Chapter Fifteen
November – New York City
“Hey, Ben. Robert McKinnon is asking to see you. He knows he doesn’t have an appointment but was hoping you could spare him just a few minutes.”
At Kym’s very unexpected announcement, Ben’s attention was immediately diverted from the pile of paperwork on his desk – the pile that never seemed to get any smaller no matter how many hours he devoted to it.
“He’s actually here in the office?” asked Ben incredulously. “Not just on the phone?”
“Sitting right across from me,” confirmed Kym in a hushed tone.
Once again Ben’s mind began to wander in half a dozen different directions about what Lauren’s father could possibly want to speak to him about. But even as he tried to come up with a plausible reason, he found himself tidying the various stacks of papers into one neat pile, and telling Kym, “Okay. Give me about two minutes and then send him in.”
“You got it.”
As he hurried to finish straightening up his desk, Ben glanced at his computer monitor and was startled to note it was already past four o’clock. It had been a relatively quiet day, save for the mounds of paperwork he was trying to catch up on, but he had figured that things would be low key given that it was only two days before Thanksgiving. The office was barely half staffed, with no one currently out on assignment, and would be closed starting tomorrow for a few days. He was determined to finish everything up by tonight so that he and Elle could leave town at a decent hour tomorrow. They were spending the holiday weekend with friends of hers who owned a sprawling estate in the Hamptons, and he wasn’t especially looking forward to it. They had spent last Thanksgiving with Katrina and Duncan, too, and Ben had felt very much out of place in their opulent mansion. Their “little holiday gathering” had wound up including over two dozen people, and he’d struggled for a good part of the time to pretend he was enjoying himself. All he had really wanted was to eat a hearty turkey dinner, put his feet up, and watch football for a few hours. Instead, he’d made small talk with a lot of pretentious snobs and tried his damndest not to let Elle know how miserable he was, especially since she was so obviously enjoying herself. Needless to say, a repeat performance of last year was just about the last thing he wanted to do this holiday weekend.
But he was trying, really trying, to work on his relationship with Elle, to do more things that made her happy, and therefore circumvent any of her little emotional upheavals and upsets. And things had been considerably calmer as of late, though part of that was because both of them had been traveling on business and hadn’t seen much of each other. Her parents had just left town this past weekend after an extended visit, and Elle always kept her emotions well in check when they were around.
Ben figured that spending the Thanksgiving weekend with Elle’s stuck-up friends was just part of being a supportive boyfriend, and that he would have to suck it up for a few days. Which unfortunately also meant dressing up each day, wearing the tailored slacks, dress shirts, and cashmere sweaters that every other male present would be wearing. He’d have to leave his favored attire – like he was wearing right now – of dark wash jeans, an olive green Henley, and Merrell hiking boots behind.
He worried briefly that he might be dressed a little too casually to be meeting Lauren’s father for the first time, but that worry was quickly dismissed as Robert McKinnon strode into his office.
Lauren’s father was also casually attired in a pair of black jeans, a gray fisherman’s sweater, and black suede desert boots. His ruggedly handsome features were tanned, his black hair carelessly windblown, and the sharply intuitive green eyes were exactly like his daughter’s.
Ben stood and met him halfway, not the least surprised when his hand was engulfed in a firm, no-nonsense grip.
“Mr. McKinnon. It’s a pleasure to meet you sir,” greeted Ben respectfully. “Please, have a seat.”
Robert nodded briefly and sat down. “A pleasure to meet you, too, young man,” he replied in the deep voice Ben recalled from their previous conversation. “And it’s Robert, please. I already feel old knowing that my girls turned twenty six last month. Before you know it, I’ll be a grandfather.”
“Is that right?” Ben asked politely. “Are, ah, either of your daughters likely to make that happen anytime soon?”
Robert snorted. “Well, the day Lauren finally settles down and starts a family may not happen in my lifetime. But her sister brought a young man home to meet us last month, and I have a strong suspicion that wedding bells might be ringing for them next year.”
