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Chapter Four

TWO and a half hours passed quickly, and as far as Aaron could see, the carnival had been a resounding success.

From the moment they’d opened the gymnasium doors, every fund-raising table and game station had a boisterous line of enthusiastic community supporters. Everyone involved, kids and parents alike, seemed to have enjoyed themselves.

As the last of the people finally departed, Aaron was pleased to see their bake sale table and all its tasty offerings were fairly decimated.

Pam rallied the proverbial troops—a few teachers and some parent volunteers—and the cleanup crew got to work.

Caleb had proven to be a big draw and had a long line at his table from the time the doors opened. Grant helped a lot—collecting tickets, keeping the line moving, and even making sure Caleb got a couple of breaks. Despite the line, Caleb talked with everyone, took pictures, and signed a ton of stuff.

As Caleb and Grant approached his table, Aaron noticed that Caleb had ditched his cane at some point during the event and was walking without it.

“So, what’s left to do?” Caleb asked. “I’m happy to help.”

There really wasn’t much because the crew was so focused. “The tables go into the storage room and chairs get racked so we can roll them in.”

Caleb and Grant nodded and headed toward a stack of tables folded against the wall. They each picked up one, but Caleb only made it a few steps before he stopped and set it down. Aaron heard the faintest grunt.

“Caleb?” Grant asked, stopping next to him.

“It’s nothing.” Caleb picked up the table again and took a couple more steps before he had to stop in obvious discomfort.

Aaron joined them. “It’s the foot, isn’t it?”

Caleb nodded. “Little bit. I may have stood around too much.”

Aaron thought about it, and every time he’d looked over at his table, Caleb had been on his feet. “You should take it easy.” Aaron took the table from him. “We don’t want your coach coming up here pissed off because you reinjured yourself helping with the school carnival.”

Caleb laughed.

“What’s so funny about that?” Aaron asked, setting the table down.

“Sorry. I had this image of the team coming up here and marauding through the streets to avenge me.”

“Wow,” Aaron said, smirking. “You might be a rich and famous athlete, but you’ve still got that weird imagination.”

“This from the guy who played every role-playing game known to man.”

“Exactly, so shouldn’t I be the one coming up with the marauders?” Aaron could no longer hold back a laugh.

Caleb took the good-natured ribbing with ease. His warm, open smile was disarming, and Aaron felt as if no time at all had passed between them, despite the fact that their lives had taken very different directions over the past fifteen years.

“Maybe Grant should get you home so you can rest?” Aaron eventually said.

“I can….”

“No.” Aaron shut down Caleb’s protest with the authoritative tone he used with his students. “Just hang tight here, maybe sit down. We’ll put these away.”

Caleb did as he was told while Aaron, Grant, and a couple of parents made quick work of the tables and chairs. It was only a few minutes before they returned, and Aaron was in his jacket and had keys out.

“Come on. Let’s get outta here,” Aaron said.

Caleb cocked his head in disbelief. “Really? Pam’s letting you go before she does?”

“You see her over there.” He pointed toward the bleachers against one wall where Pam stood surrounded by a small group. “She’s going to be trapped for at least another hour with those parents bending her ear.”

As they stepped outside, Aaron braced himself against the crisp evening breeze. Caleb carefully navigated the steps and curb with his cane, following Aaron through the parking lot. Grant jogged ahead to get Caleb’s SUV since it was parked farther away.