Santa's Secret

“You’ve heard me sing. Do you honestly think I’ll subject my parents’ neighbors to my voice?”

Calvin shrugs. “You force me to listen all the time.”

“You’re paid to listen, buddy. I don’t want the neighbors running into their homes when they see me outside. You can guarantee, there will be no going door to door for any of us.”

“Phew, what a relief.”

I swat him in his arm, but he only laughs. He signals to exit and follows my instructions on how to get to Ramona Falls. When he turns onto Main Street, his mouth drops open in amazement. Garlands, white lights and red ribbons decorate every wrought iron light pole along the street. Every store has a holiday display and if he were turn the radio off, he’d hear music playing from the speakers set up outside.

“This is like something out of a book or movie.”

“It’s pretty special,” I tell him. The town looks like a Norman Rockwell painting came to life.

Fourteen

Aiden

It’s been a few days since I’ve had any run-ins with Delaney and I’m sensing since her friend from Los Angeles is here, she’s stopped talking about me, as my locker hasn’t been decorated nor has Dominic sang to me. Honestly, I miss the teasing. Not because I enjoy being harassed by Dom, but because until Delaney’s return, my friend has walked on eggshells where I’ve been concerned and it’s nice to see him getting back to his old self. I suppose I have Delaney to thank for that.

Dominic storms into the locker room, fully dressed and ready to go for the day. He sets his foot on the bench, resting his forearm on his thigh. “What’re you doing after work?”

“Eating, sleeping, sanding my floors, homework. The list is endless when I get home. Why, what’s up?”

“D scored some tickets to the Bruins game tonight. Wanna go? Eileen can watch Holly.”

I do want to go. It’s been entirely too long since I’ve been out with the guys. When Heather became ill, our lives changed. They had to. Friends are there, but relationships take a backseat. Unfortunately, hockey tickets are expensive and there’s no way I can afford them. I start to shake my head, but his hand goes up.

“I wasn’t clear,” he says as he pulls out his phone. He clicks a few times before he hands it to me. On the screen are his messages with his sister.

Delaney: I have four tickets to the Bruins tonight.

Dominic: For me?

Delaney: For you, Calvin, Dad and Fish.

Dominic: Does Fisher know?

Delaney: Nope. Figured you can tell him or I can ?

I hand Dominic his phone back without saying anything. I don’t want the handout, but it’s nice she’s thinking about me.

“As you can see, it’s non-negotiable. I mean, I could call my sister and have her talk to you.”

“No need,” I tell him as I shut my locker. “I’ll have to see if my mom can take Holly.” Thing is, I already know she can. It’s Friday night and Holly often spends the night there so I can pretend to do something around the house, when really all I do is look through our photo albums because I fear I’m going to forget the smallest of details about Heather.

“Like I said, Eileen will watch her or I’m sure D wouldn’t mind.”

“I’m not pawning my daughter off on your sister. Besides, if they were to leave and have another incident at the mall, I don’t think I’d be able to forgive myself.”

“My sister would protect Holly, Fisher. You have to know that.”

I nod. “And who would protect your sister?”

Dominic drops his foot from the bench and stands tall. “You’re right.” He pats me on the back and leaves his hand there until we’re at the door. “Calvin is going to drive. Delaney says we can take her rental.”

“Her car? No way can the four of us fit in there.”

Dom laughs. “Calvin rented an SUV when he arrived. It’s completely decked out. We’ll be riding in luxury.” Dominic heads into the station without realizing the weight of his words. Luxury… something I don’t have and can only experience when others take pity on me. It’s not that I think Delaney is taking pity, but it feels like it.