39. Ben and Aiden
Gia and Benarrived at her house with time to spare before the bus arrived. During the car ride, they’d discussed what they would tell the children about Ben and who he was. Together, they decided they’d start by introducing Ben as an old friend from high school and, if necessary, detail the new restaurant partnership. They could only hope the questions remained at a bare minimum—especially from Aiden. From there, they’d reveal Ben as Aiden’s father when the time was right. They didn’t assign a timeline to that part of the plan.
“Steve is going to need to be there, or at least know when it’s happening,” Gia told Ben. “Aiden hasn’t known any father but him for his whole life.”
“I get that,” said Ben. “I’ll do this when and however you want. I’m just grateful you’re letting it happen.”
Gia and Ben exited the car, which Ben had pulled up to the curb in front of her house.
“Just so you know,” Gia started. “My kids are going to flip out when they see this car.” She gestured to the flashy vehicle and chuckled. “It’s right up Aiden’s alley.”
“I’ll take them for a ride sometime. Hey, actually, maybe we could all go for a ride. Ice cream?”
“Do you own an ice cream shop, too?” Gia smirked.
“Not yet.” Ben chuckled. “But not out of the question. Got any in mind? I’m always up to expand my horizons—especially in the realm of ice cream. Fresh, locally sourced dairy ice cream. I mean, it fits, right? And who doesn’t like ice cream?”
Gia laughed. “Slow down there, tiger. Aren’t you adding me as a partner because you don’t have enough time to devote to Charmed to Table? One thing at a time.”
“I didn’t get where I am now with one thing at a time, you know.” Ben smiled at Gia. “It was more like… all the things, all at once, until I barely even knew which way was up. And it worked out pretty well so far. Really only missing one thing…”
“What’s that?” Gia asked.
“I have a feeling you know exactly what it is.” Ben reached out and took Gia’s hand.
She blushed, realizing he was referring to her. Before she could respond, she heard the bus moving down the road toward the bus stop just outside Gia’s house. She dropped Ben’s hand and stepped away. “Saved by the bus,” she said. “Now, buckle up. Here we go. You ready?”
“No,” muttered Ben. “But… Ready or not, it’s time. I want to know my son.”
The bus pulled up, and its stop sign swung outward as it came to a stop. The door opened, and three children bounded down the bus steps toward their mother, each going in for a quick hug. “Whoa, mom! Did we get a new car?!” the tallest boy asked, staring with his jaw dropped at Ben’s car.
“Nice try, Aiden. This car probably cost more than our entire house. How was school?”
“It was good—but whose car?”
Ben, who had taken several steps back and was leaning against the tall oak tree beside the driveway, trying to appear casual, stepped toward the car. “Mine. Do you want to see the inside?”
“Aiden, this is an old friend. His name is Ben. Ben, this is Aiden, my oldest; Mark, my middle child; and Autumn, my youngest—my wild child. Kids, say hi to Ben.”
“Hi, Ben,” the kids said almost simultaneously, obeying their mother while bouncing excitedly around and closely examining the external details of the fancy new car in their driveway.
“Hey, guys. Nice to meet you. I knew your mom in high school. Wanna see something cool?” Ben clicked a button on the key fob, and the convertible top began to fold in upon itself, opening it up to allow for closer inspection of the interior.
“Whoa! I bet this goes fast!” Aiden said, gazing in awe at the digital settings on the vehicle”s dashboard.
“It does,” Ben said with a grin, “but never past the speed limit. Safety first.” Ben winked at Gia as he opened the driver-side door and ushered the kids inside.
“We can go in?” asked Aiden. “Really?”
“Of course. Go ahead. Maybe someday your mom will let me take you all for a ride. Maybe out for ice cream.” Ben nudged Gia with his elbow as the kids cheered, indicating their approval. Aiden sidled into the driver’s seat, making “vroom” sounds as he pretended to drive the car.
Ben
Ben stared at Aiden sitting in the vehicle, assessing and taking in his features. It really is a remarkable resemblance. There was no denying that Aiden was his son. He wondered if the boy had noticed the similarities between himself and his mother’s “old friend” but assumed it wasn’t something he would pick up on immediately… especially when distracted by the luxury vehicle.
As the children played in his car, Gia seemed nervous that they’d break something expensive. “Aiden, be careful with the settings. Don’t touch anything,” she said.
“Gia, it’s okay. I don’t care. It’s just a car,” Ben reassured her. While it was his pride and joy as far as material possessions went, he saw they were thoroughly enjoying themselves. A car could be repaired. The odds of the kids breaking something expensive or difficult to fix were slim, and if they did—they did. One of the benefits of being financially secure was that he didn’t have to worry too much about the financial burdens of “the little things,” like auto repairs.
They say money can’t buy happiness—and that’s true—but it can make certain aspects of life a whole lot easier, he thought. It could make Gia’s life a whole lot easier.
After the novelty wore off and the kids began showing traces of boredom with the car, Gia announced it was time to head inside. She ushered them out of the driver’s side door one by one. “I’ll be inside in just a few minutes, guys. There are snacks in the fridge. You can watch TV or use your tablets until I get in shortly; then, it’s homework time for anyone with it. Aiden, help the little kids if they need anything,” Gia told them. “I’m just going to say goodbye to Ben for a few minutes.”
“Gia, they’re all perfect. Aiden is amazing. I can’t possibly thank you enough for letting me meet him. I want to be in his life. Whatever happens between you and me, please let me get to know him better.” Tears formed in the corners of Ben’s eyes, threatening a deluge of emotions long pent up. He couldn’t believe he’d let so many years pass without meeting Aiden. He had so much to catch up on, and he decided to be there for him, Gia, and the other kids through whatever may come.
They deserve that from me. It’s the least I can do after everything.