Ben smiled, feeling a rush of relief that Lauren was not the twin likely to give her parents a grandchild in the not so distant future. “I’m sure you and your wife must be pleased.”
“Aye, well enough,” agreed Robert gruffly, his Scottish brogue more pronounced now. “But to a father no man will ever be good enough for his little girl. Do you have children, Ben? A wife?”
Ben shook his head. “No, sir – Robert. I’m single. At least, I’m not married but I do have a girlfriend.”
“You’ll understand one day, then. Not that Nathan isn’t a fine young man, and he does make my Julia happier than I’ve seen her in a long time. Lauren, now.” Robert shook his head. “I’m not sure there’s a man yet born brave enough to take her on. But I’m surely not telling you anything you don’t already know. And that’s actually why I’m here this afternoon.”
“I’m afraid I don’t follow, Robert,” Ben admitted.
“Ah, where are my manners?” Robert chided himself. “I haven’t apologized for intruding on you like this unannounced. I hope I’m not keeping you from something important.”
Ben indicated the pile of papers with a wry smile. “You saved me, actually,” he admitted. “From certain boredom, and possible eyestrain. So what can I do for you, Robert?”
“It’s actually more about what I can do for you, Ben,” corrected Robert. “I wanted to thank you in person for refusing to send Lauren to Brazil a couple of months ago. I can well imagine the fight you had on your hands in order to get your way.”
Ben found himself smiling unwittingly. “I think I’d rather go nine rounds with Mayweather than have to tell Lauren she’s being pulled from an assignment. It would definitely have been less painful.”
Robert chuckled. “You’re a brave man, Ben. And a smart one, too. My wife and I are very grateful – and relieved – that you made the decision not to send her on that trip. I know my daughter is fiercely independent and absolutely fearless, but sometimes those particular traits don’t always translate into basic common sense. I’m glad that the same can’t be said of you.”
“I’m always concerned about the safety of my crews when they’re out on assignments,” assured Ben. “And I would never admit this to any of the females – and especially not Lauren – but we do have to make some additional considerations for them at times. The minute I heard about the situation in Brazil, I made up my mind that there was no way Lauren would make that trip. Even if I had to hogtie her or have her kidnapped to make it happen. I even threatened to call you if she didn’t cooperate.”
Robert gave a shout of laughter. “Oh, I can just imagine her reaction to that particular threat! I’m surprised she didn’t pull that nasty switchblade out of her boot and hold it to your throat until you changed your mind.”
“Trust me, I kept watching for it,” replied Ben dryly. “Did her uncle really give that to her when she was fifteen?”
“Unfortunately, yes,” Robert said resignedly. “My younger brother was a wild child himself, very much like Lauren, and the two of them have always been thick as thieves. She has Malcolm wrapped around her little finger, and he spoils her rotten. But the relationship has been a blessing, too. Mal helped Lauren in more ways than I can count, ways that no one else could.”
“With her ADHD, you mean?”
The look on Robert’s face was one of out and out shock. “She told you about that?” he asked in astonishment. “She never, never talks to anyone about that, she’s far too proud to ever admit it. Why on earth did she tell you?”
Ben immediately realized his faux pas, and quickly improvised to cover up his blunder. “She, ah, might have had a few too many drinks one night. I’ve noticed she tends to talk a little more freely when she does that. Like most people do, of course,” he added hastily. “And not that Lauren overindulges like that very often as far as I know.”
Robert gave him an odd look. “Lauren can drink most grown men under the table, been doing it since she was about sixteen or so. It’s that metabolism of hers that burns so fast. It’s also why she drinks a gallon of the strongest coffee in the world, and eats about a pound of sugar every day. So I’m not certain that too much alcohol is what caused her to confide something to you that she absolutely refuses to discuss with anyone, even her family. But, then, who really knows what goes through that child’s mind at times.”
Ben felt sweat break out on his forehead in nervous reaction. “Well, it’s certainly a brilliant mind. And a fascinating one, too. Whatever her, er, difficulties, it’s obvious that Lauren has worked very hard to overcome them.”
