Santa's Secret

by Heidi McLaughlin

  The other reason my phone is off is so I don’t want to look on social media sites for pictures of Aiden and Shelby. I would suspect she’s consoling him over my deceit. It’s something I would do if I were interested in a man. I’m sure she was there at sunrise with a coffee in her hand, offering him a listening ear, although his kitchen is fully stocked and should last him at least a month, if not longer.

  I wish I could go back and do things differently. I don’t know if I’d let myself fall so easily for Aiden and Holly. I’d likely keep my guard up and stay at my parents’ more, be a homebody instead of putting myself in places where I knew I’d likely run into Aiden. I definitely wouldn’t have done the play. The only reason I did was because Aiden suggested I take a leap of faith. Deep down, I felt like I had something to prove to him, to show him I’m more than an actress making a living on the big screen. In the end, I proved nothing.

  Honestly, he had no chance once I set my sights on him. What does that make me? I’m not sure a word has been invented for what I’ve done because overbearing nut job doesn’t really cut it. I used my brother, telling him that this would be a good thing for the Fishers and he bought it, betraying his best friend.

  I’ve likely ruined lifelong friendships because of how selfish I am. I’m going to have to make it up to Dominic. Maybe I’ll pay for his and Eileen’s honeymoon or destination wedding because going back to Ramona Falls anytime soon doesn’t appeal to me.

  A little girl cries out, having fallen and it looks like she’s scraped her knee. I rush over to her, only to stop when her mother or nanny arrives first. I look around, wondering if anyone is staring or gabbing about the odd woman who is trying to intervene.

  “What is wrong with me?” I mutter to myself, hoping someone or something will give me an answer. I look around, but the other men and women in the park keep their attention on their children. I shouldn’t be here. This park isn’t the place for a single woman mending a broken heart.

  Thirty

  Aiden

  The banging on my door continues. It’s coupled with Dominic yelling my name. Clearly, he knows I’m home and it should be evident I’m ignoring him. He’s not getting the picture. I want to be left alone, and the last person I want to talk to is him. He asked me not to hurt his sister; I did exactly that, not twenty-four hours later. It wasn’t my intention, but Delaney overstepped and I lost my temper. Actually, I kept the rage I was feeling in check, but my words were harsh and I made her cry. Something I never thought I’d do. She’s been so nice and accommodating, letting Holly hang all over her. Delaney didn’t have to be like that, and yet she gave so selflessly. Too much if you’re looking at the floor under our Christmas tree full of presents.

  I lift my beer bottle to my lips and tilt my head back, waiting for a trickle or drop to tease the back of my throat. Over the last ten or so hours I’ve done nothing but sit on the couch and stare at the tree. The six-pack of bottles, courtesy of Delaney, sits empty at my feet. Well, five do since the last one is still in my hand.

  Our tree is beautiful. Not because it’s something my daughter decorated. It’s because there’s a story behind it. Delaney did that. She gave Holly a story to tell friends, something to remember each time we go to Mr. Steve’s for a tree in years to come. The fact that Delaney came over and helped decorate it, well, that just adds to the beauty, and I destroyed it all.

  I’m sure there was another way for Delaney and me to discuss what happened. I could’ve easily asked her to take the presents back, to donate them to the shelter or a child’s home for kids who need a little Christmas magic in their lives. Holly has some presents, and while I may not be able to buy her the best of everything, my parents are there to make sure she has plenty. What Delaney did was take gift giving and put it on steroids.

  The banging finally stops. The quiet is peaceful. I close my eyes, but see images of Delaney crying and I can’t stand to look at the pain I caused her.

  My eyes fly open when my door slams shut. “What the—”

  “Mind telling me what’s going on?”

  I hold up my empty bottle of beer and shake it. Dominic shakes his head. I can see the disappointment in his eyes. Its different from the look he gave me after Heather died. Then, he sat with me so I wouldn’t hurt myself or do something stupid.

  Somehow, I have a feeling he’s not here to be my support. “There’s more in the fridge if you want one.”

  “It’s eight in the morning, Fisher. Beer is the last thing either of us need.”

