringing with him two glass bottles of water. Javier ordered for the both of them, and once again, Ava couldn’t help but think how sexy Javier sounded when he spoke in his native tongue.
“I wish I could speak Spanish as well as you,” she said, taking a sip of water. “It would be awesome to be bilingual. I mean, look at you. You speak English perfectly.”
“I didn’t always. I only started learning – seriously learning – when I was sixteen. I knew it would open up more doors for me. I knew it was important.”
Ava raised her eyebrows, impressed. “Sounds like you have some serious drive. I could use some of that.”
“I picture you as a girl who goes after what she wants. Don’t tell me I’m wrong.”
“Sure, if I know what I want,” she said, running her finger over the intricate swirl design printed on her water bottle. “The problem is I don’t always know.”
“When you find it – whatever it is – you’ll know.”
“I’m sure you’re right,” Ava said, casting him a glance.
Javier glanced back at her, clearing his throat before asking, “So, do you have any idea how long you’ll be in Mexico?”
“As of right now, it’s kind of indefinite.”
“Glad to hear it.” Javier took a slug of water, but even from behind the bottle, Ava could see the small smile on his lips.
“Why?” she asked before she even knew what she was saying. “You want me to stay?”
“I think you already know my answer.”
Ava blushed a little, grateful for the distraction as the waiter came back with their food. He placed the appetizers and main dishes in front of them, the food a variety of color, smelling as delicious as it looked. “Disfrutar!” the waiter said, then hurrying away to serve more guests.
“Let me guess – spicy crab dip and shrimp fajitas?” Ava said, gesturing toward Javier’s food.
“You know it. Do you want a bite?”
“I’ll try some crab dip.”
Javier took a slice of toasted baguette and dipped it in the bowl. “May I?” he asked, bringing the slice of baguette, topped with melted cheese and cilantro, closer to her.
Ava nodded, letting Javier feed her the appetizer. “Mmmm, amazing,” she said after chewing and swallowing. “I have to get the recipe.”
“I hear they keep their recipes top secret, but I bet you and I could whip up something just as good.”
“I like the way you think,” Ava said. She turned to her salad and dug in, enjoying the juicy
cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber slices, and buttery avocado, all topped with a zesty lime dressing.
“So, who’s the real Ava Riley?” Javier asked, dipping another slice of baguette into the bowl.
“Ex…excuse me?” Ava was so surprised by his question that she almost choked on a mouthful of finely chopped lettuce. “What…what do you mean?” Her heart began to race, thinking that he must have discovered who she really was. What would she do now? Explain to him why she’d kept it a secret? She knew she couldn’t do that.
“I want to know more about you,” he replied with a little laugh, as if he didn’t realize the stress he’d just caused her. “I know you’re from California and that you’re here with your mom and sister, but what about your dad? Is he still in the picture?”
“Oh,” Ava said, her heart starting to return to normal. Gawd, stop being such a spaz. He’s just trying to get to know you better. “Um, yeah,” she said, getting it together. “He’s back in California, though.”
“That sucks. Are your parents divorced or something?”
“No, nothing like that. My dad couldn’t leave his work long enough to come with us.”
“You guys must miss him. I can’t think of anything sadder than being apart from your family for a long time, especially for a husband and wife.” Javier cleared his throat, looking a little embarrassed, like he’d said too much. “What does your dad do, anyway?” he asked.
Ava hesitated. She didn’t want to lie, but she didn’t feel like she could tell him the truth, either. “He, um, works in the film industry. Second assistant camera.” It was the first thing that came to her mind, and it also happened to be her dad’s first job, so technically, it wasn’t a complete lie.
“That’s cool. I guess that’s why you guys live in Hollywood, right? All that work for your dad?”
