by Heather Beck
“Oh, nothing. I just called Villas Sol Dorado’s property manager and told him we’re having an issue with our pool. I also might have insisted that he send Javier de la Cruz since I’ve heard from the other residents that he’s the absolute best maintenance worker.”
“Let me guess – the pool’s fine, isn’t it?”
“In perfect working order.”
Ava shook her head, like she didn’t approve of Tessa’s tactics, but deep down she was glad she’d done it. “I better get down there before he drives himself crazy trying to figure out what’s wrong with the pool,” she said, starting for the door. When she reached the threshold, she glanced back at her sister and gave her a small smile. “Thanks, sis.”
“It’s the least I can do,” Tessa said as she playfully shooed Ava out of the room.
Ava went down the stairs and out the back door, stepping into the sunlight that warmed her almost instantly. At first, Javier didn’t see her, preoccupied with the pool’s pump, but then he looked up and straight at her, as if he sensed her presence.
“Hey,” he said in a low voice, putting down his tools and making his way toward her.
“Hey,” she echoed, meeting him halfway.
There was a moment of silence as they came face-to-face, almost like they were both a little uncertain about what to say.
“I hope you don’t think I’m intruding,” Javier spoke first. “Management called me in for an emergency pool repair, but I can’t find the problem.”
“You could never intrude, and as for the pool, there is no problem.”
“What do you mean?” He raised an eyebrow, confused.
“Tessa was the one who got you called in. She thought we could use the time alone to, you know, talk.”
“Oh.” Javier paused slightly. “Well, I’m glad she did.” He took her hand, leading her to the cabana, where they sat down together on an oversized chaise lounge. “Listen, Ava, I’ve been thinking about this all last night, and I know I owe you an explanation for my behavior. It’s just, what I have to say isn’t exactly easy.”
Ava gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “Whatever it is, Javier, I’ll understand.”
“Will you?”
“Of course. I’m a little hurt you’d even ask me that.”
Javier sighed. “I’m sorry, Ava. I didn’t mean it like that. You see, the truth is…” he hesitated, like he was trying to find the right words. “The truth is Miguel and I used to be friends.”
Ava’s eyes widened. “You two…friends?”
He nodded. “Back in my hometown, when I was young and stupid, I even looked up to him. He seemed so cool, like a big shot who could do anything, and he always got what he wanted. Everyone knew him, and hanging out with him and his friends made me feel – as embarrassing as it is to admit this – cool, too.”
“I get it. Everyone wants to fit in, right?”
“Yeah, but at what cost?”
“I don’t know. You tell me. Where did things go so wrong with you and Miguel?”
“Well, he’s an asshole, plain and simple, but for me to realize that, it started with small things. He would insult me, playing it off as a joke, and he’d always be asking me to lie for him and his friends, so they could weasel out of whatever mess they’d gotten themselves into. Then things started to get worse. He talked me into helping him steal stuff, even though I really didn’t want to.”
“That’s awful,” Ava said, shocked by what she was hearing. “What kind of stuff did he make you steal?”
Javier shrugged, clearly ashamed. “Small items, really, like cigarettes and beer from convenience stores. A clerk from one of the stores we had hit up before must’ve known what we were up to because one night the police showed up. We made a run for it and had almost gotten away when I fell and broke my ankle jumping over a fence. Miguel didn’t stop or even look back. The police caught me, of course, and I had to take all the blame for what we did.”
“More like what he made you do.” Ava shook her head in disgust. “Gawd, way to let your true colors shine, Miguel.”
“That’s one way of putting it.” He sighed heavily, like he was disappointed, maybe even angry with himself. “It was at that moment I finally realized what I should’ve known all along – I was nothing more than a pawn for Miguel and his friends.”
“So, what happened after? With the police, I mean. Did you get into a lot of trouble?”
“I was fined and had to do a shit load of community service.”
“That doesn’t sound so bad. I guess they went easy on you because it was your first offense.”
“Yeah, something like that.” He sighed. “Listen, I really don’t want to talk about this anymore. I know I got what I deserved.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” Ava said, placing her hand on his arm, trying to comfort and reassure him. “Miguel’s a manipulator, and he was using you. You fell victim to that.” She paused for a moment, thoughtful. “In a way, maybe it’s a good thing the police caught you that night. It probably stopped you from going down an even worse path – with Miguel at the helm, of course.”
Javier stood up abruptly, like he was really upset, and leaned against the pool gate. He said nothing, a distraught look on his face as he watched the clear blue pool water lap gently in the breeze.
“I’m sorry,” Ava said, approaching his side. “I know you said you didn’t want to talk about it anymore.”
“Don’t apologize. You’ve done nothing wrong. It’s this situation. When I moved to Mar de Lágrimas, I thought, that’s it, I’m done with Miguel. I’ll never have to see him again. Then, a few months ago, he shows up here, bringing Carlos with him and starting a new gang with the likes of Juan Pablo – not that he’s much of a threat. Miguel, though, he’s worse than ever. He’s a guy who isn’t used to hearing no, so when I cut him out of my life, it made him hate me as much as I hate him.”
