Santa's Secret

“What’s your next role?”

“Well, I have reshoots starting the day after Christmas and about mid-January I’ll start working on a rom-com where I play a jilted bride.”

“Oh, it’s like true life imitating art.”

I look at her oddly and she smiles. “I’ve never been left at the altar.”

“Well close enough, when Trey ran off with his baby mama. I mean, it’s probably a good thing because had you married him, he probably would’ve taken your money to give to her.”

And this is why I should’ve stayed home. If I wasn’t already depressed, I am now. Thanks, Lana. “Well, luckily for me, Trey made the right decision and… well, did whatever.”

“Have you heard from him?”

I shake my head. “We have nothing to talk about. So tell me, what else is going on?” I ask quickly changing the subject.

“Oh nothing really,” she says. “I go for auditions and sit by the phone. This role with Denz will really catapult my career. I’ll be on your level and every part will land in my lap.”

“I wish. I have to work for mine just as you do.”

“Yeah…” she trails off and picks up her phone, which is a no-no in this restaurant. If she plans to make it in Hollywood, she might want to start by following the rules.

“You know, Lana. I just remembered I have to meet my agent. I completely forgot.” I throw down a twenty for the food I’m not going to eat.

“But it’s Christmas Eve.”

“I know, she’s such a slave driver.” For the second time this week I make up an excuse about work to get out of a situation. Not my finest moments, that’s for sure.

Outside, I slip on my hat and wrap my scarf around my neck. It’s not cold, but a bit chilly, and I find myself missing the snow. I don’t miss the wet though.

I pass through the park on my way home, the one with all the decorations. The fake snow machine is pumping out flakes. I stand under it, hoping to catch one or two, but they flutter in every other direction.

I’d give anything to make a snow angel right now, to be with Holly, to be ice skating and holding her hand.

I p

ull out my phone to call Aiden, praying he’ll let me speak with his daughter, only I can’t bring myself to push the button to make his phone ring. I owe him an apology, but don’t know if I have the right words to tell him how sorry I am. I never meant to make him feel like less of a man.

Instead of grabbing a cab, I decide to walk a bit longer. The decorations on these houses look nothing like the ones in Ramona Falls. The lack of snow makes the giant inflatable snowman and wooden Santa with his reindeer look out of place, but at least they’re in the spirit. That’s more than I can say for my house.

I finally call for a taxi once the sun goes down. The young man tells me about his daughter having her first Christmas, and how she’s already trying to open the presents under the tree. I think he’s hoping his story will make me smile, but all it does is make me miss Aiden and Holly more. Even my parents. I should’ve never left so hastily. When he pulls into my parking lot, I give him a large tip and wish him and his family a merry Christmas.

Inside, all my lights are off, which is odd since I have everything on a timer. I flip the switch as I walk into my living room and scream out, not only in fear, but in elation because standing there, in front of a fully decorated tree are Aiden and Holly.

“Surprise!” Holly yells as she comes barreling toward me. I catch her in my arms and we both fall to the ground. I’m unable to stop the tears from flowing.

“What’re you doing here?” I ask her as I hold her face between my hands. I need my eyes to see that she’s real.

“We came for Christmas?”

“I’m sorry what?”

Aiden clears his throat and offers me a hand to help me stand. When I go to pull my hand away, he tightens his grip. “I have something to say.”

I nod, waiting for him to continue.

“I know your secret,” he says. “The one you told Santa.”

“How?”