Troublemaker

by Heather Beck

  Ava nodded and then unlocked her door, but before stepping inside, she turned to him once more. “Goodnight, Javier,” she said.

  “Goodnight, Ava.”

  As Javier walked back to his car, Ava leaned against the doorframe, watching as he went. She smiled, thinking about their date and the promise of more to come. Being with him made her feel happy and helped her to forget about her troubles. But as he drove away, now out of sight, her smile faded ever so slightly. While he was the sweetest of distractions, she knew her troubles were still there, lurking in the shadows of her mind.

  * * *

  Chapter Nine

  On Sunday morning, Ava crept down the stairs, a tote bag slung over her shoulder. It was only seven o’clock in the morning – way too early for a date – but she didn’t care. She was wide awake, too excited to be tired, and Javier had said it was important to get there early – wherever there was. He’d kept where they were going on their second date a secret, promising her that she’d love it.

  Ava tried to be as quiet as possible as she opened the front door and slipped out. Javier had said he’d pick her up at her villa, but she wanted to meet him outside, so they wouldn’t wake her mom and Tessa. She’d just closed the door gently behind her when he pulled up the driveway. She gave him a little wave as he came to a stop, and ever the gentleman, he got out of the car to greet her.

  He cast her what could only be described as the world’s sexiest smile and then wrapped her in a hug, his arms strong and his scent an alluring mix of leather and musk, a manly contrast to the sweet smell of flowers and salty sea air that surrounded her. “Hey,” he said, his mouth so close to her ear that his breath warmed her, tickled her.

  “Hey,” she repeated softly, loving the feeling of being this close to him, his body against hers. It made her feel safe, excited, and nervous all at the same time. She wished that they could stay this way forever, and when he let go of her, she felt her heart sink.

  He looked at her and smiled again, as if he had no idea of the effect he had on her. “Do you have everything you need?” he asked, gesturing toward her bag.

  “Yeah, I think, but it’s hard to be sure when you won’t tell me where we’re going.” She smiled at him, so he’d know that she was only teasing.

  “I could tell you,” he said as he led her to his car and opened the door, “but where’s the fun in that?” He closed the door after her and then got into the driver’s seat. “You ready?” he asked, starting the engine.

  “With you,” she said flirtatiously, “always.”

  Javier smirked as he backed out of the driveway and then took off along the street. It was a perfect day, the sun having just risen in the blue, cloud-spotted sky, a gentle breeze coming through the open windows, making them cool and comfortable.

  “So, what do you think of my ride?” Javier asked as he merged onto the freeway. “I just realized it’s the first time you’ve actually seen it during the day.”

  “It’s pretty sweet,” Ava said, looking around his black sedan. It was obviously an older model, but the interior had been reupholstered with black leather and the exterior was waxed until it shined. The fact that it ran as well as any of Ava’s family’s fancy cars was a testament to how well it’d been taken care of. “Do you do the maintenance yourself?” she asked.

  “Yeah. I bought it second-hand last year, and it was in pretty rough shape. I’ve been working on it off and on, changing parts here and there. I want to get some new rims, then it’ll finally be done.”

  “So, not only are you a handyman, but you’re a mechanic, too? I’m impressed.”

  “I know a thing or two about cars, but I’m no mechanic. I’ve been thinking about going to school for it, but it’s expensive, and to be honest, I don’t know how I would find the time.”

  “If it’s something you really want, then I’m sure you’ll find a way. Besides, you obviously have skills. The car really is amazing.”

  “Thanks. That means a lot, especially since a girl like you is probably used to fancy cars.”

  “Why…why would you say that?” Ava gulped, wondering if he’d discovered her secret. Maybe he’d searched her name on the internet, or picked up a tabloid, or something.

  “I can only imagine the kind of cars they drive in Hollywood, and a girl like you must have a lot of guys asking her out. Chances are they all have cars that cost more than my casa.”