  “Yeah well, I stopped keeping track of time about ten or is it twelve, hours now?”

  Dominic stands in front of me with his shoulders square. “The one thing I asked you to do is not hurt her, and what do you do?”

  “Hurt her,” I tell him.

  “Do you know what it’s like to get a phone call from my mother crying hysterically because her Christmas is ruined?”

  “Delaney go overboard on her presents too?”

  Dominic sighs angrily before answering. “No, she left.”

  I sit up straight, and wobble slightly. “What?”

  “Last night around midnight, she and Calvin left. They had a six am flight out of New York. Apparently, she has to work, but I knew something else had to be up and by the look of things here, I’m right. So what I need you to do is sober up quickly and tell me what’s going on.”

  Dominic doesn’t give me a chance to respond before he disappears into my kitchen. The sound of water running and the cupboards opening and closing lead me to believe he’s making a pot of coffee. At this rate though, I may need two.

  I’m able to make it down to the bathroom, but not without bumping into the wall a few times. I refuse to look at myself in the mirror, already hating the way I feel. I splash cold water on my face, shivering as droplets go down my neck and into my shirt.

  Dominic is there, in the doorway, with a mug of steaming coffee. He hands it to me and I drink, gagging at the strong taste. “This is nasty.”

  Dom shrugs. “Can’t say I really care right now.” No, I suppose he doesn’t. Honestly, I’m not sure if telling Dominic about the argument Delaney and I had will make a difference. I’m also not sure I believe him when he says she has to work. Delaney was looking forward to spending Christmas with her parents, I’m sure she would’ve pushed work off as long as possible.

  “Ready to talk?”

  I nod and motion toward the living room. He follows me there and takes a seat in the chair while I sit on the sofa. “I came home to this last night.”

  “And?” he asks, without looking at the pile of presents on the floor.

  “And… it’s excessive. It’s overstepping. It’s showing my daughter that Delaney can buy her anything she wants and I can’t.”

  Finally, Dominic looks at the mess around the tree, but he doesn’t say anything. He picks up a few presents, examines them, and sets them back into place.

  “Let me guess. You freaked out and thought she was trying to buy your love?”

  “Actually, that never crossed my mind, but I did freak out.”

  “Why?” he asks.

  “Because I can’t give Delaney the type of relationship she’s looking for or needs. I’m a police officer for crying out loud. I make barely enough to feed my kid and pay my mortgage. How am I supposed to keep up with Delaney?”

  “Have you ever thought that maybe you don’t need to keep up with her? That you just need to be you, the man she’s in love with from Ramona Falls? Be the man she trusts with her secrets, desires and be there when she comes home from a hectic day at work to hold her and tell her that tomorrow will be better?

  “Delaney’s life isn’t about money, and I can guarantee you she did this because she wants you and Holly to have the best freaking Christmas ever.”

  “It’s too much.”

  “No, you know what’s too much? Delaney paying off my parents’ mortgage so my mom can retire, or her paying off every bill they have so our dad can take our mom o
n the vacation she’s always dreamed of. Or Delaney getting us box and ice seats because she wanted to do something nice for you.”

  “That was for Calvin,” I remind him.

  Dominic shakes his head. “Do you think if it were for Calvin, you would’ve been invited? Think about it, Fisher. You were the only non-Du Luca there. That trip was for you.”

  It takes me a minute to find my words. “Just proves my point. I can’t compete with her.”

  Dominic scoffs. “Delaney doesn’t know any other way to show you she cares. Maybe you can teach her, but right now, in her life, people buy gifts for the ones they love. The only thing she meant here, is for you and Holly to have the best Christmas you’ve had since before Heather passed away. She’s not trying to one up you or make you feel inadequate. She’s trying to show you how much you mean to her.”

  Dominic sighs and then becomes silent. He’s looking down at the ground, likely waiting for me to say something. Thing is, I don’t know what to say. It’d be so easy to wash my hands of this and say oh well, but the truth of the matter is, I love her and have felt horrible since she left. I should’ve chased her and told her how sorry I am.

  “What do I do to fix this?”

