Celeste O. Norfleet - This Holiday Magic

Ben smiled proudly. “It’s good to have you home again.”

Janelle sat at the counter and grabbed a slice of bacon and took a bite. “Turkey bacon? It’s pretty good. Not that I’m not happy to see you this morning, but what are you still doing here so late? It’s after nine o’clock. You’re usually at the office by six.”

“Things have changed. I’ve changed,” Ben said as he placed two plates of food on the island counter and sat across from Janelle. “No more smoking cigars, no drinks at lunch meetings and no more fatty meals. Now I get at least seven hours of sleep every night, I hit the home gym for an hour every morning and I eat right—turkey bacon, only one cup of decaffeinated coffee and one egg-white omelet with scallions. I’ve also lost a little bit of extra weight.”

Janelle smiled. “Yes, I noticed. That’s great, Dad,” she said. “I’m proud of you. And this looks delicious.”

“I guess everything you told me for years finally sank in. I’m feeling better than ever. I’m taking care of myself, and I have Tyson to thank, as well.”

“Tyson?” she questioned after sipping her coffee.

Ben nodded. “Seeing him with his daughter got me thinking. I need to take care of myself for my grandchildren. I’d like to be around and be able to play with them in a few years. That is, if my daughter ever decides to settle down.”

“Thanks for the pressure, Dad,” she joked, eating a forkful of omelet.

He chuckled. “No pressure, I promise,” he said, smiling. “I’m just very hopeful.”

“Speaking of Tyson...tell me what’s going on with the business. How is he really involved?”

“Janelle, I’m handling this,” he assured her.

“With Tyson.”

Ben sighed heavily. “When the economy tanked a few years back, we got hit hard, very hard. Real estate and new development projects just weren’t moving. A lot of other companies were going bankrupt or imploding. I was determined to hold on, and I did for a while. I was neck-deep in three major housing development projects. One went belly-up almost immediately. I sank everything into the last two projects, but by then the business was hemorrhaging money. I tried everything to save the projects. Nothing was working. Money just wasn’t there.

“I initially borrowed against a balloon payment I anticipated making, but when the time came, the cash wasn’t there. I borrowed again. The interest rate was astronomical. I put the house and the company up as collateral. I eventually filed Chapter 13 for protection. There was nothing more I could do. The business is circling the drain.” He shook his head in despair.

“Dad, why didn’t you tell me? You know I have my trust fund. I’ve never touched it. I could have helped,” Janelle said softly.

“No, absolutely not,” he said firmly, standing to take his empty plate over to the dishwasher. “That money is from your mother and her family. It’s for you and your children.”

“Dad...”

“Absolutely not,” he insisted. “End of discussion.”

She nodded her agreement, but knew this wasn’t the end. She was going to find a way to help her father’s business. “So what about Tyson living at the town house? How does he fit into all of this?” she asked, following him to the dishwasher.

“I called him for help and he came immediately. He brought his daughter.... They needed a place to live.”

“Dad, you know what he does for a living. He buys troubled businesses and then sells them off on a chopping block. He’ll do the same thing to your business. Why would you call him, of all people?”

“No, he won’t. His business had changed. He’s changed.”

“How could he change? That’s what he does for a living. He’s a shark and he’s very good at it. When we were together, he was here in town to buy and take over two different companies. He’s merciless.”

“Yes, I agree. I despised his tactics. But that’s not who he is—not anymore. He’s a troubleshooter now. Croft Enterprises is a consulting firm that handles businesses in financial and management crisis. He fixes businesses. He used to tear companies apart. Now he knows how to save them.”

“No, that doesn’t sound right.”

Ben nodded. “It’s true. For the past two and a half years, he’s been consulting with failing businesses and helping them turn things around. His services are well-known and very much in demand. I was lucky that he put me at the top of the list and came here so quickly. His success rate is excellent. His client list is a who’s who among the top Fortune 500 companies. And believe me when I say this—his waiting list is endless.”

“I find this hard to believe.”

“Believe it,” Ben said seriously. “I think his change had a lot to do with you.”

Janelle considered his words for a moment. She didn’t know what to think or to believe anymore. But right now Tyson wasn’t her main concern. “Okay, fine, so he’s turned from Sheriff of Nottingham to Robin Hood. What’s happening with your business now? What exactly is he doing to help you?”

“I had creditors and banks breathing down my neck. The IRS was ready to file charges. Tyson stepped in and, to tell you the truth, I don’t know what I would have done if he hadn’t. I think we’re close to finding the light at the end of the tunnel. There are no easy solutions. He’s given me some viable options, including taking on a business partner.”

“A business partner,” she repeated distastefully.

Ben nodded. “Yes, Tyson and I have narrowed down a few interesting prospects. One in particular is very impressive.”

“What about me? I could be your business partner.”

“No, this isn’t your life now, Janelle. You’re a doctor.”

“Dad, be careful. You always said business partners were trouble. You never wanted someone to take what you built.”

“Don’t worry. For the first time in a long time things are looking up. And speaking of time,” he said, looking at his watch, “I need to get to the office. I have meetings all day, starting in about thirty minutes.” He hung up his apron and left the kitchen, heading down the hall to his home office.

“With Tyson?” Janelle surmised, following him.

“No, it’s with a bank. Tyson set it up. So, tell me, what are your plans?” he asked.

“I’m having lunch with Nya at twelve and a quick coffee with my friend Meg at the hospital at three.”

“Meg Richardson?” he asked. She nodded and he smiled. “I always liked her. She was good for you. So, you’re really gonna stay?”

Janelle nodded again. “Yep, so far that’s the plan. I still have to look for a job and officially give my notice to Medics International, but looks like you’re stuck with me for a while.”

Ben reached over and squeezed her hand lovingly. “It’s my pleasure. It’s good to have you home again. When I returned your call last night and you didn’t answer, I was worried sick.”

“I didn’t get a call from you last night,” she said.

“I used Tyson’s cell phone.”

“I did get a phone call, but I didn’t recognize the number, so I didn’t answer.” She paused, watching her father gather his things to leave. “Dad, how did you know where to find Tyson after all this time?”

“We’ve kept in touch over the years,” Ben said, putting a few files into his briefcase.

“You kept in touch how? Why?” Janelle asked, surprised.

“I know, I know,” he began, nodding his head as he closed and locked his case. “Tyson and I weren’t exactly the best of buddies when the two of you were together, but I guess things changed.”

“That’s too much change. Talk about a Christmas miracle. If I remember correctly, you despised him when we were together.”