Trouble Read online

  Trouble

  Angela Nicole

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  The Salvation Society

  Acknowledgments

  Other Books by Angela Nicole

  About the Author

  Copyright @2020 Angela Nicole

  Cover Design:

  T.E. Black Designs

  Editing:

  Full Bloom Editing

  Proofreading:

  Natasha Carrere

  Photopgrapher:

  J.W. Photography

  Chapter One

  Hennie

  “I love watching you work. It’s the time you look most peaceful,” I say to my boyfriend, Tate, as he draws some motorcycle part. He doesn’t look up at me, but I see the smile cross his face.

  “It’s only you that makes me peaceful, Trouble.”

  His nickname for me is probably more suitable for him. Tate calls me Trouble, but to everyone on the outside looking in, he’s the one who’s trouble. My boyfriend comes from a broken home. Sure, I know it happens a lot, but his home life is really bad.

  Tate’s father, Sam, a convicted felon, is in prison for armed robbery. I’ve heard Sam was a big gambler, owing a lot of money to different people. According to Tate, that’s why he tried to rob a bank. His mother, well, no one is sure where she is. With two absent parents, Tate has been left to raise himself. Thankfully, his Uncle Mike has taken him in. Tate and his uncle are all that’s left of his family. Mike is the father Tate should’ve had.

  A lump forms in my throat at the thought of what he’s been through. I run my hand through his dark hair, wishing I could do more to help him. If only my parents would understand, Tate is not his father.

  Of course, they don’t think Tate is good enough for me. Their reasoning? I’m on track to become valedictorian when I graduate in June. Tate? He dropped out six months ago, thinking he needed to work instead of finish high school. He took a job working as a flagman on a road construction crew. I tried to talk him out of it, begging him to finish school, but he wouldn’t listen.

  The last six months have been somewhat rough for us. We fought about it a lot. I wanted to make sure he didn’t regret his decision, but Tate thought I was embarrassed by his choices. It took some convincing, but he eventually realized I just wanted what I thought was the best for him. Plus, I hated the thought of not seeing him in the hallways of George Washington High School. It was right after that fight we both promised to stay together no matter what. The only deal-breaker for us is cheating. That’s something neither of us would tolerate. It’s a guaranteed break-up.

  Tate did agree to sign up to take his equivalency exam, appeasing my nagging.

  “Have you heard anything from USC yet?” Tate asks as he leans down on the blanket next to me.

  I don’t want to lie to him, but I also don’t want him to know I got accepted into the Media and Communications program. He’ll want me to go to California to pursue my dream of working in Public Relations. And while part of me would love to go, the other knows that it would mean rarely seeing the guy I love. That’s not something I think I’ll be able to handle. Instead, I would rather stay like this forever— Trouble and Tate, enjoying every day together. I wouldn’t be able to hang out with him here in the field like we do, and I sure as hell wouldn’t be able to touch him and kiss him if I’m across the country.

  If I ever thought for one second Tate wasn’t the one I would be with for the rest of my life, then yeah, maybe I’d consider going to California. But for right now? Tate Palmer is my everything.

  Mentally preparing for an argument, I quickly try and gloss over the fact that, yeah, I got into USC. “Last week, I got a letter asking if I wanted them to hold a spot in the program.”

  I watch as Tate puts down his pen and protractor. Even though this day was inevitable, I’m not prepared for this discussion. Glancing at Tate’s face, I can see something resembling a smile, yet his eyes are sad. This is why I didn’t want to apply to USC even though it’s my dream. California is not an option if it means I lose him. Even the thought of not being with him makes me physically sick.

  “Why didn’t you tell me last week, Hennie?”

  Blowing out a breath, I know I can’t lie to him. Trust is very important to both of us.

  “I knew you’d push me to go. I don’t want to go and leave you here. I can go to community college with you once you get your equivalency diploma. After that, we can decide what to do together.”

  Tate’s dark eyes pierce me, his look stripping my soul bare. He won’t want me to stay here with him. We’ve had this conversation almost weekly since he made me apply for the program. I know if I go, it may not work out for us. After all, we live in Upstate New York. It’s not like the University of Southern California is close by.

  Tate reaches out and runs his thumb down my cheek, giving me the same goosebumps he always does. “You need to do this, Hen. The last thing I want is for you to stay here and work some dead-end job because of me. I want this for you. It’s your dream.”

  That’s Tate. It’s one of the reasons I love him so much— he’s selfless even though he’s had a shit life.

  Shrugging my shoulders, I downplay the importance. “I can get a degree anywhere, Tate. It doesn’t have to be clear across the country.”

