The Empire State Cat’s Christmas Gift

The tall, lanky lawyer nodded. “Doing well. Still working for the Governor in Albany and fighting politicians at every turn. Not wild about the upstate winters which never seem to end but it’s a cool job. Wow, I never expected to see you here. Is this the first time you’ve made it to one of these?”

“Yep. Figured I’d check on you and some of the others.”

“Well, good to see you after all these years. So what are you doing?”

“I’m partner in a two-person firm in Manhattan. Things are going very well.”

“Good to hear. I’m in town from time to time so we’ll have to get together for lunch.”

“Sounds good.” Spencer looked around. “So who’s here from our old gang?”

“Most of the midnight oil study group. Denise, Frank, Carrie. They’re over at the bar. C’mon. I know they’d love to see you.”

Spencer kept looking around the room as the group shared stories at a table but he didn’t see Tish McKenna. “Hey, does our class valedictorian ever show up at these things?”

Everyone laughed as Jim shook his head. “Seriously, Spence? Mrs. Spock? She had no friends in school, why would she ever come to a reunion? Who would she reunite with? A law book?”

He shrugged. “Y’know, people change.”

“Who cares? And not sure she could change her personality since you need one to start with,” said Denise, a corporate attorney. “I mean, talk about a cold fish. I invited her for lunch once and she blew me off. Said she couldn’t spare the time and had to study. Maybe that’s why she was valedictorian. Personally I’d rather have friends than that designation.”

“Wonder what ever happened to her,” said Frank.

“I saw her in court the other day,” said Spencer. “The woman was amazing. She absolutely destroyed a witness. By the way, you wouldn’t even recognize her. Looks very professional now. I was shocked when I found out she was that frumpy girl in our class.”

“Someone in my firm went up against her awhile back,” said Denise. “She wiped the floor with him.”

Carrie nodded. “I had a trial against her last year. I thought my case was a slam dunk but the woman kicked my ass. I mean, I’ll be honest, I didn’t know what hit me, and I was well prepared. She’s a damn chess player. It was like she was three steps ahead of me the whole time. Cited a whole bunch of obscure cases and I found myself painted into a corner. Oh, she’s no longer Mrs. Spock. She’s got a new nickname around the courthouse.”

“What’s that?” asked Spencer.

“Jaws.”

“Why Jaws?”

“Because a tough lawyer is a shark and she’s the deadliest shark in the ocean. Just like in the movie. The bailiff said when she walks into the courtroom you can almost hear the theme music.”

*

Tish actually felt like some sort of stalker, but her friends had insisted she at least try to run into the cute white knight. But she had to know if the guy was attached. Men like that didn’t grow on trees.

She decided to look her best without going overboard. While she wouldn’t go so far as to put on makeup to go running, she did at least pick up a new pair of sweats, a cute red sweatshirt with the hotel logo and a Mets baseball cap. Bright sunshine and a cool breeze greeted her as she headed out of the hotel lobby on Tuesday morning, early enough that she could hang around for a while if he was there. She spotted the drink cart across the street and headed for it.

No white knight in sight.

Still, she might be able to find out who he was or if he was a regular.

The guy running the cart looked up and smiled as she approached. “Morning, young lady, what can I get for you?”

“Some orange juice, please.”

He handed her a container and she paid for it. “Hey, by any chance do you remember me from last week?”

He studied her face and smiled. “Though I am a happily married man I’m not dead. I do tend to remember the pretty women. You’re the one who forgot her cash.”

“Right. And there was a guy in an expensive suit who paid for it. Dark tousled hair, olive green eyes, slender, mid-thirties. You know who he is?”

“I do. He stops by just about every morning for coffee.”

“Ah. Well, I was hoping to pay him back.”

“I don’t think he’s the type to miss a dollar. But I’ll be happy to pass it on if you like.”

“I was hoping to thank him personally.”

“What, you don’t trust me with a buck?”

“No, it’s not that. I, uh…”

He smiled and nodded. “I see what’s going on here.”

“Nothing’s going on. I just want to say thank you in person—”

“Young lady, I may look like a guy who runs a soda cart, but I’m a hopeless romantic. If you’re interested in meeting him, just say so.”