A silence came over them as Ava thought about everything Javier had just told her. Things made a lot more sense now, like why he hated Miguel so much and why he’d gotten so angry when, at La Rosa y Espina, Carlos had threatened to tell her about Javier’s past. She understood – sympathized even – but there was something she wasn’t willing to let slide, despite the circumstances.
“Javier,” she began slowly, “I totally get why you behaved like you did last night, but I think you need to learn how to control your anger. Don’t get me wrong, you’re the sweetest guy I’ve ever met – kind, considerate, a true gentleman – but when you get mad, you really get mad.”
“I know. That’s why I backed off when you asked me to.”
“And I’m glad you did because I hate seeing you that way. I’m not going to lie – your temper is pretty scary.”
Javier faced Ava, his expression serious. “You’re not worried that I’d ever turn that anger onto you, are you? Because I’d never in a million years do anything to hurt you.”
“No, of course not. I know you’d never hurt me. I trust you.”
“Then trust that I’ll never act like that again.”
“Can you really promise me that?”
“Yes.” He wrapped her in his arms, looking into her eyes, sincere. “I know I’ve messed up and been too consumed with my past, but from now on, I only want to concentrate on the here and now – with you. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy or that I’ll ever truly let it all go, especially after what he did to you, but I know in my heart that Miguel will get what he deserves. So, why let him ruin my life when I have so much to live for?”
“I’m happy to hear you say that,” she said, her whole body relaxing as she lay her head against his strong chest, “especially the part about you having a lot to live for – because you do.”
“Sí, and one of those things is actually a person. You might know her. She’s tall and gorgeous, with golden blonde hair, and she has the most beautiful eyes and smile I’ve ever seen.”
“Hmmm, she sounds kind of familiar, but just so we’re clear…�
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Instead of speaking, Javier pulled away ever so slightly so he could tilt his head down and kiss her. She wrapped her arms around his body, feeling herself getting lost in his sweet touch, his sweet embrace as all of her problems disappeared, at least for the moment.
“Mmmm,” Javier muttered as their lips finally parted, “I hate to break this up, but I really have to go.”
“Do you really?” Ava slipped her hands around his neck and brought him in closer again.
He let out a tempted groan but remained steadfast. “Sadly, yes. I got hired to paint this nice old lady’s casa, and if I don’t go now, I’m afraid I’ll never leave.”
“Okay, fine,” she said with a little pout, pretending to be mad as she let go of him. “It’s your loss.”
“Like you wouldn’t believe.” He paused. “Let me make it up to you. Have dinner with me at my casa on Friday night. I did promise you a home-cooked meal, after all.”
“I’d love that.”
“Good,” he said. “I wish I could ask you to come over sooner, but I’ll be working until at least nine for the next couple of nights.”
“I understand. Friday’s perfect.”
“Perfect,” he repeated, looking straight at her before giving her another kiss, clearly unable to resist.
“I thought you had to go.” She laughed, playfully pushing him away.
“I do,” he said, sighing as he went back to the pool’s filtration system and began packing up his tools, “but Friday night, I’m all yours.”
“Careful, or you might give me the wrong idea.”
“Me? Never.” He gave her a wink as he headed for the backyard gate. “I’ll call you later, okay?”
“Okay.”
“And Ava?” he said, stopping at the gate, “thanks for being so understanding about everything.”
“Of course.” She nodded and gave him a reassuring smile, watching as he went, but as soon as he was out of her sight, her smile faded. Javier had opened up to her, fully, completely, telling her his darkest secret, and here she was, keeping secrets from him. She knew it was wrong, and it definitely didn’t feel good. Deep down, she even believed that if he knew she was a reality star, it wouldn’t matter, that he’d still treat her the same. But for the little doubt that she did have, she wasn’t willing to take the risk. She liked him way too much.
* * *
Chapter Twelve
It was a little past ten the following morning as Ava sat at her desk, her laptop in front of her as she tried to catch up on her online school work. She hated to admit it, but she’d fallen behind, spending far too much time texting with Javier when she should’ve been studying. Even last night, when she’d planned on getting started on her latest assignment, she’d found herself talking to him on the phone until one in the morning. She knew that their chat sessions would be affecting his work, too, but it was a sacrifice they were both willing to make.
A sudden knock on her bedroom door caused Ava to look up from her laptop. “Come in,” she called, watching as the door opened and her mom stepped inside. “Hey, I thought you’d be at Artista by now. Don’t tell me Rowan actually gave you a day off.” She smiled lightheartedly, so her mom would know she was only joking.
“I’ll be going in later, but first we need to talk,” Isabelle said, sounding serious as she sat down on the edge of Ava’s bed and looked at her, almost like she didn’t know where to begin.
“What is it?” Ava asked, having the feeling that whatever her mom had to tell her, it wasn’t good.
“You know I’ve been trying to get in touch with Officer Gonzalez for the last few days, right? To see if they’ve questioned Miguel yet and what steps we have to take next?”
Ava nodded. Even with everything that was going on in her life right now, she definitely hadn’t forgotten about her case against Miguel, or Christopher for that matter.
“Well, Officer Gonzalez finally got back to me today. He said they did question Miguel and that he denies everything.”