  Rolling me over to my back, his gorgeous face hovers over mine. “Hennie, I love you, and that means I want what’s best for you.” Tate kisses me with such urgency. It’s a kiss that means so much. Perhaps a promise or goodbye, I’m not sure.

  He brushes a strand of my blonde hair behind my ear but doesn’t move his lips far from mine. “I don’t want you to stay here for me. You’re meant for bigger things than staying here in this shit town. Please go to California. I’ll come out there as soon as I save enough money. Don’t worry about us, Hen. Time and space aren’t enough to break us apart,” he says as he wipes my runaway tear with his thumb.

  Suddenly, I can’t breathe. It’s not because Tate is crowding me— it’s the anxiety of leaving the love of my life. Pushing Tate off of me, I run my hands over my jeans as I stand. “I can’t do it. I can’t leave. Please don’t ask me to do that,” I whisper as I begin to run home.

  “Hennie!” Tate yells after me, but I don’t stop. I need to get home and tear up the acceptance letter. I want it gone so I don’t have to think about it anymore.

  I’m sobbing as I run through the field, making my way to the dirt road. My house is at one end, and Tate’s house where he lives with his Uncle Mike is at the other. I close my eyes and try to silence my sobs.

  Jogging up the steps, I try and calm myself before my parents
wonder what’s wrong. They don’t know about the letter either. If they did, my bags would be packed so that the second I graduate, I’d be put on a plane out of here and away from the boy they think isn’t good enough for me.

  “Hey, Hennie,” my dad yells from his chair in the living room. “Your mom went to the store if you’re looking for her.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  I make my way up the stairs to my bedroom. It’s times like these I wish I wasn’t an only child. I’d love to have a big sister to talk to. I could call my friend Ellie, but she doesn’t like Tate very much, so I know what she’d say about USC. She’d ask me what the hell I’m thinking, not going away to college. She’d lecture me on how I should go live in the land of sand and sun and forget about my life here.

  Sitting on the edge of my canopy bed, I open my journal. I can see the folded acceptance letter as it sticks out from the pages. Tired of thinking about it, I slide the one thing that could keep me and Tate apart into the pocket of my jeans and head down to my dad’s office. My hands are shaking, but I know what I have to do. Turning on the shredder, I get rid of any reminder of what could be, banking instead on the sure thing— my love for Tate.

  Chapter Two

  Tate

  It’s been two weeks since Hennie dropped the bomb on me about USC. I was a little pissed she hid it from me once I found out. I’ve been feeling so fucking guilty she wants to stay here because she’s afraid to lose me. I don’t want to live with that kind of guilt. I’m not worth it. Hennie Marsh is the type of girl who could have the whole world at her feet if she wanted. And hell if I don’t know that first-hand.

  “Hey, bud,” my friend Nolan says as he greets me in the barn behind my uncle’s place. Carrying a six-pack of beer and a blunt, Nolan takes a seat on the hay bale opposite me. “So what the hell is up with you, man? You look like shit.” He throws me a beer.

  I crack open the can and chug half down before answering Nolan. “Hennie got accepted to USC for the program she’s dreamt about. And I’m the motherfucker standing in her way.”

  Nolan cocks his head to one side. “Why don’t you let her go then, Tate? Don’t be a dick to Hennie. She’s a great girl.”

  I laugh to myself. “Dude, she won’t leave me. I told her to go. She’s adamant that she’s staying. Shit, I don’t even think she’s told her parents about it.” I run my hand through my hair in frustration.

  “Wow, they’re going to shit bricks when they find out. You know they’re going to blame you.”

  “They should. She’s staying because of me. I don’t think I can fucking live with that.”

  “Why don’t you just break up with her? She’ll hate you, but she’ll leave. When she finally realizes she’s better off in California and you were right, maybe she’ll take you back.”

  I bark out a laugh. “Have you met Hennie? She’ll see right through it and tell me we aren’t breaking up.” I shake my head.

  Nolan lights up the blunt, takes a drag, and hands it to me. “I don’t know what to tell you, man. I don’t have the best track record myself. When I don’t have a girl, I want one. But when I get her, my eyes, and hands wander, and I cheat. I guess I’m too selfish to have just one. What you and Hennie have though is great for you. I just don’t think it’d ever be in the cards for me.”

  Nolan unwittingly puts the thought into my head. The only way Hennie will go to California is if we aren’t together. And the only way she won’t want to be with me is if I were to cheat. Somehow, I have to make her think I cheated on her. It’s the only option. It’s the one thing she’d never put up with. If there were any other way to get her to go, I’d do it. But she doesn’t believe our relationship would survive the distance even though I know it would.

  “I gotta go,” I say, slapping Nolan on the back as I run out of the barn.