“Why do you think I’m interested?”

“The way you described him. Very detailed. And you got this dreamy look.”

She shook her head. Busted. “Fine, I’m interested. Nice guys don’t grow on trees and I actually saw him doing a good deed in a restaurant. So what’s he like?”

“Extra cream, two sugars.”

“Very funny. I meant what is he like as a person? What can you tell me besides how he takes his coffee?”

“Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Like I said, he’s a regular. Name’s Spencer but likes to be called Spence. He works on this block, and he’s a helluva tipper.”

“You get tips running a soda cart?”

“Only from him. He told me his dad did this for years and he knows how hard I work. Every time he buys a dollar-fifty cup of coffee he gives me five bucks and tells me to keep the change. He actually talks to me, unlike most of my customers who act like I’m the hired help. He could probably buy and sell me ten times over but he treats me like an equal.”

“Nice to hear. You know if he’s married?”

“Nope. But just for you, I’ll be sure to bring it up in conversation next time I see him. Or at least check for a wedding ring.”

“The lack of one wouldn’t necessarily mean he’s single.”

“True, but he doesn’t strike me as the cheating type if he was married.”

“Good to know.” She looked around to see if he might be coming. “But listen, don’t be, you know, too obvious.”

“What, you think I’m gonna say, Hey Spence, some blonde babe wants to hook up with you. And how convenient, we’re right near a hotel. Give me some credit, will ya? I don’t look it, but I can be subtle.”

“Sorry. I appreciate any information you can get.”

“Consider it done.”

“And thank you for referring to me as a babe, but I’m not.”

He rolled his eyes. “Oh, you’re one of those women.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Offended by the term babe.”

“That doesn’t bother me. I’ve just never been called one.”

“Then you’re the other type, which you don’t see too often from your generation.”

“What other type?”

“Pretty woman who has no clue she’s very attractive. Which is good, since I don’t like women who are stuck on themselves.”

“Well, thank you for the compliment, but I don’t think I’m anything special.”

“We’ll have to see what Spence thinks, won’t we? You just missed him, by the way.”

Tish shook her head. “Damn.”

“I hope that does not imply you’ve been wasting time talking to me in the hopes he might show up.”

“Not at all. I’ve enjoyed meeting you.”

He pointed at her t-shirt and cocked his head toward the hotel. “You staying there?”

“Till Christmas. My house caught on fire and a tree hit it, so that’s where the insurance company put me up. It’s close to my office.” She stuck out her hand. “I’m Tish, by the way.”

He shook it. “I’m Benny. Nice to meet you, Tish from the hotel. So, should I tell him you’re looking for him?”

“I’d rather try to run into him. Less stalkerish, if you know what I mean.”

“I got ya. But I can help you narrow things down. He’s usually here between seven-thirty and eight.”

“Thanks, Benny.”

He flashed a wide grin. “See you tomorrow, Tish from the hotel.”

“So that’s what you’re gonna call me?”

“Easier to keep track of people that way. So you’re Tish from the hotel and he’s Spence from the block. Some of my other regulars are garment district Julio and Broadway Jill. I think it’s only fair since people call me Benny the soda guy.”

“Anyone ever tell you that you’re a character, Benny?”

He put his palms up and smiled. “Every day for the past thirty years when I get home to my wife.”

“Benny, I have a feeling she’s a very lucky woman.”

“Nah. I’m the lucky guy.”

CHAPTER FIVE

The light tap on his office door jolted Spencer out of deep thought. He looked up to see Ariel holding some newspapers. “Hey, Ariel, what’s up?”

“You look like you’re solving the world’s problems.”

“Nah, just thinking about stuff.”

“Right. Stuff.” She walked in and took the chair in front of his desk. “Anything I can help with?”

He shook his head. “Nah. So what are you bringing me?”

“I’m going to need your help on a client I agreed to represent who is about to get sued.” She handed him the one of the papers.

He quickly read the article on the front page, saw the name of the person in question, and shook his head as he tossed the paper on his desk. “No way. Ariel, we don’t need a client like this.”

She put up her hands. “Whoa, hold on. I told you I had a case coming up with a horrible person and you didn’t care. I seem to remember you said we’re in business to make money.”

