Catching Whitney (11 page)

He laughs. “Then you’ll go with us tomorrow? I’d feel bad if I turned a saint such as yourself into a liar.”

I snort. “Yeah, right. It’s not like I’m sporting a halo.” I make a circular motion above my head.

Aidan pretends to study the area above my head. “I don’t know. I think I see one. It’s being propped up by those tiny horns.”

I chuckle. “Okay, you got me. I’m a saint and a sinner - probably more sinner, though.”

One side of Aidan's mouth tilts up in a knowing smile. “I’m not sure that’s always a bad thing.”

Now I’m the one looking for horns on his head. He promised to be on his best behavior, but it feels like he’s trying to remind me of a time when I was very much a “bad girl”, so to speak. Or more than likely, it’s my own guilty conscience, and I’m just reading innuendo into everything he says. That’s probably more accurate.

I finish hanging that set of streamers without a response. I’m lost in my own thoughts. Aidan holds the ladder while I make my way down, then we move to the next spot.

“So, will you please join us for lunch tomorrow? Caleb has been asking when you can visit again.”

My heart constricts. It’s probably a very bad idea, but I lack the willpower to say no to Caleb. “I could probably hang out for a little while. I do need to pick up my Halloween costume and do some last minute stuff before the party tomorrow night, though.”

Aidan seems genuinely pleased that I’ve agreed. “He’ll be thrilled. Thank you, Whitney.”

I smile but witness Aidan’s expression drop a bit. “Did you say costume? We are supposed to wear a costume to the party?”

I nod. “Not everyone does, but it’s kind of a tradition for the adults and children alike.”

He sighs. “Looks like I need to do some shopping of my own tomorrow.”

I’m sitting on Aidan’s patio, enjoying a rare glimpse of warm sunshine that usually hides from us in October. Caleb is sitting next to me and describing his favorite scene from a Star Wars movie while Aidan is inside putting the finishing touches on lunch. I listen intently to the part about Luke in the swamp with the little green guy named Yoda.

“Sounds like a fun story; I’ll have to watch it sometime.” I give him a wink.

Caleb goes slack-jawed. “You’ve never seen a Star Wars movie? Any of them?”

I shake my head. “I admit I haven’t. Is that a bad thing?”

Aidan’s speaks up as he walks through the sliding glass doors, food in hand. “That might be the worst thing I’ve heard anyone say. How can you have not seen Star Wars?”

Shrugging, I stand to help him set the food out. “I dunno. I just never have.” They continue to look at me as if I’ve sprouted a second head. “I guess I should plan to watch it soon.” I scratch my head. “Now, which one do I start with? There are too many for me to keep straight.”

Aidan hands Caleb a spoon. “You can’t go wrong with the originals. Start with those.” He puts half a chicken salad sandwich on Caleb’s plate, then offers me the other half. I accept and put it beside the delicious looking fried green tomatoes.

“I can’t believe you made fried green tomatoes. These are my guilty pleasure.” I take a bite into one and smile as I savor the combination of flavors.

Caleb looks at his as if they might bite him. “Really? You like those? I think they look weird.”

I raise my eyebrow at him. “Have you ever tried them?”

He wrinkles his little nose. “No. They look weird.”

I laugh at his repetition. “You’ve made that clear. But take a bite, and see if that changes your mind.”

Caleb takes a tentative bite and chews. He doesn’t look convinced but doesn’t seem totally repulsed either.

“I have to ask, Aidan. How did you get green tomatoes in October?”

He takes a bite of his sandwich and grins. “I know a guy.”

“A guy. Maybe a guy who owns a greenhouse?”

He laughs and points a finger at me. “Exactly.”

We continue to eat, talk, and mostly laugh. I was relieved when I learned Rebecca was not usually around on weekends, so I can relax and enjoy the company of two of my favorite people. It bothers me a little that they are both becoming so important to me. I’m supposed to be happy as a single, independent woman, but as I look around me, I realize I honestly do want more. This is how it’s supposed to be - a child or children you adore and the man you love by your side.
Love? Oh lord. Whitney, did you really just think the word love? What have you done?
That can’t be. I can’t be in love with Aidan. I’ve joked about it in my head many times, but this is a completely serious thought. I have to push it out of my mind because if I’m in love with Aidan, I’m destined for the biggest heartbreak of my life. I’m not sure I can survive it.

Aidan’s voice breaks me from my panicked thoughts. “Would you be interested in a Star Wars movie marathon? We could order more pizza and hang out on the couch tomorrow. I don’t know that we can remain friends if you haven’t at least seen the first movie.” His smile is teasing.

“I don’t know. I need to be sure I have everything ready for class on Monday. Can I let you know tonight?”

“Sure, that’d be fine.” Although I try to keep my voice light, I think he senses my distress. His smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

I decide it’s time to leave. “Well, thanks for lunch, fellas. I should go finish up last minute prep stuff for the party and go get my costume.”

Aidan groans. “Yeah, the costumes.” He looks at Caleb. “You wearing the same thing we picked out for Halloween?”

Caleb nods excitedly. “Yes! I can’t wait until you see it, Whitney!”

