The Empire State Cat’s Christmas Gift. Nic Tatano

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