Troublemaker

by Heather Beck

  Ava looked away, indignant. “You know I already said goodbye to Dad last night. Can’t you just respect my wishes?”

  “I do respect your wishes, but I think it’s a bad idea to leave things the way they are between you and Tessa. Even though she did a terrible thing, she’s still your sister.”

  “I’m not so sure about that anymore,” Ava said, stepping around her mom. “Sorry, but I’m going to see Javier. I’m not sticking around.”

  Before Isabelle could say anything, Ava walked down the stairs and toward the front door. She opened it, about to step out when she saw her dad’s rental car pull up the driveway. For a fleeting second, she considered slamming the door and locking it, but it was too late – they were already getting out of the car, they had already seen her.

  Mitchell came up to Ava first, giving her no other option than to step backward and let him into the villa. “Hi, sweetheart,” he said, wrapping her in a warm hug. “How are you?”

  “I’ve been better,” she answered, trying not to look at Tessa, who now stood in the villa, safely behind Mitchell.

  “Hi, Mitch. Hi, Tessa,” Isabelle greeted them as she appeared in the foyer. Her voice was way too chipper, as if she was trying hard to stay upbeat and keep the peace. “Are you guys all packed for Hollywood?”

  “Packed and ready to go,” Mitchell said in the same awkward tone he’d been using with Isabelle since he’d punched Rowan at A Night Under The Stars.

  “Great,” Isabelle replied, followed by a pause. “Well, hopefully, it will be a good flight.”

  It was like Isabelle and Mitchell hardly knew what to say to each other, like after all these years they were suddenly uncomfortable. Ava would’ve thought it was amusing to see her parents act this way – if only it wasn’t so sad.

  Silence fell over the room until finally, Mitchell turned to Tessa and gave her a nudge. “We have a flight to catch,” he whispered to her, but Ava could still hear him. “You begged me to take you here, so if you have something to say, now’s your chance.”

  Tessa, who’d been looking at her dad, slowly turned her gaze onto Ava. “Can we, um, go upstairs and talk?” she asked, her eyes wide, like she was really nervous.

  Ava gave her a cold stare. “I don’t think so. You just never know, you might stab me in the back on the way up.”

  “How can you say that?” Tessa cried.

  “It’s what I’ve come to expect from you,” Ava snapped.

  “Girls, stop it,” Isabelle said, stepping forward. “You’re sisters. You’re going to have to deal with this at some point.” She turned to Ava, giving her a pleading look. “Please, just listen to what Tessa has to say.”

  Everyone stared expectantly at Ava, making her feel irritated, like she didn’t have a choice. “Fine,” she said through clenched teeth. “You have one minute, and whatever you have to say, you can say it here, in front of Mom and Dad.”

  “Um, okay.” Tessa shifted from one foot to the other, looking very uncomfortable. “Well, I know I already said this, but I wanted to tell you again how sorry I am. I feel really terrible about what I did.”

  “I’m sorry, too,” Ava said, clearly catching Tessa off guard. “I wish I never gave in to your demands, never covered for you countless times. I thought that was what sisters did for each other, but now I know that all I did was create a monster.”

  “Ava!” Tessa gasped, like she’d been hurt to the core. “You don’t mean that.”

  “Yes, I do.” Ava ignored her sister’s hurt expression and the disapproving stares from her parents as she continued. “Maybe I shouldn’t have enabled you to be so selfish, so careless, and maybe I should’ve said no to you more often, but what you did to me and Javier is all on you. You made the choice to lie and manipulate, and for once, you have to deal with the consequences.”

  “I am dealing with the consequences, every second of every day.” Tessa stepped closer to Ava, her eyes pleading. “You’re my sister. It always used to be us against the world. Don’t you know how much I miss you? How much I hate having you mad at me? My life is miserable without you.”

  Ava looked at Tessa, exasperated. “Listen to yourself. It’s all about what you want, how you’re feeling. You’ll never change.”

