Dances with Monsters(187)

"Oh, he's here," Drew said. "He's definitely here." She pulled on his hand. "Let's go."

She followed him up the driveway and onto the porch while Heath knocked on the door. He cleared his throat and stood still, waiting for the door to be answered. He still looked nervous, so Drew rubbed his back as they waited.

Finally, the door opened, and a pretty, petite Hispanic woman peered out at them. For a moment she looked utterly confused; then recognition dawned in her eyes and she cried out, her hands going to her mouth the instant before she threw herself at Heath and hugged him fiercely. Heath staggered slightly from the force of Aida's enthusiasm, but he embraced her back as she began to sob.

"Hey, P," he said softly. "It's good to see you."

With a sniffle, Aida pulled back from him, wiping her hands across her cheeks and shaking her head. "I'm so sorry," she said. "I don't see you for a couple years and this is the hello you get. Seeing you is like seeing Joaquin." She dried her eyes and smiled up at him, then glanced at Drew.

"Hello," Drew said shyly, suddenly feeling like she was intruding.

"This is Drew," Heath added. "My girl."

"Oh, hi," Aida said enthusiastically. She looked at Heath and smiled proudly. "You finally found one," she added teasingly.

Heath smirked. "I did."

"Come on in, you two," Aida said. "Sorry. I'm so flustered right now. What are you doing in L.A.?"

Drew followed Heath into the modest home, noting with amusement the toys scattered around. It was very clear that two children—a boy and a girl from the photos—were the center of the universe of this household.

"Oh, just hanging out," Heath said vaguely, catching Drew's eye for a moment. "Thought we'd drop by. I wanted to see you, and introduce you to Drew."

"Well, I'm glad you did," Aida said warmly. "Would you guys like some lemonade?"

"Yes, please," Drew said.

"Where are the kids?" Heath asked.

Aida smiled and pointed to the backyard before she went into the kitchen. Drew craned her neck and saw a little boy who looked like he was about eight years old and a little girl who might have been six, playing on a swing-set in the fenced in yard.

A moment later, she heard a screen door open. "Kids," she heard Aida call. "Come see who's here."

The two children came into the kitchen and then into the living room. "Heath!" the little boy shouted, and ran toward him. Heath laughed and grabbed the little boy, tossing him into the air.

"Hey, little man," he said. "You been good?" The little boy nodded and grinned. Heath held his arm out to the little girl, who seemed shy but happy to see him. "C'mere, you." She came to him and he folded her into a hug, giving her a loud kiss on her head. "How have you been, Lettie?"

"Good," the little girl replied.

Heath glanced up at Drew. "Drew, this is Joaquin, Jr. and Lettie. Can you guys say hi?"

"Hi!" Junior shouted.

"Hi," Lettie said quietly.

They were both adorable, Drew thought, and she loved the smile they brought to Heath's face. Aida came back into the living room with a tray holding a pitcher of lemonade and three glasses, and invited Heath and Drew to take a seat. She poured out the beverages.

"So, what are you guys getting into while you're here?" Aida asked.

"Not too much," Heath replied. "We're just here until tomorrow morning."

"When did you get here?"

"Yesterday afternoon."

"Short trip," Aida said, her brow creasing quizzically.

Heath exchanged a look with Drew, then gave Aida a half-smile. "We came to see you, actually."

"Just to see me?" Aida repeated, seeming confused. "Why?"

Heath leaned forward, glancing at the kids who were playing with some of their toys in the corner. "To make a long story short, I fought in another big tournament last month. And I won."

"That's great," Aida said. "Congratulations." She still seemed a little confused.

Heath reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope. "I won a lot of money, Aida. Enough to where I could do some things for you and the kids. Some things I promised Joaquin I would do."

Aida's eyes suddenly watered and she brought a hand to her mouth. Heath handed her the envelope, looking at her earnestly. "All you need to know is in there, but the short version is that the kids have college funds, enough to where they can go wherever they want when they get to that age." Aida couldn't keep in a sob as she clutched the envelope, her eyes huge and glued to Heath. "And they've also got trust funds set up for when they turn eighteen."