True Love:Follow Your Heart

by Melissa Heagerty

  She nods crossing her heart. “I promise, if things get too chaotic or feeling restless, we'll text a signal to get the others' attention ... so?”

  Caden laughs seeing what look she's giving him. “Not that look,” Caden whined making Eileen giggles happily. Hugging him around the neck.

  “Yay, I promise you, Caden, this is exactly what we need. Just a night out for the two of us, even if it's a party.”

  He shook his head. This was his first party as well, and, if it was a party between Kelli and Tiffani, he’d rather stay far away from Kate and Flynn right now. “Guess I have no choice but to get ready.” Caden grumbled lightly.

  She smiles leaving him be to change. Closing the door behind him, she just hopes that it doesn't backfire on either one of them.

  《***》

  Torrie asked seeing an upbeat Eileen coming back to the room.

  “I convinced Caden to go to the party.”

  Torrie raised her brow in shock. “Really?”

  Eileen nods. Sitting down on the messy bed. “I'm not going to be stuck at that party all night by myself watching you flirt with Kasper.”

  Torrie rolled her eyes hitting her sister with a pillow. “Whatever's going on between Kasper and myself, is not for you to concern your pretty head about.”

  “Uh-huh,” Eileen laughs knowing that's a big lie right there. That she was so full of crap.

  “Shut up,” Torrie knew she was judging her, making her giggle.

  Even though Eileen was curious. “So, uh? What is going on?”

  Torrie ignores her sister as she walked into her closet. “Same as last time you asked me a few hours ago. We're only 'fake dating' nothing more, nothing less.” Torrie was half lying through her teeth. She wasn't sure what she was looking for. Most of the clothes were on the floor still.

  Eileen couldn't help but feel a little interested in the mysterious stallion. “I'm not meddling-ish, he's trying to help Michael and Ethan with their issue's.” Code word for referencing Avery Maddox and her brothers. “Can't I be vigilant about my sister's well-being?”

  “You can … but, tone down with the annoying twenty questions though.” Yeah, that was never going to happen. Torrie sighs leaning against the wall. “All I know is right now he's nothing more but a decent guy. I'm helping him out, he's helping me. Maybe we kissed once in the heat of the moment, but I'm not going to ruin our friendship over it. “Torrie truthfully admitted.

  Eileen could understand that. Part of her feels that way with Michael. The only difference is Torrie and Kasper will get farther than they will. “I get it but, if you don't take risks, you'll never know what might've been.”

  Torrie laughs at her own piece of advice. For a smart woman, she sure can be stupid at times.

  Eileen raised her brow confused. “What?” Eileen was playing dumb right now.

  She'll play along … for now. “Funny how you aren't taking your own advice. With two guys at your beck and call.” Torrie picked on her as now Eileen got it. Okay, yeah, maybe that was a low blow.

  “This isn't about me, it's about you. Kasper might be a good guy. But he'll always have an audacious, daredevil rebellious lifestyle. You're positive that you can absolutely take a gamble on him? I, mean, fully trust him?” Eileen wondered where her sister's heart stood.

  Torrie questions her future with him. She wasn't going to lie, there were many mysterious vibes he kept sending her. Despite the lack of her uncertain future, she was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. “Look, all I assume is he's trying to be the good guy. I know you don't see it.”

  Eileen cuts her sister off. “All I know is I don't want you to get hurt. You always put your heart out there. You might be a rebel yourself but, one of these times Torrie, something bad will happen that even you won't be able to stop it. Who'll be there to save you when the time comes?” Eileen left her alone to think about it.

  Torrie was right about one thing, she's always able to take care of herself. Not needing anybody to rescue her. This thing with Lockhart? It's just a publicity stunt, right? Who could give her what she wants? The better question is what does she desire? Who has her heart?

  Chapter 29

  Not too far away from town, licking his wounds after his attack by Kasper. Avery Maddox was still in pain recovering, leaning against the wall waiting for someone at a chary corner.

  “So how'd you do?” Said a sultry feminine voice? A vigilant Kelli Lockhart came up to him in broad daylight. To her knowledge, nobody would be up yet at this time. Well, her fellow peers at least.

  “I'm fine thanks for asking,” saying sarcastically at her.

  Kelli got a better view of him with the fog surrounding them. She gawked in shock seeing his bruises and noticed he was bleeding a bit on his arm where Kasper cut him. “Geez, I told you to hurt him not kill him!” Kelli engrossed on how bad his brother's condition was.

  “I didn't hurt him that bad. But I'm not going to lie, we fought each other pretty badly.” Avery stalled into figuring out a way to tell her about the next part.

  Kelli surveyed him. He was keeping something from her. She could tell in his voice. “What?” She saw the brooding look on his face.

  Avery took a deep breath. Resenting this moment, but he couldn't stall anymore. “I think he knows. Or at least he saw my phone.”

  'Crap!' She thought to herself wondering what else he knew. “What else did you tell him?” She tried to maintain her nonchalant, deadpan figure. Trying not to act scared right this very second.