  “That’s not fair! You know I hate that I hurt you. It wasn’t worth it.”

  “What, exactly, wasn’t worth it? The part where you almost got me and Javier killed?”

  “Ava, please, I’m trying. Can’t you see that? Can’t you forgive me?”

  Ava opened her mouth, about to snap at her sister, when suddenly, she felt tired with all of this. She knew that arguing was getting them nowhere, so she took a deep breath, trying to control her anger. “Listen, Tessa,” she finally said, choosing her words carefully, “I see that you’re trying, but it’s not enough. You betrayed and hurt me worse than anyone has ever done before. Maybe one day I’ll be able to forgive you, but even if I do, I’ll never be able to trust you again.”

  Tessa fought back tears, but they fell down her cheeks, anyway. For a moment, Ava almost felt bad for her, but she reminded herself that she was just being honest with her sister and that the time had finally come for Ava to stop coddling her – for both their sakes.

  “We have to go,” Mitchell said as he checked his watch, his tone sad. He leaned down and kissed Ava on her forehead. “Remember, I’m only a phone call away. Take care of yourself and your mom, too.”

  “I will,” Ava promised.

  Mitchell turned to Isabelle, looking like he wanted to hug her, but he didn’t. “Good luck with Artista. It’s easy to see that you’re making a difference in the lives of those kids.”

  “Thank you,” Isabelle said. She then faced Tessa and gave her a hug. “I want you to call me as soon as you get home and every night after that, okay?”

  “Sure, Mom,” Tessa replied, but her heart wasn’t in it.

  Mitchell put his hand on Tessa’s shoulder, guiding her toward the door. They’d just stepped outside when Tessa turned back and looked at Ava. “Bye,” she said softly.

  “Bye,” Ava echoed.

  Tessa kept her gaze on Ava for a couple of seconds longer, then she wiped away the last of her tears and turned around, following Mitchell into the car. They drove down the driveway and along the street until finally, Ava couldn’t see them anymore.

  “Are you going to be alright?” Isabelle asked.

  “Yes,” Ava answered. “Are you?”

  Isabelle nodded. “I told Rowan I was going to meet him at Artista, but if you want, I can help you get Javier home from the hospital.”

  “No, you go meet Rowan. I can manage myself.”

  Isabelle smiled gratefully at Ava and then reached for her purse that lay on the nearby table. “If you change your mind, just let me know,” she said, giving Ava’s arm an affectionate squeeze before heading out the door.

  Now alone, Ava had time to think about how fast everything was changing. She still wasn’t used to the idea of her mom possibly exploring a relationship with Rowan, but she knew that there was nothing she could do about it. Besides, it wasn’t like she hated Rowan; he actually seemed like a great guy. If they did get together, and Ava had a feeling that they would, she guessed she’d be able to accept them as a couple – eventually.

  Thinking about relationships, her mind turned to Javier, and immediately she smiled. She loved how even the thought of him made her do that, especially during the tough times. She didn’t have time to stand around thinking about him, though. She needed to get to the hospital and pick him up. With her keys still in her hand, she left the villa and got into her car, excited to see Javier.

  A couple of hours later, after signing Javier out of the hospital, they were driving along a beautiful beachside road, traditional Mexican music playing from the nearby vendors. It was a perfect evening, and as Ava glanced at Javier, she couldn’t help but smile.

  “What?” he asked playfully, smiling back at her.

  She shrugged. �
��I don’t know. I guess I’m just...grateful. Grateful to have you here with me. Grateful that we’re both alive.”

  “I know what you mean. Almost dying makes you appreciate things more, even if you didn’t think that was possible.”

  Ava blushed, having a feeling that he was talking about her. “So,” she began, breaking the silence that had come over them, “if you feel up to having company, I was thinking I would cook dinner for us tonight. I went shopping at the markets this morning, and I’ve brought with me some of the freshest produce in all of Mar de Lágrimas. I have this vegetarian recipe I want to try. Chipotle chili with avocado.”