  She relaxed, her secret safe for now. “Sure, I’ve been in some nice cars but none ever driven by someone who can fix it themselves,” she said, wishing Javier wouldn’t be so hard on himself. “And that’s what I find really hot – a guy who can work with his hands.”

  “Hot, huh?”

  She nodded.

  “Well, that’s good to know because I’m very hands-on.” He cast her a little smile. “Seriously, I’m not into all this technology stuff. I’m kind of old-fashioned in that way. I like manual labor, making things instead of sitting at a desk all day. Man, that would kill me.” He paused. “Enough about me. What about you? What do you want to do once you’re finished high school?”

  Ava opened her mouth to reply and then closed it, realizing she’d never been asked that question before. Even though she took school seriously and studied as much as she could, what she’d do after graduation was still unknown. She put so much focus on just getting through her hectic, event-filled days that she hadn’t stopped to think about the day when she wouldn’t be a reality star – a day that had already dawned.

  “Still undecided, huh?” Javier said kindly. When she nodded, he continued. “I wouldn’t worry too much about it. I’m sure you’ll find something that you love, something that’s the perfect fit for you. Besides, no one can really plan for the future. You just never know what life is going to throw at you.”

  “Well, whatever it throws at me – at you – I hope it’s only good.” She paused slightly, continuing in a playful tone. “And while we’re on the subject of not knowing…when are you going to tell me where you’re taking me? Some people might consider this kidnapping.”

  “Kidnapping? Really?” He laughed. “You don’t like surprises much, do you?”

  “No, not really.”

  “Then I guess the only thing you can do is trust me.” He grinned and gave her a sexy little wink before returning his attention to the road ahead.

  After two hours of driving – time that flew by as they talked and laughed – Javier pulled off the freeway, taking a local road that led through a quaint town much older and quieter than Mar de Lágrimas. As the car bumped over the slightly uneven road, Ava looked out the window and into the distance, seeing that they were nearing a jungle.

  “We’re almost there,” Javier teased.

  “And there would be…” Ava’s voice trailed off as she saw a sign at the side of the road, directing them to Ek Balam. “You’re taking me to Mayan ruins?” she asked, her eyes widening with excitement.

  “Yeah, I thought you might like to see them.”

  “Like to? I’d love to! I want to see them all – Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Tulum, El Tajin, others with names I can’t pronounce…”

  “Breathe,” he said with a laugh.

  She smiled sheepishly. “Sorry. I got this tourist guidebook, and I’ve been reading it a little bit too much.”

  “Don’t be sorry. It’s kind of nice to see you excited about all things Mexican.” He cleared his throat, the innuendo clearly not intentional. “The ruins are great, and I can take you to see them all, but I really think you’ll like Ek Balam. It’s a little quieter than some of the others, and you can actually climb the ruins. Try doing that at Chichen Itza – you’ll end up in jail.”

  “Sounds like you’re talking from experience.”

  “What do you mean?” he asked with a furrowed brow as he pulled into the parking lot, bringing the car to a stop.

  “Nothing. I was just teasing.” She cast him a playful smile, but he never saw it since he was already getting out of the car.
Grabbing the mini black purse that she’d tossed into her tote, she swung it over her shoulder and then stepped out of the car, Javier holding the door open for her. “Thanks,” she said as he closed it behind her.

  “Looks like we’re the first ones here,” he said as he scanned the parking lot. “Just like I’d hoped.”

  “I knew there was a good reason for leaving so early.”

  “What? To beat the crowds? Nah, I was just trying to get you alone.”

  “Well, I’m not complaining,” Ava said with a laugh, following Javier toward the large, airy cabana that served as a ticket booth. It was nestled amongst a variety of trees, some palms, others green and bushy, and still others that were tall and spindly with hardly a leaf on them. “Especially since this place is so cool.” She stopped for a moment to admire a large stone carved with a Mayan hieroglyph, the name Ek Balam written underneath.

  “You’re impressed by this? Wait until you see the ruins.”

  They walked straight up to the ticket booth, where traditional Mexican music played softly in the background, and were greeted by a Mexican man with a wide, infectious smile. “Welcome to Ek Balam, señor and señorita.”