  “Go to her,” Dominic says, as if it’s that easy. “Call Calvin and ask him… no, beg him to help you. He’ll know what to do.” Dominic pulls open his wallet and tosses his credit card at me. “Use it for airline tickets, rental car, every flower you can buy or whatever. I already added your name on there so you shouldn’t have any problems.”

  “I can’t use your card.”

  “You can and will.” Dominic stands. “Fix this Fisher, because I really hate knowing my sister is hurting.” Dominic leaves, slamming my door on his way out. It only takes me seconds to find Calvin’s name and press the call button. The phone rings six times before going to voicemail. I call back, and back again until he finally picks up.

  “You better be dying in a ditch somewhere because it’s five in the morning and I’m on vacation.”

  “Oh.”

  “Oh is all you have to say? What do you want, Aiden?”

  “I’m sorry to wake you. I didn’t think about the time difference.”

  “Uh huh.”

  “Anyway, I really messed up with Delaney and I need to fix things.”

  Calvin groans. “I think it might be a little too late.”

  “I know, but I have to try. I’ve spoken to Dominic and he helped me see things through Delaney’s eyes. I need to do something to make things right.”

  “What do you have in mind?”

  “That’s just it, I don’t know,” I tell him. “I’ve never really been super romantic and I have a feeling Delaney needs romance right now.”

  “Yeah she does, so listen and listen good.”

  Calvin spends the next hour giving me suggestions until I finally decide on what I’m going to do. The next hour is spent going over the plan and how he’s going to help. The only thing I have to do is sober up so I can pick Holly up from my parents’ and set the plan into motion.

  When Calvin and I hang up, I spend however long it takes moving the presents from Delaney into my room. If Holly is going to open them, I want Delaney to be here when she does. Delaney deserves to experience the Christmas joy that comes from having a little girl wake up and be surprised by what Santa brought her.

  Thirty-One

  Delaney

  “Merry Christmas Eve,” the hostess says as I walk past her to the table where my friend, Lana sits. She’s wearing a wide brim hat, the kind you find on the beach, only we’re in the middle of a restaurant.

  “Who are you hiding from?” I ask as I sit down. She’s the only call I’ve taken since I arrived back home, aside from my mother’s. When Lana invited me out for lunch, I was tempted to tell her no because I don’t feel like it, but staying home and wallowing isn’t doing me any good either.

  “The paps are everywhere,” she mutters before picking up her drink. “I can’t escape them.”

  I giggle, and keep my comments to myself. I met Lana when she had a three-scene part in one of my movies. We hit it off, sort of, and stayed in touch. Lana is everything but what she wants to be, an A-list celebrity.

  “I think you’re fine,” I tell her even though I’m not sure, but I’m not worried and neither should she be. Besides, cameras aren’t allowed in this restaurant.

  “You never know.” Lana removes her hat slowly and pulls a compact out of her oversized purse so she can fix her hair. “This one time I was at NoVu and they were everywhere. Their flashes kept blinding me. I couldn’t see for days and when I could, I saw white lights. It was horrible.” It takes everything in me to keep from rolling my eyes. To each their own, I guess. “Where’s your delish bodyguard?” she asks.

  I shake my head slightly. “On vacation, hopefully somewhere tropical.”

  “I may be in need of his services. My agent keeps telling me I’m getting the lead across from Denz, and well, you know how aggressive the paps are when he’s around.”

  Denzel Washington? I want to scoff and call her out, but it’s no use. Instead, I drink from my glass of water and study the menu while telling her Calvin isn’t for hire.

  “But surely, he freelances?”

  “He doesn’t. I mean he could, if he wanted to, but he works for me.”

  “And you’re not interested in sharing?”

  I shrug. “It’ll depend on my shooting schedule. If I’m not doing anything, sure.” It’ll never happen in a million years. If Calvin knew I was out right now, he’d throw a fit.

  The waiter comes by and takes our order. Once he’s gone, Lana continues talking about her upcoming job where she’ll play a private investigator hunting Denz. Why she doesn’t call the man by his full name boggles my mind, but I let it go without saying anything.

  “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.”