Once in a while, she even wondered if maybe she had something to do with his terrible season. Certainly, he hadnt connected with any movie stars, at least not that the Chronicle had picked up on. Whatever details were pending never came, except in the tabloids. When she was at the market, shed see a small headline about Aaron Hill finding solace with this actress or that one. But there were no photos, and the reputable news and sports agencies only talked about his game.
It had been more than three months since she told him goodbye, long enough that she shouldve been over him. They only spent a few days together, after all. Even still, she thought about him constantly, when she did her paper route early in the morning and when she fell into bed at the end of the day. Part of it was Cory. Never mind that Aaron wasnt Corys father, Cory held to his beliefs. As far as the boy was concerned, Aaron was his dad and his hero all at the same time, and he talked often about missing Aaron and hoping for another night at the pier. Whenever the 49ers were on TV or when there was a story in the Chronicle that Mrs. Florentino brought over, the boy was consumed.
And so Megan had kept tabs on Aaron Hill without wanting to.
The image on the TV screen changed and Aarons face appeared. Cory was sitting a few feet away, cross-legged on the floor, his head blocking part of the picture. The TV wasnt very big to begin with, but with Cory in the way, Megan could only make out half of the image. She sighed and moved into the next room so she could see better. As she came closer, Megan froze in place.
His eyes were different. Even from last week, when his interview after the Bears game had been short and terse. Yes, she was sure of it. Something about his eyes and his expression was different now. Almost like through the sweat and grime he was glowing from the inside out. She took a step closer. Turn it up, Cory. Please.
He looked over his shoulder at her and smiled. Yeah, listen to this. I already heard it three times, but listen.
The volume came up and Aarons voice filled her home, her heart. I cant take the creditit was a team victory.
The announcer was next. You can say that, but three touchdowns for more than four hundred yards with no interceptions? Did you ever think youd come out against the Seahawks and have your best game of the season?
Aaron smiled and there it was againa clarity and vulnerability in his eyes that shed never seen before. He laughed like a high-school kid without a worry in the world. Yeah, I guess I sort of did. His eyes shone. Something happened this week. I guess it made all the difference.
There was a knock at the door, and Cory jumped up. Mrs. Florentinos bringing us some chocolate cake. He darted past her. She promised.
Okay. Megan remained unmoved, glued to the interview. The announcer didnt look like he knew what to make of Aarons statement. You wanna let us in on the secret?
Yeah. Aaron grinned. I took Derrick Andersons advice.
Cory opened the door and before he could say anything, a voice sang out. Cory! You grew an inch since I saw you last!
Megan felt the blood drain from her face. The voice was the same one coming from the television. She turned quickly in case her mind was playing tricks on her, but there he was. Aaron Hill, standing in her doorway, looking past Cory straight at her. Now, in person, she could see the change in his eyes more clearly. Adrenaline raced through her, and she took a moment to feel her feet on the floor. When she did, when her lungs were working again, she took a step closer, her eyes locked on his. I have a question.
He looked deep at her, past the lonely months to the place that had made the decision to say goodbye. Whats your question?
What did Derrick Anderson tell you to do?
Cory seemed to remember something important. He gasped and raced into his room. Megan was ten feet from him now, and Aaron closed the gap, moving toward her until they could hear each other breathing. A crooked smile lifted his lips and he shrugged one shoulder. He told meto talk to God.
A knowing came over her and she grinned at him. So thats it.
What?
Your eyes. She made a half turn toward the TV and then back to Aaron. You were just on Sports Center, and I could see it. Something was different. A light laugh tickled her throat. Now I understand.
He wore a tan-colored coat, and he reached inside his pocket and pulled out a thick envelope. Here.
She wasnt sure what to say. He mightve figured out how to talk to God, but that didnt mean theyd found common ground or that she should open up her heart to him again. The reasons that existed before still existed today. But the only words she could say were the ones she felt most deeply. I cant believe youre here.
His grin softened. I sat outside for half an hour trying to get up the guts.
Her heart melted. She looked at the envelope still in his hand. What is it?
Open it up. He handed it to her. At the same time, Cory came into the room with an envelope of his own.
Megan stared at the boy, and then at Aaron. Whatever was going on, she was completely in the dark. She took the envelope from Aaron, opened it, and as she pulled out the contents, as she sorted through the documents and realized the extent of his gift, she brought her fingers to her mouth.
What? Cory raced to her side and peered up at the papers in her hands.
Tickets. Her eyes found Aarons. To the conference championships in New Orleans.
Cory raised his fist in the air and jumped in a full circle. But then he stopped and cocked his head. Howll we get there?
Its all here. She didnt blink, didnt break contact with Aaron. Plane tickets and a hotel room. Everything.
A car will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel, and then to the game. He took a step back, his expression humble. Its all taken care of.
She handed the tickets to Cory, and stared at him. Why, Aaron? After so long?
To thank you. He still wouldnt take his eyes off her. For helping me see what Id become.