“I can’t wait to see it either! I’m sure it’ll be amazing!” I give him a quick hug and quietly whisper, “Don’t let your dad pick out something embarrassing. Help him find a cool costume, okay?” Caleb snickers and nods in agreement.

Aidan narrows his eyes. “Are you two conspiring against me?”

We both manage to look surprised and in unison say, “Who? Us?” If there is such a thing as having a child alter ego, Caleb may just be mine.

Aidan opens the door. “You should go before I decide to hold you hostage and torture the information out of you.”

I look into his eyes and see that a small part of him isn’t kidding. He probably would hold me hostage, but I’m not sure torture would be the right word for his methods. His look is full of licentious promise, and the less cowardly part of me is secretly hoping he’ll follow through.
That’s it, Whitney. Get your butt home before you do something you’ll regret. Or let
him
do something you’ll regret.

“Okay, well, I’ll see you guys tonight.” I walk to my car in a haze of conflicted emotions and desire.

Music is thumping loudly as I pour several glasses of punch for new arrivals. The party has been going about an hour, and everyone seems to be having a wonderful time. I love that our little community can do things like this without all the drama and political games that most people play. Our mayor is just as happy to chat with a homeless person as he is a state representative. He’s a great, down to Earth guy, as are most of the people in our small town. And while we certainly have a few bad apples, they generally know when to leave well enough alone. The harvest party has always been one of those times. Everyone is having a great time and enjoying the celebration and change of seasons.

I’ve seen several of my students and their parents in attendance. It’s always great to spend time with them out of the classroom and in a more social setting. People let their guard down a bit, and it allows me to get to know them better. Speaking of letting guards down, I haven’t seen Aidan and Caleb yet. And I have to admit I’m looking forward to it. I don’t know if I’m ready to outright flirt with Aidan yet, but I do feel that I may be getting closer to accepting the idea of giving relationships another go. He never mentions Rebecca in a romantic way, so I think the path is clear should I want to travel that direction. I’d have to deal with that complication when we got there if she truly has designs on him. Despite my idea of my perfect single life, I’m starting to think it’s not so perfect for me. Life is meant to be shared, and I want to share it with Aidan and Caleb.

Standing there, pouring punch and serving cookies, that revelation hits me like a ton of bricks. I make the decision that I’m going to go for it. Aidan still seems to be interested, if I understand his cues correctly, and even though it terrifies me, I believe it’s worth the risk. I make sure all the refreshments are served, then excuse myself from the table to look for Lindsey. I find her surrounded by several single guys, some from our community, and a couple I don’t recognize. Typical Lindsey - drawing them in like flies. She’s wearing a classy vampire costume that’s cut in the right places just enough to still be sexy yet family friendly. Her raven-black hair has a white streak down the middle.

I tap her shoulder. “Hey, Lilly Munster, gotta minute?”

She turns and pulls me in for a hug. “Anything for you, my darling!” She tugs on my arm as she waves goodbye to her admirers. She leans in to whisper, “Thank you Whit. Those guys were boring me to death.”

I roll my eyes. “Yes, you looked like you were being tortured. All that smiling, flirting, and laughing must have been hard on you.”

She digs her elbow into my side, and I shout, “Ow!”

Once we reach a semi-private spot, which is tough in such a crowded gymnasium, we find a seat.

“First, Whit, I gotta say, love the costume! I didn’t know you even knew who Princess Leia was, although I think you should have worn the gold slave costume instead of this white sheet-like get up she’s so famous for.”

I blush. “This is a family-friendly event. The last thing I need is my students seeing me half-naked, besides this was all the store had at a moment’s notice.” I cringe, hoping I haven’t made a huge mistake. After hearing how much Aidan and Caleb loved Star Wars, I’d changed my mind last minute and decided that Mary Poppins was too boring. The store happened to have this costume in stock, so I followed my gut and went with it. I’m fine with the dress part, but the cinnamon bun headband is making me a little nuts. It will be a miracle if I leave it in the entire night.

“So, what is it you needed me for?”

I smile at my best friend and grab her hand. “You aren’t gonna believe this, but I think I’m ready to give Aidan and me a chance, assuming he’s still interested.”

“Really? Oh, Whitney, I’m so happy for you! I know it’s scary, but love is worth the risk.”

“I didn’t say I was in love with him... yet.” I look down at my feet, or rather, where my feet would be under all the white robes.

Lindsey shakes her head. “You don’t fool me. I’ve known for a while you were crazy about him.”

I’m in shock. “How can you possibly know that? I just came to the realization myself!”

She hugs me tightly, then steps back to look me in the eye. “I know you better than just about anyone. He makes you happy, even when you’re complaining about how he causes you misery. It’s been written all over you for weeks.”

“I guess you’re right. I never put that together until now.” I release a deep sigh. “Now I need to see if he feels the same way.”

Lindsey raises an eyebrow. “I doubt you need to worry about that.” She nods to the doorway at my right.

I turn my face to see Aidan standing not twenty feet away. We lock eyes, and he gives me the most heart-stopping smile I’ve ever seen.