“I know, but…Peter Brent? The guy is evil. And I thought we agreed not to take any more clients so we could slow down.”

“I know, but I already told him I’d represent him after you didn’t have a problem. Besides, he’s a relative of mine so I’m kinda stuck.”

“You’re related to him?”

“Not something I want to shout from the rooftops, but he’s a cousin. I can’t say no.”

“Sure you can. You pick up the phone and say we’re too busy, which wouldn’t be a lie. Then recommend the appropriate sleaze bag who won’t mind getting in bed with him.”

“I would but this is the guy who put me through law school. I never would have been able to afford it without him. I’m sorry, Spence, but I really do owe him despite the fact that he’s turned into a creep.”

“How did you ever get hooked up with someone who has this kind of reputation?”

“Like I said, he’s a cousin and I see him every year at the family reunion. He’s loaded. And back then he didn’t have a reputation and simply wanted to help me out. He grew up with my mom and they’re good friends. Look, I can certainly keep your name out of it but I may need your help with research and prep on this before I go to court. You’ve had a couple of cases like this one and you know how to win them.”

“I’m not sure I’d wanna help him win anything. But that’s not the problem. The problem is we can’t keep our firm’s name out of it. And you know the public is going to side with the plaintiff. He’s the obvious bad guy here. Big corporate meanie screwing one of his employees out of a fortune. I’ll help you behind the scenes with the research and prep but I can’t be your second chair. Some of our clients would not be happy seeing me defending him.”

“They won’t be happy seeing me do it either.”

“Yeah, but you have the legitimate excuse that you’re related to the guy. Make one of his staff attorneys second chair.”

“Okay, I see your point. Anyway, can you get some stuff together for me this afternoon since he wants to meet with me soon?”

“Sure. I’ll dig out the old case files and write out some strategy for you.” He looked at the newspaper again. “Ariel, is there any chance you can settle this?”

“Don’t think so. My cousin is very stubborn even though a settlement would be pocket change to him. It’s like he’s got a vendetta against the woman. But I’ll try like hell.”

“Please do what you can. Tell him the negative publicity would be far costlier than any settlement. If he hasn’t realized that after reading the papers. Speaking of which, don’t give a damn thing to the media. Silent running and radio silence. The sooner we get this case off the calendar, the better.”

“I will do my best. Hey, if nothing else, we’ll make a fortune off him so we can take more pro bono stuff.”

“I guess that’s one way to look at it.”

“And speaking of things on the calendar, don’t forget you’ve got that charity auction tonight.”

“It’s on my to-do list though I’ll be a little late. You wanna go with me?”

“Nah, I’d spend too much money. But I won’t complain if you buy me something nice.”

“I thought that was your boyfriend’s job.”

“It is, but you have really good taste. I’ve never returned a single thing you’ve given me. I must say, you really know how to shop for a woman.”

He began to blush a bit. “Okay, I have a confession to make.”

“What?”

“I, uh, don’t actually pick out your gifts. I have, you know, help. From another woman. Don’t be mad.”

“I’m not. It’s the gift that counts, not the thought, right?”

“Very funny. But you know how much I think of you.”

“Just bustin’ your chops, partner. Well, whoever your help is, keep her. She’s doing a helluva job.”

*

The well-heeled charity auction crowd applauded as Tish held up Socks at the end of her speech. “So thanks to this little furball, I’m here tonight. Socks would like to thank you all for supporting such a wonderful charity. It will save a lot of animals and really help raise awareness about pet adoptions. Now I’ll turn things over to our auctioneer, and I hope those of you with deep pockets will empty them. I wanna see them turned inside out!”

The crowd laughed as she moved off the stage. She put Socks back in her carrier, then shook hands with all the volunteers from the charity as the auction commenced.

“Really nice of you to bring Socks,” said one woman, poking her finger through the grate to touch her.

“Hey, she’s a great spokes-cat. And she loves people. Can’t get enough attention.”

“Well, this should really help us raise a ton of money. That segment on the network Saturday morning really boosted our last-minute ticket sales. We’ve never had such a big turnout. And a lot of stores donated stuff for the auction after seeing the story.”