  “I’m always up for your company, and dinner sounds great,” Javier said. “But before we go to my casa, could we stop at the beach?”

  Ava frowned. “Do you think that’s a good idea? I mean, your arm, your ribs...You don’t want to make your injuries worse.”

  “The doctor said I’m healing fine. Besides, it feels like I’ve been stuck in the hospital forever. I’m not used to being cooped up like that. I need fresh air, the smell of the sea.”

  “I could always crack open a window.”

  Javier cocked an eyebrow at Ava, mock-annoyed.

  “Okay, I’m only kidding,” she said as she pulled into a parking spot at the side of the road. “Just promise me that you’re not going to overdo it.”

  “What? By sitting at the beach?”

  “No, that’s not what I meant,” Ava said, thinking about how she’d normally punch him playfully on the arm for a comment like that. “I’m talking about the next few weeks until you’re better. I know what you’re like. You won’t be able to sit still for long.”

  “I guess I’ll need someone to keep me in check. Have any suggestions?”

  “Yeah, I can think of someone.” She gave him a little smile and then got out of the car, going to the passenger side to help him. He wrapped his good arm around her shoulders and then stepped out of the car, leaning on her gently. As they walked toward an empty bench, he kept his arm around her, even though Ava had a feeling it was done more out of affection than necessity.

  They sat down on the bench, taking a moment to appreciate their surroundings – the way the blue water went on forever, the breeze that ruffled their hair, and the happy chatter and laughter of people who strolled along the beach.

  “Man, I’ve missed this,” Javier said, taking a long, deep breath. “This view will never get old.”

  “I couldn’t agree with you more.”

  Javier reached for Ava’s hand, intertwining their fingers. “I might have said this a million times, but thank you for everything you’ve done for me this past week. You took such great care of me. It shows me exactly the type of person you are – loving, compassionate, and kind. Honestly, if it wasn’t for you, I don’t think I would’ve gotten released so soon.”

  Ava looked down, bashful. “It was nothing.”

  Javier raised her chin with his finger, forcing her to look into his eyes. “Not to me it wasn’t.”

  She swallowed hard, trying not to get wrapped up in how gorgeous he looked, his bruises already starting to fade. “Well, you’re welcome,” she said. “It was the least I could do. You did save my life.”

  “Maybe, but when you were with me at the hospital, it didn’t feel like you were there out of guilt or obligation. It felt like something else entirely.”

  “No, it wasn’t guilt, and it definitely wasn’t obligation.” She paused, finding the right words before continuing. “Javier, you know I have strong feelings for you, like, really strong. I thought I was doing the right thing by ending it with you, but I don’t feel that way anymore. I’m sorry it took me so long to realize that, and I’m even more sorry that I hurt you. The truth is, I want to be with you.”

  Javier was silent as he looked at Ava, an expression she couldn’t read on his face.

  “Can you please say something? Anything?” She tried not to sound too desperate.

  “Sorry, it’s just, I knew you cared about me, but I never thought I’d hear you say that you wanted to be with me again. Don’t get me wrong, I kept holding on to hope, but you seemed so sure that it had to be over.”

  “I was wrong.”

  “And you’re sure this is what you want?”

  Ava nodded. “More than anything.”

  A smile slowly spread across Javier’s face and then he leaned in and kissed her, hungrily, deeply, as if trying to make up for the weeks they’d spent apart. He ran his fingers through her hair and pulled her body closer to his, suddenly letting out a painful groan.

  Ava pulled back and looked at him in concern. “Are you okay?” she asked, watching as he nursed his ribs.

  “Yeah, I’ll be fine. I guess that’s what I get for having no self-control around you.” He let out a little laugh, so she’d know that he really was okay.

  “I know that feeling all too well,” she said.

  They both smiled.

  “So, how are we going to work this?” Javier asked. “Will you be staying in Mexico for long? If not, I should apply for one of those frequent flyer credit cards now. You know, for when I come to see you.”