“I can’t say I’m surprised,” Ava said, sighing, “but what happens now? Is it me and Javier’s word against his? That has to count for something, right?”
Isabelle reached out and gave Ava’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Of course it does, sweetie, but the police, they don’t see it that way.” She hesitated. “There’s no easy way to say this, so I’m just going to get it out. The police say there’s no hard evidence against Miguel and that they won’t be prosecuting him. I’m so sorry, Ava. You – and every woman this has ever happened to – deserve so much better.”
“So, that’s it?” Ava felt anger and frustration course through her veins. “There’s nothing we can do? Miguel’s going to get away scot-free?”
“No, we’re nowhere near done fighting. We’ll hire a lawyer and file a civil lawsuit against Miguel. I’m not going to lie – it’ll be an uphill battle, but I promise I’ll be by your side every step of the way.”
Ava’s first reaction was to jump on the offer, the idea of bringing Miguel down being oh so tempting, but as she looked at her mom’s tired, worried face, she suddenly found herself reconsidering. “I know you’ll be by my side,” she said slowly, choosing her words carefully. “That’s why I’m not sure this is a good idea.”
Isabelle furrowed her brow. “What do you mean?”
“Mom, you came to Mexico to volunteer at Artista, to do some good in the community, not spend all your time in a courtroom.”
“No, I came here to keep you and Tessa safe, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Miguel can’t get away with what he did to you.”
“And I don’t want him to, but you said yourself that it will be an uphill battle. What if we put all our time, energy, and hope into it, only to lose? I don’t want you or Tess to go through that because of me.”
“You’re so unselfish, Ava – always have been. That’s why, for once, you have to put yourself first. Let me do this for you, okay?”
“I don’t know,” she said, still conflicted.
“I know you’re scared and probably really overwhelmed, but you shouldn’t let that stop you.” She paused. “It’s your decision, honey, but remember, you’re not alone in this. Tessa and I will be here for you no matter what.”
Ava fell silent, thinking about what her mom had said. She was right about her feeling scared and overwhelmed – she was right about everything. “I need a little more time to think about it,” she finally said. “Maybe we could talk to a lawyer first. It would really help to hear what he has to say, like if we would even have a chance of winning the case.”
Isabelle nodded. “Of course. I can get a meeting set up.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Ava said, the support meaning more to her than her mom would ever know.
“That’s what I’m here for. I don’t want you to worry about a thing, okay? Everything will work out exactly how it’s supposed to.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“I know I am,” Isabelle said, casting her a reassuring smile before standing up. “In the meantime, I should probably head over to Artista. I was actually hoping you and Tessa would join me. The list of things that need to be done for the art show keep piling up, and Rowan and I could really use your help. It might also be a good way to keep your mind off things even if only for a while.”
Ava glanced back at her laptop, only a few paragraphs completed for a three-thousand-word essay that was due in two days. She really did have a lot of work to get done, but she couldn’t remember the last time her mom had asked for her help, and she knew she couldn’t turn her down. “Sure, I’d love to,” Ava said.
“Great. I’ll go see if Tessa wants to come, and if she does, we can leave whenever you girls are ready.” She started to leave, but then stopped at the door to turn back and look at Ava. “I hope you know how proud I am of you,” she said.
“For what?”
“For being so brave despite everything that’s happened.”
“Thanks,” Ava said, g
iving her mom a smile. She watched as she left the room, knowing that it wasn’t just herself who’d been brave. Her mom was her stronghold, having given up a lot to make sure her daughters were always taken care of. It was her mom – not Ava – who was truly the unselfish one.
A little over an hour later, Ava, Tessa, and Isabelle arrived at Corazón de Artista. As they stepped inside the building, the first thing Ava noticed was that it was much busier than usual. Artists were standing in front of their canvases, painting beautiful pictures, while others worked with mixed media materials, making unique and creative designs. Ava even recognized the pretty Mexican girl from the first time she’d visited Artista, spinning a block of clay on a potter’s wheel.
Rowan stood off to the side, helping a client, but when he saw that they’d arrived, he politely excused himself and headed toward them. “Isabelle,” he greeted her with a warm smile. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Hi, Rowan,” Isabelle said. “Sorry I’m late.”
“No worries. Besides, I see you’ve brought reinforcements.” He turned to Ava and Tessa, giving them a smile, which they both reciprocated. “At least I’m hoping that’s why you two are here. We could really use your help.”
“It’s been that hectic, huh?” Isabelle said.
“Like you wouldn’t believe. I’ve been run off my feet with phone calls all morning. Not that I should be complaining. We’re getting more interest in this art show than I ever thought possible.”
“Well, don’t stress out because I brought Ava and Tessa here for the very purpose of helping out,” Isabelle said with a light laugh. “But you girls don’t mind, do you?” she asked, facing them.
“Like you gave us a choice.” Tessa pretended like she was joking, but Ava knew she meant it.
“So, what do you need us to do?” Ava asked.
“Marketing, spreading the word about the event, mostly,” Rowan said, his voice almost getting lost as two painters struck up a conversation nearby. “Why don’t we go to my office where it’s a little quieter?” he suggested, leading them to the back of the building.