“Yes. Her mother and I are very proud of her,” agreed Robert. “She’s an extremely gifted photographer, and also a much better artist than she thinks. And – ah, that’s why – ah, never mind, just something that popped into my head all of a sudden. Look, Ben, if you really want a break from that blasted paperwork why don’t you let me buy you a drink? My way of saying thank you for looking out for my Lauren.”
Ben was already standing and reaching for his jacket. “That is definitely the best idea I’ve heard all day.”
As they walked the short distance to the local pub frequented by the staff, Ben learned that Robert was in town with his wife – and Lauren – to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with his sister-in-law.
“I didn’t know Lauren was here in New York,” admitted Ben. “I mean, she’s not due back at work until next week when the crew flies out to Spain, but I thought she might have stopped by the office for a bit.”
Robert shrugged. “We arrived in early last evening so we haven’t even been here an entire day yet. My wife and her sister are off shopping and lunching or doing whatever it is they do when they’re together. As for Lauren, I believe she mentioned something about looking up some old friends.”
“You mean like that Franco character?” grumbled Ben. “I met him once in this very same bar soon after I started working here. He and Lauren seemed very – ah, friendly.”
Robert chuckled as they found a table. “Most men don’t take well to Franco at first. Unlike the women. But Franco is like a brother to my girls, has been since they were around four years old. Now as for one of the younger brothers – Carlo – he and Lauren have dated on and off for a few years now.”
Ben’s spine stiffened as a waiter arrived to take their order. “Really? I, uh, didn’t know Lauren had a boyfriend. At least not one that she’s ever mentioned.”
Robert ordered a glass of the 18-year-old Macallan, while Ben, who’d been about to order a beer, changed his mind and held up two fingers to the waiter.
“Same here. It’s a good drink for a chilly day.”
While they waited for their drinks, Robert explained about this Carlo in more detail.
“He’s not precisely Lauren’s boyfriend,” he clarified. “The two of them grew up together, after all, played together as kids whenever we visited New York. They keep in touch, see each other once or twice a year. Lauren’s always off to some remote corner of the world, as you know, while Carlo’s acting career means he’s on location for months at a time.”
“He’s an actor?” asked Ben in surprise, unable to picture Lauren with someone like that.
“Carlo Di Nardo. I’m not much of a moviegoer myself, but I believe he’s done a series of action adventure films.”
Ben nodded. “I know who he is now. He’s the lead in all of those Jack Cordero movies. Pretty successful guy. I didn’t realize he was Franco’s brother.”
“Well, they are a bit different in appearance for sure. The last time I saw Carlo he looked every bit like a movie star, very suave, well dressed, that sort of thing. Whereas Franco – well, you’ve seen him for yourself.”
The waiter arrived with their drinks and Robert lifted his glass in a toast.
“Thank you, Ben, for keeping my Lauren safe. Even if she fights you tooth and nail to get it done,” he joked.
Ben smiled in acknowledgement and sipped the fine, single malt Scotch. It wasn’t a spirit he drank often – and certainly not such an expensive brand – but it certainly suited his mood this afternoon.
As he continued to chat amicably with Robert, it occurred to Ben that this was what it could have been like if he had made a different choice five years ago. Lauren’s father was nothing like what he’d once assumed he would be like. Rather than a rich, standoffish snob – like Elle’s father – Robert McKinnon was a no-nonsense, down to earth man who spoke plainly but who was also extremely engaging and highly intelligent.
But he couldn’t help but wonder how much differently Robert would have treated the Ben of five years ago – the one with no job, no money, and no real possessions save for what he could carry on his beat-up motorcycle. He’d be willing to bet that Robert would not be sitting across from that Ben right now sipping expensive Scotch and thanking him for looking out for his daughter.
“Lauren tells us that you’ve only been at National Geographic Travel since January,” observed Robert. “Where did you work before that?”
“At Conde Nast and before that Outdoor Magazine. But I didn’t have a desk job at either of those places. I was a travel writer, went out on assignments much like Lauren does.”