  “That’s sweet, but you can hold off on the credit card.” When Javier gave her a curious look, she continued. “There’s actually something I want to talk to you about, something that I’ve given a lot of thought. You know how much I love Mexico. It’s almost like I was meant to be here, and that’s why I’ve decided to stay. I have over four months left on my visa, and after that expires, I can apply for another one. I’ve looked into the process. It’s not that hard.”

  “Ava, I don’t know what to say,” Javier said, almost like he couldn’t believe it. “That would be perfect – better than perfect. But are you sure, like, really sure this is what you want? I want you to stay here more than you’ll ever know, but I hate the thought of you leaving behind everything you’ve ever known in Hollywood. What about your family? Your job?”

  “I’m not going to lie – I’ll miss my dad like crazy, but we’ll talk on the phone, and I’m sure he’ll come to visit me. As for Tessa, well, we need this time apart.” As she thought about her sister, a sadness washed over her, but she pushed the feeling aside, instead thinking about all the positive things she had in her life. “Besides, it’s not like I’ll be here without any family,” she continued. “I’ve already talked to my mom about staying, and she says she plans on renewing her visa, too.”

  “And your job?”

  “Honestly? Leaving that part of my life behind is easy. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful because it wasn’t all bad. I got to do some cool things and go to so many different places. And don’t get me started on all the freebies PR companies would send me.” She laughed. “Seriously, though, being a reality star isn’t for me. I don’t want to be in the public eye, always being followed, having every single move I make scrutinized. I want to live my life the way I want to, free and without judgment.”

  “And you feel that way here? With me?”

  Ava nodded. “I know our relationship has moved fast and that a lot of it has been really crazy, but I’ve loved the time we’ve spent together. I want to keep going on adventures with you, getting to know you better, and even though I can’t promise exactly how long I’ll be in Mexico, I want to see where this – us – goes.”

  “I can definitely live with that,” Javier said with a smile, leaning in closer to her, “but just so we’re clear, I’m going to do everything I can to make you want to stay.”

  “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you,” Ava said right before he brought his lips to hers, his kiss sweet and gentle.

  They stayed that way as the sun began its final descent, casting everything in a bright pink glow. Ava had never felt so alive and excited for what was to come next, because for once she was in charge of her life, and right here with Javier was exactly where she wanted to be. After everything they’d been through – both the good and the bad – they had grown so close, and Av
a knew in her heart that this was only the beginning.

  * * *

  Thank you for reading Troublemaker. Gaining exposure as an independent author relies mostly on word-of-mouth, so if you have the time and inclination, please consider leaving a short review wherever you can.

  Also by Heather Beck

  Frostbitten

  Great beauty hides dark secrets...

  Seventeen-year-old Anastasia Lockhart has never led an easy life, but when she starts getting into serious trouble, she’s sent to live with her grandparents in Cedar Falls. The small, picturesque town hasn’t changed since she visited four years ago, with one exception – the presence of a handsome, mysterious boy named Frost. Despite warnings from her grandparents and friends to stay away from Frost, Anastasia can’t deny their attraction, and the more time they spend together, the deeper in love they fall. Unfortunately, Frost has a secret that is beyond Anastasia’s wildest imagination, and she soon finds herself in the midst of a supernatural legend that has haunted Cedar Falls for years.

  Can Anastasia and Frost’s love really overcome anything, or are their fates much darker?

  Available exclusively at Amazon

  About the Author

  Heather Beck is a Canadian Author and Screenwriter who began writing professionally at the age of sixteen. Since then she has written eleven well-reviewed books, including the best-selling series, The Horror Diaries, which has sold in six continents.

  Heather received an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree from university where she specialized in English and studied an array of disciplines. Currently, she is working on the Frostbitten series and has two anthologies slated for publication. As a screenwriter, Heather has multiple television shows and movies in development. Her short films include: Young Eyes, The Rarity, Too Sensible For Love, Circular, and the forthcoming Witch’s Brew.