  “Gracias. Two tickets, please.” Javier took out his wallet, but Ava stopped him by gently reaching for his arm.

  “Please, let me pay,” she said, unzipping her purse. “You bought dinner on our last date and you did drive me all the way here. It’s the least I can do.”

  “I’m the one who asked you out. I want to pay.”

  “But, Javier…”

  “No buts,” he said mock-stern. “An insult to my manhood, remember?”

  “I remember,” she said, realizing that there was no arguing with him. “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.” He dug into his wallet for the money and then gave it to the man in the booth, who looked amused.

  “Ah, amor joven!” the man said with a laugh as he handed them their tickets. “Enjoy your day!”

  “Gracias,” Javier and Ava said in unison.

  As they left the ticket booth, heading toward the entrance gate, Ava cast Javier a curious look. “Why was that man laughing?” she asked.

  An amused smile of his own twitched on Javier’s lips. “He thinks we’re young lovers.”

  Her cheeks flushed, liking the sound of that. “Oh,” she said simply.

  They reached the gate, Javier letting Ava go through first, and as she stepped out on the other side, Javier right behind her, she felt like she’d traveled back in time. A dirt path led them through a village of traditional Mexican huts made of rough wooden sticks, complete with a thatched roof.

  “It’s hard to imagine people ever living in huts like these,” Ava said, thinking about her own home and everything that she had.

  “Yeah, I know, but they managed to make it work for over three thousand years. The way they farmed, built temples and palaces, developed their art and culture…it amazes me. Did you know the Mayans were the most advanced civilization in all of Mesoamerica?”

  “No,” Ava said, shaking her head. “I also didn’t know that you were a history geek.”

  “Geek?” he repeated with a laugh. “I’ve been called a lot of things but never a geek.”

  “Well, maybe no one sees you the way I do,” she said as they continued on the path. “So, tell me, oh wise one, why did the Mayan civilization fall?”

  “I really would be wise if I knew the answer to that because no one does, not really.” With his hand placed gently on her back, he guided her past a sign that read, Archeologic Zone. “The ruins are just around this corner...”

  Ava took a few more steps and then rounded the corner, her eyes growing wide as the ruins of Ek Balam rose out of the jungle in front of her. “Oh, wow,” she muttered. “It’s…it’s amazing.”

  The ruins were everywhere, all different shapes and sizes, but still connected in appearance, like they’d once been a thriving village. Surrounded by long curving walls, the ruins were made of stone, lightly covered in vegetation, and while some parts of the buildings had crumbled, she was surprised to find that they were very well-preserved.

  “I’m glad you’re not disappointed,” Javier said, laughing at Ava’s enthusiasm as she began walking around the ruins, looking every which way so she wouldn’t miss a thing.

  “Disappointed? Are you kidding me?” She climbed up a large ruin, going through a passageway, and then peered inside. The long, narrow room was empty, but it wasn’t hard to imagine Mayans living there thousands of years ago. There was just something about being in the middle of the jungle, with its sights and sounds, and traversing over stones laid by the Mayan’s bare hands all those years ago that made Ava feel like their spirits were still very much alive.

  “Ek Balam means Black Jaguar or Bright Star Jaguar,” Javier said, his voice echoing off the ruins’ walls. “This building we’re in right now used to be a palace. There’s another one, too, and several temples. But best of all is the Acropolis. It was once home to the ruler, Ukil-Kan-Lek-Tok, and when he died, he was laid to rest there, buried in a tomb protected by the jaguar himself.”

  “I want to see it,” Ava said, not waiting for Javier to respond as she climbed down the palace and made her way through more of the ruins. There was so much to explore, and every so often, she caught sight of an iguana sunning himself on a rock or a wild Mexican dog who preferred lazing in the shade of the ruins. She was impressed by the sheer size of Ek Balam, but it wasn’t until she reached the center of it all that she was blown away.