“Glad to hear it. Yeah, that story has gone viral.” She heard some big numbers being shouted out from the crowd as the auctioneer held up a beautiful statue. “And you’ve apparently got some expensive stuff to auction off.”

“A few businesses were really generous. Especially one jewelry store.”

Tish looked out at the crowd and saw some a group of men walk into the room and sit at the last table in the back as the auction was beginning.

What she saw made her stand up straight.

The white knight was among them.

Serendipity.

Her pulse quickened as she started to step off the stage to head in his direction. It would be great to pay him back while she was dressed in a new business outfit instead of exercise clothes.

Then a hand lightly grabbed her forearm. “Excuse me, Miss McKenna?”

She turned and found a young woman with a pad and a camera. “Yes?”

“Hi, I’m Jennie Stevens from The New York Post. Could you spare a little time? We’d love to do an interview about how your cat saved your life. I promise it won’t take long.”

Tish took a quick look out at the crowd just as she saw the white knight raise his hand and bid two hundred and fifty dollars to win a lunch at an exclusive restaurant. She turned back to the reporter. “Sure, be happy to talk to you.”

Just her luck, the interview and photos had taken longer than she’d expected because the reporter couldn’t get the camera to work. By the time she was done and returned to the stage the auction was over. She saw the crowd heading out the door.

The white knight was nowhere in sight.

Dammit!

She quickly headed over to the table where the volunteers were busy adding up the checks and cash. “How’d we do, guys?”

The woman counting the money looked up and smiled at her. “Fabulous. This is the most we’ve ever raised at an auction. We can’t thank you enough.”

“My pleasure. Hey, I thought I spotted someone I knew. He was the guy who bought the lunch at Harrison’s.”

“Yeah, got some serious money for that. Not too shabby for a lunch.”

She pointed to the checks thinking there might be one of his with a last name and phone number. How many people named Spencer could there be at this auction? She could call him and thank him for supporting the charity, then… well, who knows. “Can I see if that’s who I thought it was?”

“Oh, he paid in cash. And talk about nice…the winning bid was two-fifty, so he gives me three hundred dollar bills and tells me to keep the change.”

“Did he want a receipt for a tax write-off?”

“I offered and he said it wasn’t necessary. Sorry, there’s no paper trail on the guy. Does that sound like the person you know?”

“Yeah, actually it does.”

*

Spencer breathed in the cool autumn air as he headed toward the drink cart for his morning coffee. Benny spotted him and smiled. “Hey, Spence from the block, beautiful day. You should knock off early this afternoon.”

“With weather like this I’d like to switch jobs with you, Benny.”

Benny started to fix his coffee. “Seriously, you wanna sell soda?”

“If I could work outside today, I’d be happy to. I used to love helping my dad on days like these.”

“Your dad still around?”

“Yeah, but he’s retired. I got him a nice place in Florida. He couldn’t deal with the cold anymore. He cracked a bottle of champagne when he sold his snow blower in a yard sale.”

“That’s my goal as well. Love the Sunshine State. And it’s like the sixth borough of New York anyway.”

“Very true. I always visit in the winter.”

Benny stirred the sugar into the coffee and handed it to him, then pointed at his hand. “So, since we’re on the subject of family, is there no Mrs. Spence? I don’t see a ring.”

Spencer shook his head. “I’m single.”

“Never married?”

“Nope. Never even came close to finding Miss Right.”

“Kids?”

“I’ve never been married.”

“That doesn’t stop your generation.”

“True. I’m old-fashioned in that respect.”

“Well, nice lookin’ guy like you in an expensive suit must have women bangin’ down the door. I can understand why you wouldn’t wanna be attached when you can play the field.”

“If only, Benny. Haven’t had a decent girlfriend in years. I’ve, uh, been kinda married to my job. Which hasn’t helped.”

Benny sat on his stool and folded his arms. “Really? You don’t seem like that type. I’m surprised. There’s more to life than work, you know.”

“Yeah, I’m starting to realize that. As for women, well, the stars never aligned. It seems the women I’m attracted to aren’t interested in me, and vice versa.”

“So what’s your type? Blonde, brunette, or redhead?”