  My mind starts to formulate a plan. While it breaks my heart to hurt Hennie, I know this is what’s best for her. It’ll crush me when she leaves, but it’d kill me if she stayed and ended up resenting me. I just hope by the time I can make something of myself, she’ll forgive me.

  Chapter Three

  Hennie

  “I’m so proud of you, honey,” my mom says as we head back to the car after the long graduation ceremony. I gave my valedictorian speech hoping Tate was there watching. He’s been acting strange lately. In fact, he said he couldn’t commit to making it to my graduation. I guess he had something to do with his uncle. My heart nearly broke, thinking he’d miss it. Perhaps it was selfish of me to want him there since he isn’t graduating himself.

  “Thanks, Mom.” My half-hearted response is mired with worry about what’s going on with Tate.

  Taking off my gown, I smooth down my navy blue dress I wore underneath. My parents and I are heading to my favorite diner for a celebratory dinner.

  “Hennie? Did you call USC to see about whether or not you got in?” My dad asks, looking at me in the rearview mirror.

  I clear my throat before I lie. “Yeah, but they haven’t sent out the letters yet.”

  “That’s so strange. I thought they would’ve made the offers by now.”

  I don’t know how much longer I can lie, but I’m hoping to hold off long enough to talk them into letting me stay here and go to community college.

  Thankfully, my dad drops the subject as we pull into Freddy’s for an early dinner. I quickly glance at my phone, hoping for a text from Tate. There’s nothing but disappointment. With a sigh, I get out of my dad’s silver Chevy Impala and follow him and my mom into the diner. I watch as they walk hand-in-hand, always displaying their love for each other. That’s what I want with Tate. I want to be able to walk hand-in-hand with him in front of my parents. Their support would mean so much to both of us.

  We follow the hostess to an open table, but when I take my seat, I’m shocked at what I see across the diner. It’s my boyfriend— and he’s with Izzy Benton, my freaking arch-nemesis. What the hell is he doing here with her? I start to rationalize what I’m seeing. Perhaps he’s just talking to her while he waits for me to show up. When he moves into the booth, he kisses her on the cheek. The tears immediately fall as I register the closeness between them. His arm is around her shoulder while she’s whispering in his ear.

  “What do you want for dinner?” My mom asks, oblivious to what’s going on.

  I can’t take my eyes off them to even begin to answer her. When Tate’s eyes lock on mine, it’s game over. Knowing I’m going to be sick, I make my way out the back door. I’m not sure, but I think I hear my parents call out my name. I don’t bother to stop. I can feel the other patrons’ eyes on me. Let them look at me. I don’t care. My only mission is to get out of the diner and into the fresh air.

  Using my whole body as leverage against the heavy door, I stumble out onto the concrete stoop. Immediately, I begin to wretch as I envision Tate and Izzy. The questions come next. How could he do this to me? Have they been having sex behind my back? We’ve promised to only have sex with each other when the time was right.

  As I continue to try to formulate a reason for what I saw, I hear the creak of the door. Wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, I look up to find Tate staring down on me from the cement stoop.

  “Why?” It’s all I can get out between sobs.

  Tate rubs the back of his neck but says nothing.

  “Is it because we haven’t had sex yet?” I choke out.

  Tate never pressured me to have sex with him. He was always patient and gentle with me when things would get heated.

  “Hennie, I never meant to hurt you. But Izzy and I have more in common. She comes from a broken home like I do. I just don't think I can give you what you want, what you deserve.”

  “Tate! Just answer my question. Have you been fooling around with Izzy?”

  Tate looks down at the ground just as my parents make their way out the door. He glances back at them and then to me. Clearing his throat, his one-word answer changes my future forever.

&n
bsp; “Yes.”

  Squeezing my eyes tight, I try to gain control of my emotions, but another sob wracks my body.

  “Hennie, what's going on out here? Why are you crying?” my mother asks.

  I can't even answer her yet because I need more answers from Tate, who's now standing with one hand on the door handle, ready to go back into the diner. But I can't let him get away just yet. And if he's going to admit what he's done, he's going to do it in front of my parents. Because after all, maybe they were right about him.

  “How could you do this to me? And with Izzy of all people?”

  Tate glances at my parents and then back to me, and then he proves my parents right. It's a punch in the gut as my heart shatters right here in the diner parking lot.

  “Come on, Hennie. You know you’re too good for me. Let’s be realistic. You and I would never work out. If we didn’t break up because of your parents hating me, I’d screw up somehow,” he shrugs. “Let’s just go our separate ways now before it’s too late.”

  Looking up at Tate, I see who I thought was my future. Now, I see him as my past.

  Chapter Four

  Hennie