  “That’s it,” Javier said, coming to a stop beside Ava, who was looking high in the sky. “The Acropolis – the tallest pyramid in Ek Balam.”

  “I can see that,” she said, admiring the building. It looked similar to the palaces, only much grander in scale and decorated with hieroglyphics and carvings. These hieroglyphics and carvings were protected under thatched roofs that ran along the large flight of steps in the center of the pyramid. Under these roofs were also entranceways into the pyramid, where she assumed the royals once lived.

  “Think you can make it to the very top?” Javier teased. “It’s only a hundred and six steps.”

  “Easily,” she said with a confident smile, then starting up the worn, uneven steps that were a lot taller and wider than they looked. By the time she reached the fourth level of the pyramid, she was panting, wishing she hadn’t been so cocky.

  “Let’s take a break from the steps,” Javier said, seeing how tired she was becoming. “The pyramid has been here for thousands of years. I think we can wait a few more minutes to get to the top. Besides, there’s something you have to see.” He took her hand, making sure she didn’t fall as he led her sideways along the ruin. They came to a stop when they reached a very large thatched roof that covered the most impressive entranceway of all, complete with hieroglyphics and carvings of warriors and animals, some with wings. Surrounding the entranceway was the huge, open mouth of a monster with long, pointy teeth. “This is the final resting place of Ukil-Kan-Lek-Tok,” he explained. “A burial site fit for a king, forever protected by the jaws of a jaguar.”

  “This is unreal,” Ava muttered, amazed that the carvings had survived after all these years. “Do you think he’s still in there?” She tried to peer inside the entranceway, but unlike most of the ruins, it wasn’t possible to get up close or touch the carvings since they were protected by a low wooden fence.

  “No, the remains of Ukil-Kan-Lek-Tok and all his burial offerings are now in a museum. We can check them out sometime, if you’d like.”

  “That would be great.” She smiled at him and then glanced down, realizing that he was still holding her hand. In the excitement of seeing the tomb, she’d temporarily forgotten that his fingers were intertwined with hers, but now it was all that she could think about, loving the way it felt, his grasp gentle but protective.

  He saw her looking at their hands and then pulled away, clearly thinking he’d crossed a line. “Sorry,” he said.


  “For what?” She reached out and took his hand in hers, not letting him get away that easily.

  He smiled at her, his grasp on her more protective than before. “Ready to head to the top?” he asked, looking up at the pyramid and the rest of it they still had to climb.

  She nodded and then began to ascend the pyramid, finding the climb much easier this time as she let Javier guide her, his strong hand helping her up the steps. When they reached the top and looked out at the view, Ava’s breath caught in her throat. For as far as she could see, the lush green jungle stretched into the sky.

  “It’s like being on top of the world,” she said as the wind blew her hair around her shoulders.

  “See over there,” Javier said, stepping closer to her as he pointed into the distance. “That pyramid that looks like a triangle – that’s Chichen Itza.”

  She followed his direction, spotting the pyramid he was talking about. “It looks so tiny,” she commented. “How far away is it?”

  “About an hour’s drive,” he answered, then pointing in another direction. “And there, way over to the left, that’s Coba. It’s actually taller than Chichen Itza, but it’s further away, so it might be harder to find.”

  “Wow, it’s, like, microscopic from here, but I can definitely see it. I can see everything from up here. This place is just so amazing, so…” She turned to him, looking for the right word, and at the exact same moment, he turned to her, their faces now just inches apart.

  “So beautiful?” he said, not talking about Ek Balam since his eyes were solely on her.

  “Yeah,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper as she looked back at him. Her heart started to beat a little faster as he slowly moved in closer, about to kiss her.

  “Mom! Dad! Look at me! I’m almost at the top!” someone suddenly called, making Ava jump away from Javier in surprise. A second later, a young European boy stumbled onto the top of the Acropolis, sweat clinging to his forehead and t-shirt, a wide smile on his face. “This is so cool!” he screamed, having just enough energy left to bounce up and down in excitement.