  “Nothing, but he's gonna put it together. I'm not going to say anything, but, whenever he does, I'd be careful very toots. He's in a bad mood. And I hate to find out what he'll do.”

  'You and me both.' Kelli thought as she sauntered away without uttering another word. She was too shaken up to go home. Figuring he might be there, so she goes to the one place that makes her feel safe.

  “Babe? You alright?” An attentive Travis asked as they were in one of his father's summer condo's that they rarely use. “Kel?” Travis tried to get her attention once more.

  A restive Kelli felt his hand brush on her shoulder. “Y—yeah I'm okay. Just nervous about this party.” She said half lying to him.

  Travis had a feeling there was something more to the way she’s been acting, but he'll let it slide for now. “Relax, will you, everything will be fine. Wyatt and Kandace got most of the decorations up. Most of the team is bringing booze and snacks, nothing is going to go wrong.” Travis reassured her. Other than who'll be coming to this party, if anybody. He's heard how popular Tiffani's parties can be. Not that he ever went to one.

  Kelli was beginning to doubt this party at the last minute.

  Footsteps broke her train of thought. “We're all finished in the living room,” Kandace began to say. Yeah: she might still be upset at her for how things transpired. Despite her mutual feelings, she'll always be there to support Kelli no matter what.

  “Good thanks for helping out Kandy,” Travis said with a grin.

  She nods patting him on the back. The four of them had a bonding relationship since they were in middle school. They made a pact to always be there no matter what. No matter how famous, or how rich they become. Thus far they have not broken a promise.

  “When are the guys coming with the booze?” Wyatt asks his brother; he leered around the place to see if there was anything else they had to set up.

  Travis checked his phone. “Actually, they should—” The doorbell making Kelli jump.

  Get a grip, will you? Kelli thought to herself.

  Travis laughs, clapping his hands. “See? They're already here.” Hitting his brother on the back as he headed over towards the door. “Fellas, cutting it kind of—” Travis stopped his tracks as it wasn't exactly who he was expecting.

  《***》

  “Nice to see you to moneybags.” A voice that chilled Kelli through her entire body.

  “What the hell are you doing
here?” Travis asked in a stern, demanding voice.

  Wyatt and Kandace gaping in shock. Avery glanced at Kelli's direction once seeing her there.

  “Nobody invited you here. Last time I checked. I didn't invite your frowzy face, or trouble-making friends anywhere near this party.” He wasn't wrong, and, of course, if Avery actually gave a damn but, since he doesn't.

  Avery took matters into his own hands. As he forced himself to step inside, yet, this time, Wyatt blocked his path.

  “You hard of hearing? My brother told you, you aren't welcome in our house.” Wyatt repeated.

  A sneer formed on Avery’s face; he found his temper kind of cute in a daring way. Avery was going to miss him. “That's where you're wrong, princess. I've been invited.” Avery said, seeing their flabbergasted expressions on their faces.

  Travis turned to Wyatt, who shrugs his shoulders.

  “Don't look at me man, I sure as hell didn't invite him. I only invited the boys on the team.” That was his part.

  A sly smirk formed on his face. This was more amusing on his part and the party hasn't even started yet. “You want to say something, darlin? Before your brother blabs the truth later on.” Avery stepped aside into the Bentley household. Unannounced, unwelcome, and quite frankly, he doesn't really give a damn.

  Kelli couldn't face them after this fiasco.

  “Kelli? Want to fill us in on what he's rambling about?” Travis stared at her with a glowering look. Hearing his voice raise, as he spoke nicely as he could without blowing a gasket. “Wyatt, keep an eye on our guest?” Travis whispered as Wyatt nodded, knowing what he needed to do.

  《***》

  A vexed Kandace glared at her sister's direction. Curious to wonder what she said to have Avery do her dirty work for her. Kelli sighs knowing there was no way out.

  “Kelli,” Kandace growled at her, not letting her escape this time.

  Damn, she mumbled under her breath. “Fine, I'll talk.” Kelli lowered her head in shame as she couldn't bear to look at the disappointment in their eyes.

  Travis shot a glance at Kandace, who shrugged her shoulders, not sure why she does these things in the first place.

  They both waited impatiently for Kelli's response. “I might've asked Avery to knock some sense into Kasper.”

  Kandace gasped scandalized. “T-tell me you're joking?” Kandace’s eyes glowed with rage. Kandace couldn't even stomach staring at her without feeling disgusted.

  Travis didn't think she could stoop this low. Guess he doesn't know her as he thought.

  “H-he got me so pissed off lately, hanging out with Torrie. I couldn't stand it anymore. I needed to do something.”

  Kandace turned her back, pacing back and forth to calm herself down. It wasn't working. “You could've had our brother hurt or killed! How evil can you actually be? You know, I try to defend you every time I hear slander about you in the hallway. But, to do something as cruel as what you did to our own brother.” Kandace couldn't look at her anymore. And to everyone's surprise, she slapped her sister hard across the face.

