This Holiday Magic by Celeste O. Norfleet Page B

I’m fine. Are you okay? You seem uneasy.”
    â€œHow is it you always know when I’m troubled?”
    He smiled. “I don’t know. I guess I just do. What can I do to help?”
    â€œIt’s about my father. He’s...”
    Tyson’s expression instantly changed. “What happened? Is he okay?” he interrupted, obviously concerned.
    â€œYes, he’s fine,” she said, noting his abrupt reaction and seeing his strained expression. “Apparently he’s better than fine. All of a sudden he’s eating right, exercising and taking care of himself. I couldn’t be happier.”
    Tyson nodded with relief. “Good. I’m glad to hear it.”
    â€œCome, we can talk in the living room,” she said, walking past him. He followed, looking around at all the decorations.
    â€œWow. I see you’re all ready for Christmas. This is incredible. I forgot how much your father loves the holiday season.”
    â€œYeah, he does,” she said. “He always tried to make it extra special for me because of my mother’s death. He never wanted me to feel sad.” She watched as he walked over to the Christmas tree and then to the fireplace mantel, where he fingered the stocking for his daughter. “He put up Christmas stockings for you and your daughter.”
    â€œYes, I know,” Tyson said, then turned to her. “He told me. He also invited us over for Christmas dinner, but that was before you came home. I’m sure he’ll want to spend the holiday with you.”
    â€œThere’s no reason for plans to change on my account. There’s always room for one or two more.”
    â€œThank you. So, tell me, what’s troubling you?”
    â€œI need you to tell me the whole truth about what’s going on with my father. Is his business in real danger?”
    â€œYes, it is. Ben has made some questionable business decisions, and unfortunately, it’s put his company in serious jeopardy.”
    â€œIf it’s about money, I have a trust fund from my mother and her family. It’s worth quite a bit of money. I want to use that to help him.”
    Tyson shook his head. “Ben has taken that off the table.”
    â€œI’m putting it back on. I have a stake in the company, too.”
    â€œWe’ve talked about opening the company to public shares or taking on an investment partner.”
    She shook her head. “I can’t see him doing that. He’s a very private man. I don’t think he’d be happy to have others involved in running it. But isn’t the real-estate climate improving?”
    â€œYes, it is, but at this point he’s in too deep and time has already run out on him. Maybe you can talk to him. He’s stubborn. And unfortunately, he may have no choice. Whether or not he is reluctant, private investors may be his only alternative.”
    She nodded. “I’ll try.”
    â€œGood. Thank you. I guess I’d better go.” He walked away.
    â€œEarlier, when I asked about my father, you seemed worried.” Tyson stopped and turned to her. “You know something else about him, don’t you?” she prompted. “What aren’t you telling me?”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” he asked innocently.
    She shook her head, knowing his expressions too well. Just like her father, he was hiding something. “Please don’t play games with me, Tyson. This is too serious. I know you just as well as you think you know me. You’re hiding something, just like Dad. What is it? What’s going on?”
    â€œYou need to talk to your father about this.”
    â€œHe’ll give me the same double-talk I get from you. Tyson, please, if you know something about my father, tell me. I have to know.”
    Tyson took a deep breath. “Why don’t we sit down?” he offered.
    Her insides tensed. This didn’t sound good already. She quickly assumed that