Santa's Secret

“Oh, Holly will love that.”

“Hopefully, you will too. I thought we could do it together.”

It’s not very often I’m rendered speechless, but here I am, stunned into silence. Decorating a family tree should be something families do together. With that said, I know Delaney was there helping with mine, but I’ve known her for years and when we were younger I was often at the Du Luca’s and spent many holiday eves there. This though, screams relationship status and I’m not entirely comfortable with it.

“Um…”

“It’ll be fun and the girls will love it.”

Think about Holly, I tell myself. “Yes, I’m sure they will. Speaking of, where should I put her bag?” I hold it up to show Shelby it’s still in my hand.

“Follow me.” Shelby takes us to Shawna’s room where the girls are coloring. Holly doesn’t even notice I’m in the room, but does say hi to me. “The girls play so well together.” Shelby places one hand on my forearm and the other on my stomach.

As casual as possible, I step away from her and go to Holly under the premise I want to see what she’s coloring. Delaney’s name is in the top right corner. The thought of Holly coloring something for Delaney brings a smile to face.

“Dinner’s about ready, girls. Go wash up,” Shelby tells them. Both girls hop to it, chatting the whole way to the bathroom.

“Do you need help?” I ask, trying to be polite.

Shelby shakes her head. “Just make yourself at home, Aiden.”

Home. It’s where I want to be right now, but instead I’m lingering near the bathroom door, using my daughter as an excuse so I’m not caught off guard by Shelby. I shouldn’t feel like this. Shelby’s a beautiful woman, but not the right one for me. Or maybe she is and I’m just too blind to see it? Would I be in a relationship with Shelby had Delaney not come back? The question weighs heavily on my mind as I trail behind the girls. Unfortunately, I don’t know the answer and it’s not like I can ask my best friend or sister for advice. Dominic will tease me relentlessly and Meredith will tell me to do the right thing and date Shelby. Not because she’s the safest option, but probably because she’s the only option. I’m a fool to think Delaney will ever be anything more than a friend.

Twenty-Five

Delaney

I don’t know why I ever look at social media. There’s always something posted that will inevitably upset me. Today, it’s the post Shelby Whittensby made a few nights ago, showing the world aka Ramona Falls, a picture of her, her daughter, Holly and Aiden, posing together in front of her tree. I know it’s her tree because I had the privilege of decorating Aiden’s. Was it a privilege or did I invite myself to take part in something he was doing with his daughter because I wanted to be there? I’ve been asking myself this question ever since this picture was posted. I hate second-guessing myself as much as I hate the hashtags Shelby added to her post: family, Christmas and love.

Love, really? Are they in love or does she just love the photo? It’s really hard to tell because his arm is around her and they look happy. So ridiculously happy, the sight of them makes my stomach hurt. She’s pretty and perfect for him, and I’m envious. Jealous because I thought Aiden and I had something and I’m bothered by his relationship with Shelby because we almost kissed, twice or was it three times? Was I misreading the situation or did he realize I’m no good for him so he’s doing what’s right for his family?

“Will you stop looking at your phone?” Mindy hisses across the table. Calvin chuckles, but otherwise doesn’t say anything. The restaurant we’re in is full, and I’ve already been approached for autographs, which I signed of course, but refused to pose for pictures. I’d like to be left alone while on vacation, but being back home means I have to be a bit flexible.

“I can’t help it, Min. Look at them!” I turn the screen so she can see the same picture I’ve been showing her non-stop since it appeared on her timeline. Mindy may be my best friend, but she liked the photo because it’s the nice “town” thing to do. “You should’ve used the mad emoji or something.”

“You’re being petty.”

I roll my eyes and take a sip of my wine. “I’m not.”

“You are,” Calvin chimes in. “You’re not dating him and in a few weeks you’ll be back in California, forgetting everyone and everything in Ramona Falls. Let the man find a bit of happiness.”

I glare at Calvin, hating the fact that he’s right. After Christmas, I have to go back, even though I intended to stay until the New Year. The director of my recent project has called for reshoots and since I conveniently didn’t leave the country, he was able to harass my agent enough, who insisted I return home to get them done.

“Unless you’re telling us something else, D. Are you falling for Aiden Fisher?” Mindy’s eyes never leave mine as she takes a drink of her wine. I pick mine back up and finish it off, avoiding her question. Calvin laughs, and my kneejerk reaction is to kick him. Thankfully, no one can see under our table, otherwise I’d be all over social media for abusing my bodyguard.

“I’m not saying anything.”

“You don’t have to. It’s written all over your face.” Mindy’s wrong. I’m stoic when it comes to my emotions. I’ve learned over the years to hide them, especially from the paparazzi.

Speaking of, the man a few tables away is staring. Each time I look over, he smiles and it takes me a minute to remember I’ve seen him before. I lean into Calvin and say as quietly as possible, “There’s a man two tables over to the left. He looks familiar and this is the second time I’ve seen him. Where do I know him from?”

Calvin, being not the so subtle man he is, turns in his chair and looks. He’s not shy about lingering either or letting the man know he’s paying attention to him now. When Calvin turns back to the table, his face pales, which is saying a lot.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

“He’s paps.”

“What? Are you sure? What’s he doing here?” I make an ill-fated attempt at keeping my voice down, but to no avail. The people next to us are now looking. I smile, but know it comes off as a grimace.