Wow! Cory held the tickets out. Were going to the NFC championships!
Megan was speechless, but more because Aaron was really here, standing in her apartment giving them an opportunity like theyd never had all their lives. She heard what hed said, but she wasnt sure she understood it. For helping you see?
Ill tell you later. He laughed. I wont keep you. He took another step back toward the door. I just wanted to make sure youd be there.
She hesitated, the reality still sinking in. We will.
How will we meet up with you? Cory ran to Aaron and took hold of his arm. Therell be so many people.
Aaron thought about that. Lets have a sign. He hesitated. I knowwhen they put the cameras on me, Ill do this. He held up his first two fingers and did a little wave. Thatll mean Im looking for you.
Okay! Cory clapped his hands. Perfect! He was still for a second. But will we see you?
Probably not. His smile dropped off some. Well get right on a plane after the game. But Ill know youre up there.
Oh. Some of Corys excitement dimmed, but not for long. Were going to New Orleans!
Megan wasnt sure what to say. Thank you, Aaron.
He put his hand on the door. Clearly, he wasnt going to hug her or push her in any way. Even if a part of her wanted him to. He looked deep at her again. I want to talk later, when the seasons done.
Okay. She could hardly wait.
Aaron was telling Cory goodbye when he gasped. I almost forgot! He held out his envelope to Aaron. This is for you. I need you to read it.
Easy laughter came from Aaron and Megan at the same time. They swapped a look, and then Aaron took the envelope. I will. As soon as I get to the car.
Good! Cory hugged him. Talk to you soon.
Aaron mouthed a gentle goodbye in her direction and raised his hand. She did the same, and then he was gone. It took a minute for Megans shock to wear off, and when it did, she rememb
ered Corys envelope. He was back in his room. Cory, come here.
He darted out and looked at her. Yes?
What was in the envelope?
Proof.
She gave him a curious look. Proof of what?
That Aarons my dad. He said the words calmly, matter-of-fact. I found a picture of my mom and him at a dance. I wanted him to have it.
A chill ran down Megans arms. Dont joke with me, Cory. I mean it.
Im serious. He looked hurt. I found it a few months ago, but I didnt want to show it to anyone but Aaron. Because hes the only one who has to know the truth.
The surprises from the night were beginning to add up. Megan sat down at the kitchen table and put her head in her hands. She was suddenly breathless, the possibility only beginning to make its way through her mind. Even then, it was too big to get her head around all at once. If Cory had a photo of his mother and Aaron, thenthen could it be that all this time hed been right? That what shed thought was a fantasy was the truth all along? And how could it be true when Amy had never once mentioned that Aaron was Corys dad, or even that he might be.
She felt dizzy and giddy and like she was dreaming all at the same time. Whatever was happeningbetween Aarons change of heart and Corys proofthere really was only one explanation.
God was up to something bigger than all of them.
TWENTY-SIX
A s he walked down the stairs of her apartment and headed for his truck, Aaron felt Gods presence stronger than at any time since his night at the beach. Hed done what hed come to do. Megan had the tickets, and now she and Cory could have a weekend like nothing theyd ever had before. And in a few weeks, Aaron would tell her what his comment meant, how God had used her to open his eyes to all of life. Real life.
He stepped into his truck, but before he turned the key, he opened Corys envelope. Hed learned his lesson about lying to kids, or anyone else. The rest of his life he wanted to live out the change in his heart. This was one small way he could make that start. Inside the envelope were two others, both with his name written across the front. Aaron narrowed his eyes, confused. The writing was cursive, definitely not Corys. Third in the package was a piece of folded paper. He opened it and a wallet-sized photo fell on his lap. Before he picked it up, he read the words on the page.
Dear Aaron, I figered you needed proof. So here it is. Tell me if you believe me now. Love, Cory.
A strange sensation came over him, and without drawing a breath, he picked up the photo from his lap and turned it over. He stared at it, not believing his eyes. It couldnt beit couldntSlowly, certainly, the bottom fell away and he began to freefall. This wasnt happening.
The people in the photograph were he and Amy Briggs.
His Amy.
His heartbeat doubled and a layer of sweat broke out across his forehead. Amy Briggs was Corys mother? Hed talked about her with Megan, but never once had either of them mentioned her name. Megan had always been intentionally vague, rarely even calling Aaron by his first name. There wouldve been no reason to ask about Corys last name. Until now, Aaron hadnt even thought about the fact that the boy didnt share Megans name. The whole foster kid thing was too new to him. If Amy was Corys mother, then
But the truth wasthe truth was as clear as the picture in front of him. Cory was his son! His very own! He drew a sharp breath and wondered if he might explode from the shockthe shattering realization and the joy bursting inside him. Cory was his son? He looked at the photo again. Cory was his son! Amy had been pregnant with Aarons child, just like shed told him all those years ago. So, Cory had to be his son.