“Hair color doesn’t matter. I like professional women who are incredibly smart and have a lot of spunk. I really don’t like party girls.” He pointed at Benny’s hand which featured a nicked silver ring. “I see you’ve found Miss Right, and from the looks of that ring you found her a while ago.”

“Thirty years. Best thing that ever happened to me.”

Spencer leaned against a light pole as he sipped his coffee. “So what’s the secret of staying married so long in this day and age?”

“Respect. Never take your wife for granted. And don’t stop dating after you get married.”

Spencer’s eyes widened. “You have affairs, Benny?”

“Hell, no. I meant you still take your wife out on dates. We go out to dinner and a movie every Saturday night. I still open doors for her, bring her a rose now and then, little stuff that says I love you without the words. Just because you’re spending the rest of your life together doesn’t mean the courtship ends. Too many couples start out as lovers and end up as roommates. And a lot of couples from your generation end up divorced.”

“You’re a wise man, Benny.” His cell rang and he pulled it from his pocket. “Well, excuse me, gotta go. Enjoy the beautiful day.”

“You should take some time to do the same, Spence.”

*

Tish jogged across the street and noted her watch read seven-twenty-nine. If the white knight was always there between seven-thirty and eight, she wanted to be early.

Benny shrugged at her and put his palms up as she walked toward the cart. “You just missed him again.”

She shook her head. “You said he’s here between seven-thirty and eight.”

“He was early today, what can I say?”

“I’ll keep trying.”

“Well, Tish from the hotel, this is not to say your trip was totally in vain. I did manage to acquire some information about the gentleman that may interest you.”

Her eyes widened as she perked up. “Really? What’d you get?”

“You want orange juice?”

“Yeah. So what’d you get?”

He handed her a bottle. “Not married. Never been married. So no baggage to check.”

“Well, that’s half the battle. You get anything else?”

“Do I look like an amateur?”

“No. C’mon, c’mon, what else you got?

Benny shot her a sly grin. “No girlfriend.”

“And there’s the other half of a perfect answer.” She couldn’t hold back a smile. “I’m honestly very surprised.”

“I was too. He mentioned that the women he’s interested in never feel the same about him. And something about the stars not aligning for him yet.”

“So there’s hope for me.”

“Well, that depends.”

“On what?”

“If your stars and his stars are in the same constellation.”

“What, you’re into astrology?”

“No, I meant if you’re his type.”

She nodded. “So you actually found out what kind of women he finds attractive?”

“Young lady, you give Benny a chance to play matchmaker, he will not disappoint. I’m better than a Jewish mother, even though I’m an Irish father. By the end of the week I’ll have a complete dossier in your hands with all his likes and dislikes.”

“Yeah, yeah, so what’s he lookin’ for? C’mon, dish.”

“You’re such an impatient little thing.”

“I’m not exactly little.”

“Well, you’re a helluva lot better looking than that bag-o-bones supermodel who drops by every day and has Diet Coke and cigarettes for lunch.”

“Thank you, but we’re getting off track, Benny. So what’s his type?”

“I started by asking him if he liked blondes, brunettes or redheads and he said hair color didn’t matter. He’s a head man.”

Her eyes went wide. “Excuse me? If he’s looking for a girl to spend all her time on her knees—”

“I didn’t mean that! Geez, your mind is in the gutter!” He tapped his head. “I meant he wants a woman with a great head on her shoulders. A guy might be a leg man, a boob man…or in this case a head man. You get what I’m sayin’?”

“Never heard it put quite that way. You might want to retire that particular designation, especially when talking to a woman.”

“Yeah, I guess you could take it the wrong way. Anyway, what Spence from the block wants is a professional woman who is really smart and spunky.” Benny studied her face. “I don’t know you well enough to tell if you fit the bill, but you seem like you have a good head on your shoulders. Already know you have an attitude.”

“Very funny.”

“I meant that as a compliment.”

“Nice save, Mister. Anything else?”

“He got a call while we were talking and had to take off.”

“That seems to happen with him. Well, you still cleared up a lot, Benny. Thank you. I appreciate it.”

“So now that you know he’s unattached, does that change your strategy?”

“It just gives me hope. I still need to meet the guy.”