“Hmm.” Robert finished his drink and motioned the waiter over for refills. “So why did you give it up? Tired of the travel? Or are you just ambitious?”
“Not really,” admitted Ben honestly. “I loved the travel, and I’ve been a writer most of my life. Being an editor was never something I seriously considered. But, well, circumstances change, I suppose.”
“Your girlfriend must be pleased that you’re at home more often.”
Ben nodded. “She is, yes. Traveling so much can be hard on a relationship.”
He felt more than a little awkward discussing Elle with Lauren’s father, even though Robert could have no idea about his past involvement with his daughter.
“Well, she must be a very special woman.”
“Yes,” agreed Ben. “She’s – well, she’s been good for me, supportive.”
Fortunately, Robert changed the subject at that point, and once they had finished their drinks he placed several bills on the table before getting to his feet.
“I’m due to meet the ladies for dinner,” he told Ben, “so I’d best get a move on. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to have a drink with me, Ben. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you a bit.”
“Same here, sir – uh, Robert.” Ben shook the older man’s hand briskly. “Thank you for the drink. And for saving me from death by paperwork.”
Robert laughed. “You should burn all those papers and get yourself back out on the road, back to writing. It’s obvious even to a virtual stranger like myself what your true passion is. Life is too short to waste even a moment of it, Ben.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Enjoy your stay in New York, and your Thanksgiving.”
“You, too, Ben. I hope to see you again sometime.”
***
Robert chuckled to himself as he hailed a cab that would take him to the restaurant where he was to meet Natalie, Maddy, and Lauren for dinner. There wasn’t a lot that got past him, a trait he credited to his years of studying architectural design, and more recently building furniture. Both professions required attention to detail, and the ability to focus, not to mention tremendous patience.
And despite Lauren’s beliefs to the contrary, she hadn’t gotten away with nearly as much over the years as she might think. He’d known every single time she’d snuck out of the house as a teenager, had been well aware of the wild escapades she’d gotten herself tangled up in, noticed every time she snuck extra sugar or later booze. But he had also known that Lauren had a good head on her shoulders, would never do anything illegal or too risky, and could take care of herself in most every situation.
But this one had slipped past him somehow, he acknowledged ruefully. His cunning, crafty daughter had done an admittedly fine job in concealing the truth from both her parents and her twin sister. Though what the real truth was he still didn’t know for certain. What he did know – beyond a shadow of a doubt now that he’d met Ben Rafferty in person – was that there was a definite history between the young man and his daughter.
It had been Ben’s mention of Lauren’s brilliant mind, and Robert’s own acknowledgment of her artistic talent, that had triggered the memory. Over the years both Lauren and Julia had allowed some of their photography and artwork to be displayed at Natalie’s gallery, always to great acclaim, and one set of Lauren’s photos in particular had come to mind the moment he had met Ben.
There had been ten or twelve photos in all – he couldn’t recall properly at the moment – and Lauren had dubbed the collection “The Loner”. All of the photos had been in stark black and white – Lauren’s preferred media – and most of the images had been of a man in profile or shadow. They had been taken in and around Big Sur, and Robert had had little trouble recognizing the various locations. And while the man’s face hadn’t been distinguishable in most of the shots, there had been one or two where enough of his features had been visible to stamp his image in Robert’s memory banks.
Lauren had always claimed that the man in the photos had just been a stranger passing through town, a drifter, a loner. But Robert wondered now exactly how long Ben Rafferty had lingered in Big Sur, and what exactly his relationship with Lauren had been. Especially given the level of animosity in Lauren’s voice when she discussed her boss in passing, how often she cussed him out, and how she had embraced the nickname “Ben the Bastard” that Julia had given him.
Except that the man Robert had just shared a drink with was in actuality a quiet, thoughtful person, certainly respectful and kind, and he had no idea why his daughter reacted almost violently whenever she brought him up.
‘Ah, there’s something there, darlin’. And I’ll figure it out one of these days,’ he told himself with a chuckle. ‘Your old dad isn’t quite as oblivious as you might want to believe.’