Santa's Secret

I punch him lightly on his shoulder and he cowers.

“Seriously, though. Think about directing the school play for the festival. I know it’s only a few weeks away, but the kids would love it.”

“See ya, Fish.” I get into my car, purposely ignore his comment regarding the play. As much as I’d love to do it, I can’t march into the school and ask that I be given the responsibility. I’m sure they already have people to make sure everything goes off without any complications.

Aiden shuts my door and waves as I pull out of the spot. My head is swirling, thinking about missed connections with him. Would he have followed me to Los Angeles if we were still dating? It seems unlikely. We had only been together a few months, half a year or so if we had made it to graduation. That’s not enough time for someone to make a life changing decision. If he would’ve asked me to stay, I would’ve told him no.

On my way, I decide to call Mindy. I’m eager to see her and spend some time with her family. I haven’t been the best friend, letting my career consume my life, but I have sent her children gifts and did buy something for them today.

“Sup?” she asks.

“I can’t believe that’s how you answer the phone.”

“Eh, I knew it was you. I suppose I could’ve been like OH EM GEE it’s Delaney Du Luca!”

“Brat.”

“I know. What’s up?”

“Nothing,” I tell her. “I’m driving back from the mall. I had to get some clothes, picked up a few presents, and happened to spend the day with Fish.” I mumble the last part, unsure of how she’ll react.

“Hold up. Did you say fish? As in Aiden Fisher?”

“Uh huh. Mindy, I think I like him.”

“Wow… I just… wow… You know what? Good for you. Good for him.”

“What do you mean?”

Mindy adjusts her phone and it sounds like she closes a door. “Sorry, I don’t want Joel to hear. Did you know they’re working together?”

“No, I didn’t know Joel was a police officer. When did that happen?”

“A few years back. He wasn’t happy at the bank so he took the test and went to the academy. He’s happy, but moody. Anyway, Aiden’s vulnerable, Delaney. His wife died and he’s raising Holly by himself. We did some fundraisers for him to help offset the medical expenses insurance wouldn’t pick up, but he’s struggling. His house is falling apart. Joel and a few of the guys offered to help him fix it up, but he blows everyone off.”

The more Mindy talks about Aiden, the more today makes sense. At lunch earlier he wanted to order chips and he made a face at anything I picked out over twenty dollars. I thought it was because he didn’t like my taste, but if the man’s broke, I can easily see why he doesn’t want to spend money.

“Min, is Aiden broke?”

She sighs, and that’s enough to tell me he is. “He’s very proud, Delaney.”

“I know. Listen, I gotta run. I have some calls to make, but I want to come by and see you and the kids, maybe harass Joel for a bit, just let me know when, okay?”

“This weekend. Stop by on Saturday.”

“I’ll be there.”

I hang up and drive the rest of the way home in silence. Everything about today makes complete sense. I just wish I had seen it sooner.

Ten

Aiden

The presents I picked up for Holly sit tucked tightly away in my closet, hidden under garbage bags of clothes I have to do something with. I’m not looking forward to the day when I have to find creative ways to conceal any of her gifts. I know I made it hard for my parents and most of the time my mom would hide mine and Meredith’s gifts in the car or attic where we didn’t have access.

Standing back, I make sure everything looks normal before closing the door. I don’t exactly expect Holly to come busting into my room to rifle through my closet, but a dad can never be too sure. I’m happy with what I was able to buy today, even with Delaney picking clothes and toys that were out of my budget.

When I was with her, I felt rather inadequate. She was spending money right and left, almost as if it grows on trees. I suppose for her, it does. I’ll never know what that feeling is like though, and while it’s not Laney’s fault I’m in this predicament, I couldn’t bring myself to tell her I live paycheck to paycheck, barely making ends meet. I had enough issues trying to maintain my composure. Being next to Delaney and trying to look at her as a friend and not a movie star was hard, but I think I managed not to make a complete fool out of myself.