The Christmas Secret Read Online Free Page A

perky for Jason. “Can I help you find anything?”
    â€œMarshall Wilson,” he said, unzipping his jacket.
    The salesgirl looked at the suitcase and threw her hands in the air. “Oh! You’re Jason. He’s been looking for you. The office is that way at the back of the store.”
    Jason readjusted his backpack and looked at his suitcase. “Can you bring that for me?”
    â€œSure,” she said, pulling the suitcase behind her. “I’m Debbie, by the way. I work in ladies’ clothing.”
    Jason took the stairs by two up to the office and rapped on the window.
    â€œHe’s here!” Judy yelled over her shoulder toward Marshall’s office. She opened the door and threw her arms around Jason’s neck. “Look at you, Mr. Handsome!”
    Marshall stepped beside Judy and hugged Jason to him. “So good to see you, Jace.” He noticed Debbie attempting to drag the suitcase up the stairs. “Let me get that.” He carried it up the stairs and set it outside the office door.
    Jason threw his backpack on one of the chairs opposite Judy’s desk and sat on the other one.
    â€œSo how was your trip?” Marshall asked, preparing a cup of coffee for him.
    â€œGreat. The flight was actually on time.” Marshall handed him the cup and Jason grimaced after taking a sip.
    â€œHow’s Ashley?” Marshall asked.
    â€œAwesome. We broke up for a while but now we’re back together, I think.”
    â€œYou think?” Marshall asked.
    â€œWe’re up and down. Hot and cold.” He opened his phone and showed a picture to Judy.
    â€œHow gorgeous,” she said, leaning forward. “What does she do?”
    â€œShe wants to work in the fashion industry.”
    Judy bugged out her eyes to look impressed.
    â€œMaybe she could come here and help our buyers,” Marshall said. “Be good experience.”
    Jason laughed. “Anybody can be a buyer, Grandpa. She wants to design.” He slipped his phone into the backpack. “Hey, I know you said I could stay at the house but I think it’d be easier in a place of my own.”
    Marshall sat on the edge of Judy’s desk. “But a place would be hard to find and would cost—”
    â€œAlready found one online,” Jason said, setting his coffee down. “Paid the first month’s rent.”
    Marshall nodded. “Where?”
    â€œIt’s a garage apartment owned by a guy named Robert Layton.”
    â€œI had no idea Robert and Kate rented an apartment.”
    â€œThey said I’m only the second renter. So,” Jason said, stretching, “did you want me in here doing the books or is there an office somewhere else?”
    Judy cleared her throat and busied herself with wiping dust from her computer screen.
    â€œJudy keeps the books,” Marshall said. “I want you on the floor.”
    Judy cleaned pencil shavings and gum wrappers from her top drawer and straightened the paper clips.
    â€œI thought you wanted me for accounting work through the holidays.”
    Marshall shook his head. “No. Judy does that. I need help on the floor through Christmas.”
    â€œThen why did you ask me to come help with the books?”
    Judy cleaned the rim of her coffee mug with a tissue.
    â€œI didn’t,” Marshall said.
    â€œBut that’s what I heard you say,” Jason said.
    â€œYou heard wrong.”
    Jason stood and threw his backpack over his back. “I’m kind of overqualified for floor work, Grandpa.”
    Judy leaned over to tie her shoe. “I agree,” Marshall said. “But you need money.”
    Jason looked at the floor, then to Marshall. “I’m not sure if this will be a good fit.”
    Judy untied her other shoe and worked at retying it.
    â€œSuit yourself,” Marshall said. “You know you’re welcome here. Let me know what you decide.”
    Jason nodded and opened the