Free This Holiday Magic by Celeste O. Norfleet Page B

stood still and the past two and a half years of my life had evaporated. I told myself that I was over him. I was wrong.”
    Nya giggled and smiled. “I love the sound of romance in the afternoon.”
    The two went on talking about men, jobs, family, vacations, the holidays and then back to men. Two hours later they were still laughing and talking.
    â€œCome on. Let’s get out of here. I can’t stand looking at that old college sweatshirt any longer. You and I have some serious shopping to do.”
    Janelle stood, following her sister. They thanked Brad and his kitchen crew, left a very generous tip and then continued outside. Nya put on her dark sunglasses. “I think we need Bergdorf.”
    â€œNewsflash—there’s no Bergdorf Goodman near here,” she said.
    â€œSure there is. There’s one on Fifth Avenue.”
    Janelle chuckled. “Fifth Avenue, as in New York City? No way. We’re not going all the way to New York to shop for clothes,” she insisted as her cell phone rang.
    â€œSure we are. I have my dad’s private plane sitting on the runway right now. We can fly there, shop and get you back here by midnight, one at the latest. Come on. It’ll be fun.”
    â€œCan’t, sorry. I’m meeting with a friend at Johns Hopkins in a few minutes. Hold on,” Janelle said, answering her cell. “Hello?”
    â€œHello, Janelle, this is Mrs. Ivers. I need your help.”
    â€œSure, Mrs. Ivers. What’s wrong?”
    â€œMy son was in a car accident. I need to go to him. Tyson is in D.C. and I can’t take Aneka with me. Would you come by and stay with her for a few hours? You’re the only other person she knows and I know Tyson won’t mind.”
    â€œUm, sure,” she said tentatively, “okay. I’ll be right there.” She ended the call and looked at Nya. “I gotta go.”
    â€œWhat’s wrong? Is it Ben?”
    â€œNo, that was my neighbor. She stays with Tyson’s daughter. She needs someone to stay with Aneka. Looks like a rain check on shopping and my meeting,” Janelle said, holding her arms out to her sister. They hugged one another tightly. When they finally let go, they smiled at each other. “You take care and have a safe trip back to New York. I’ll talk to you soon.”
    â€œOkay, but I’m still going shopping for you,” Nya said.
    Janelle hugged Nya again then waved and headed to her car. She called her friend Meg and postponed their meeting until the next day, then drove off. When she got to her house, Mrs. Ivers was standing out front with Aneka. “Hi,” Janelle said. “Any word about your son?”
    Mrs. Ivers shook her head. “He’s still in the emergency room being examined.”
    â€œIs there anything I can do? Anyone I can call?”
    â€œNo, but thank you. I’m going to get over there and see what’s going on. Aneka, you remember Ms. Truman from last night?” The little girl nodded and looked at Janelle suspiciously. “Good. Now, I have to leave, but Ms. Truman is going to stay here with you until your father gets home, all right?” Aneka stared at Janelle then nodded slowly. “Ms. Truman is going to give you your snack and then you can take your nap and be a very good little girl the rest of the day, okay.”
    Janelle smiled. “Go. Take care of your son. Don’t worry about us. We’ll be just fine. Any food allergies?”
    â€œNo allergies, but she is asthmatic. Her inhaler’s in the kitchen, but she hasn’t had an attack in some time. Thank you so much for coming. I knew you were the perfect person to call,” Mrs. Ivers said, then hurried to her car.
    Janelle and Aneka waved and watched as she drove off. When the car turned the corner, Janelle looked down at the little girl, who was still looking up at her, frowning. “Well, I guess it’s just the two of us for the rest