His emotions shifted. What had he put the boy through? All these months Cory had stood by his story, that he was Aarons son. Period. And the whole timefor years in Megans casenobody had believed him. Aaron Hill, the father of a foster kid? A kid whose mother never even mentioned the idea? He and Megan both chalked it up to the boys overactive imagination and his deep desire for a dad.
Aaron groaned out loud. His heart broke for the boy who wanted his dad so badly he would never, ever give up. What must he have been thinking when Aaron made so light of his insistence? And all those recent times when hed thought about Amy, how hed never given her a proper goodbye and how hed turned his back when shed come to him, pregnant
And then another reality hit him, devastating him.
Amy was dead.
The girl he still thought about, the one he figured was married and living a wonderful life with some other guy, had in reality raised Cory by herself in a poverty-stricken environment, and then shed died of pneumonia two years ago. The blow tore at him, stirring fresh debris into the gutters and alleyways of his heart. Amy had lived poor and alone, working at a diner while he signed his contract for millions of dollars and moved on without her. He hung his head and pictured her, the girl hed loved so much back in his early college days. His Amy was gone. Shed died without his ever making things right.
He remembered the envelopes, the ones with his name written in cursive. His stomach churned as he sat up straighter and picked up the first of the two. There was no time to waste. The boy in the third-floor apartment was his son, and he didnt want another ten minutes to pass without going back up and making things right. He opened the envelope and held the paper tenderly, as if it still contained a little piece of Amy.
Dear Aaron,
He stopped and closed his eyes. Her voice, her face, all of it was there in front of him again. Amywhy didnt I see it?
There were no answers; there might never be. He opened his eyes and started over again.
Dear Aaron,
Yesterday our son was born. The experience was more miraculous than anything in my life, and I only wish youd been there to see for yourself. Hes beautiful, Aaron. I named him Cory Joseph Briggs. The first time I held him I saw you in his face. He has your eyes and your cheekbones. I can practically see the strapping boy and athlete hell become.
I know youre going through a lot of changes. Im not even sure how Ill get this letter to you. You must know about your agent, how he called me and told me to stay away from you. He threatened legal action if I contacted you again
What? Aarons heart skidded into a strange rhythm. Bill had contacted Amy? Threatened her? Heat filled his face and pulsed through his body. He reached for the buttons on his phone, but then stopped himself. He would deal with Bill, but not yet. From this day on Cory would come first.
He drew a jagged breath and found his place again.
but somehow I must find you. Especially now. Either that or Ill wait forever for you to come back, to find Cory and me. Because Ive asked God to get your attention, to touch your heart and help you remember who you used to be. Before your world went crazy.
This time Aaron set the letter down on his lap. Tears blurred his eyes, and he blinked so he could see again. Thats exactly what had happened. Directed and fed by his agent, Aarons world had gone crazy and hed allowed every minute of it. He lifted the letter and kept reading.
Dont feel bad, but my mom gave me a few weeks to get out. She was very upset about the baby, which I can understand. I just wish she would help me. But either way Cory and I will be fine. Ill get a job and an apartment and Ill pray for the day when you come back. I promise you, Aaron, as long as I live Ill wait for you. Wherever you go, Ill go. So that when youre ready to find me, I wont be far away. I love you, Aaron.
Amy
The air left his lungs and he let his head fall back against the seat. So that was why she moved to San Francisco, the reason she and Megan wound up at the same diner. Amy had moved here because she was following him, waiting for him. He pressed his fists to his eyes and swallowed a series of sobs. How could he have missed out on this, on her?
With all his remaining strength, he picked up the ot
her envelope and opened it. Cory was waiting. He needed to get through this so that he would have all the information available when he went for the first time to his boy, his son. He studied the letter, and the date. It was written first, before the one talking about Corys birth. He began to read.
Dear Aaron,
Youre acting different these days, and I dont know whats happening. Maybe its your agent, pulling you away from me, into a new and glamorous future. Or maybe its something worse.
I know what my mother would say. Now that Ive given you what you want, youre finished with me. My friends tell me youre seeing other girls, but I cant believe that. Not after the promises you made to me a week ago. I cant believe youd listen to your agent over me, so I can only think of one reason why you would turn away from me, Aaron.
What Im about to tell you, Ive never told anyone else. I never will. Three nights ago, I was at Pierce College walking back to my car when a man grabbed me and pulled me into the bushes. I wont go into detail, but I want you to know the truth. He raped me. He wore a mask and he only said a few words. When it was over, he left me on the ground and he ran away. By the time I pulled myself together and reached my car, I didnt have the strength to go to the police. I was ashamed and sick inside. When morning came, I knew I could never tell the police or anyone else. I had no way of identifying the guy, nothing at all. He was tall and he was white. Thats about it.
Aaron had to stop. He was furious and sick to his stomach. Amy had been raped? Was she serious? And where had he been, out to dinner with Bill Bond? Believing suddenly that everyoneeven Amywas hanging around to share in his money and power and fame? He clenched his fists. Amy had been attacked, and he hadnt so much as been a crying shoulder for her.