  Truth be told, Kelli deserved a hell of a lot more than a slap to the face for what damage she already afflicted.

  “I need to go find Kas, you wonder why everyone thinks you're a bitch? It's because you never take responsibility for the consequences you make!” Kandace didn’t want to stay another minute with her sister. She leaves the condo to check on Kasper.

  《***》

  Travis, who has been speechless, would be taking everything in. What the hell has gotten into you, Kelli?

  She felt his eyes glaring in the back of her skull. Already feeling goosebumps down her arms, as she folds them towards her chest. She knew how crushed he became. “Guess you want to break up with me too?” Kelli whispered to him.

  He covers his mouth with his hand to scratch his cheek. “Kelli—I, I,” Travis starts to speak, but he was at a loss for words. Travis ran a hand through his hair as he collects himself from lashing out. “What the hell were you thinking?!”

  Kelli heard the vexed tone to his voice. She nods, turning her back, not wanting to see his chapfallen expression.

  “Kelli, look at me, please?” Travis tried to get her attention. Seeing she wasn't going to budge; he walks up towards her. Feeling the warmth of his chest, touching her back. Only a few inches spacing between them. “Kelli ...” Travis tried again, pleading with her in a whisper.

  She couldn't go through with it. “Say it and get it over with. I know your disappointment in me for what I did too.” Kelli added. How could he not be? Kandace was right about her. Always playing the victim.

  “Kelli,” Travis tried one more time. He was going to say something but the doorbell broke their concentration. Dammit!

  “Go, take care of it,” Kelli whispered, walking away. She had a party to look forward to. Both of them didn't have time for this right this anyway.

  Travis waited a few minutes to collect himself again. He went to open the door after taking a deep breath. “Hey guys, come on in,” Travis said as football players filled up the place.

  Wyatt spotted Kelli nearby, looking kind of overwhelmed. He walked over to check on her.

  《***》

  “You okay?” Wyatt asked, already knowing the answer. By seeing the look in her eyes.

  She shook her head. Unable to speak. He offered her a sip of her beer. To lighten the mood a bit.

  She held it. Debating on taking a sip. She needed to be alert for tonight. But, with the way things already were. Maybe a pick-me-up wouldn't be so bad. “Thanks,” Kelli gulped half of it down.

  Wyatt knew she shouldn't have drowned her sorrows in booze. Especially with an emotional night, it was shaping up to be. “Slow down there.” Wyatt felt how empty it was. “I'm here if you want to talk.”

  Kelli nods, watching him walk away for another refill. Kelli brought all this onto herself. She can't blame anybody else for her screw-ups.

  《***》

  Avery noticed Kelli walking past him. He decided to have some fun. “So?” Says Avery, which made Kelli rolled her eyes by the sight of him nearby.

  “Didn't you cause me enough problems?” Kelli said, which makes him laugh.

  Nope, not even close. With all the crap he's dealt with the past few weeks. Tonight was him having fun and relaxing a little. “That's funny darlin, you brought this mess on yourself. I hate to see the bloodshed between you and Kasper.” He paused to think about something before he continued. “By the way, he isn't coming to this party by any chance, is he?”

  Kelli thought about it for a moment before forgetting. Crap … She facepalms herself. Clearly forgetting, she offered an invite to Torrie.

  Avery lets out a laugh walking away to grab himself a drink, as this was going to be a good night.

  How the hell is she supposed to face him now after what happened? And, if, he told Torrie no less. She needed another drink fast to calm her nerves. She grabbed a beer from the table after Avery snatched one up and gulped some. Coughing a bit after it went down hard. She never really drank before tonight.

  《***》

  “Take it easy with those. I don't want to have to worry about you tonight.” Travis said, watching Kelli. Like he didn't have enough to worry about.

  Kelli hiccups as she nearly collides into him. “Relax, will you, I'm fine. It's a party after all, right. Nothing will happen.”

  Travis watched her chug a few more sips. He knew this party was going to be full effect tonight, but he at least wanted one of them to be safe tonight. Travis knew he needed help. He can't be in two places at once. So he sighed, and he pulled Wyatt aside, keeping an eye on Kelli while talking in a light whisper. “You mind keeping an eye on Kelli for me? She doesn't drink, and I don't want her to do something she'll regret.”

  Wyatt nods, understanding his concern. He was worried about her too. “Yeah, sure, I got your back.” Wyatt patted him as he follows her around closely but k
eeping his distance. At least until Kandace shows back up. Wyatt walked around texting his girlfriend, Kandace.

  Wyatt: Be careful, okay? Let me know when you get home.

  Putting his phone away back in his pocket as taking a sip from his second beer. Making his rounds until Avery caught his vision. Trying to walk around it, but there was no use to avoid him.

  《***》

  “Well, well ... so what do I owe this pleasure visit?” Avery asked in a conceited tone. Leaning his back against the wall. He couldn't wait to hear his excuse for this one. Luckily for him, no big brother to stop his actions.