Because of Lauren: A Love Story

by Vivi Underwood

  A steady stream of people exited, but he hadn’t caught sight of Lauren yet and didn’t want to miss that first glimpse of her.

  Three people came through the door simultaneously, a gray-haired executive-type who looked vaguely familiar, a forty-something success story, and Lauren. They appeared to be in earnest conversation, then suddenly both men laughed at something Lauren said. They continued talking until the executive-type put a hand on Lauren’s shoulder and kissed her cheek. Forty-something shook hands with them as though sealing a deal, then the men took off in different directions.

  Lauren looked up and scanned the area. Jonas gave himself a moment to enjoy the sight of her. She looked every inch the young executive in a beautifully cut suit and carrying a large bag. Her pretty, tanned legs appeared to be bare of nylons, and her feet were encased in a pair of low-heeled, very Italian-looking shoes. The golden highlights in her light brown hair caught a stray beam of the late afternoon sun, and her face had that expectant look. Then she spotted him, and joy broke out across her face. It touched him to know his presence had such an effect on her.

  Lauren couldn’t get to Jonas fast enough. With little regard for her own safety, she sprinted across the street, bag swinging. Dropping it at his feet seconds later, she flew straight into his arms. This time he was prepared with both feet firmly on the ground.

  “I am never leaving you again,” she said when he finally let her go. “This apart arrangement is not working!”

  He took her face in his hands. “Hello, Lauren. Let me look at you. I believe you missed me almost as much as I missed you.”

  Her arms went around him again. “You have no idea. Kiss me!”

  “With pleasure,” he chuckled before lowering his head. They were too absorbed in each other to notice the amused or envious looks of the passersby. Finally, he said, “I have a car waiting. Let’s get out of here!” He picked up her bag, took her hand, and led her to a luxurious chauffeur-driven car waiting nearby. Inside the air-conditioned vehicle, he pulled her close and tucked an arm securely around her.

  Lauren looked up at him and giggled softly. “It didn’t take you long to adjust to the upper crust Manhattan lifestyle,” she observed, her face bathed in smiles. “Can we afford this?”

  He threw back his head and laughed in sheer joy. Being with Lauren made all the difference to his day. “Barely,” he replied.

  She burrowed deep into the luxurious seat and decided to enjoy the ride. It was certainly a step or two up from the subway, and the company couldn’t be better.

  “Where are we going?” she asked a few minutes later.

  “Your place. I thought you might want to change out of your work clothes. Then I’m taking you to dinner.”

  “What about the car and driver?”

  “What about them?”

  “Do they come with you?”

  “The car is company-owned, and Joseph works for us.

  Lauren gave him a long look. She was sure another of Jonas’ layers was about to be revealed. “Are you going to fill me in?”

  “In stages,” he acknowledged.

  “How overwhelmed am I going to be?”

  “I think you’ll be able to handle it.” He grinned. “If nothing else, you’ll know I’m not after you for your money.”

  She laughed softly and snaked her arm around him. “I love you, Jonas.”

  He rested his cheek against her soft, fragrant hair. “Love you, too. I’ve missed you every day.”

  “Who were the men with you?” he asked a few minutes later.

  “The older man is the CEO. The younger one a newer client.”

  “Does he have designs on you?” Jonas had not forgotten the kiss and the touch on her shoulder.

  “Who?” she asked, puzzled.

  “The one who kissed you.”

  She shook her head. “Only on my brain,” came the mischievous reply. “He likes the way it works. It makes the firm a lot of money. And he simply wished me a happy weekend with you.”

  “You tell your CEO about the men in your life?”

  “Peter is a friend as well as my boss. He and his wife have sort of adopted me. They know I don’t have family here and occasionally invite me to swim in their pool or share Sunday dinner with them. They have been very good to me.”

  “No children of their own?”

  “They have a son, but they have been estranged for years. There was an argument, and Peter told his son never to come back.” Lauren’s eyes took on a troubled expression. “He told me he has since realized his terrible error in judgment, but it was such a long time ago that he doesn’t know how to approach his son to say he’s sorry and ask forgiveness. It’s very sad.”

  Jonas looked pensive. “Do you know what it was about?”

  “I’ve never asked. Why?”

  As they pulled up to Lauren’s apartment building, Jonas replied, “I’ll tell you upstairs. The craziest thought just came to me. It may be nothing, but then again . . .”

  With a flourish, the car door opened and Joseph assisted her in alighting.

  “Thank you,” Lauren said with a warm smile.

  Jonas got out and had a few words with the driver, then escorted her past the doorman and into the building.

  The elevator took them to the third floor. “It’s tiny,” she warned him as she unlocked the door. Jonas smiled as he stepped inside. Tiny described it, but she left out charming. He looked around the immaculate and inviting little room. The sofa looked comfortable, the kind you wanted to sink into, and the select few pieces of furniture were chosen with care. One corner of the room held a dining table, its minuscule proportions barely large enough for two, the other a small TV. An arched opening in-between led to the kitchen. But the paintings on the walls! They were original oils—one a remarkable still life and the other an exceptionally good landscape. They gave a wonderful richness to the overall look and feel of the small space. Jonas was impressed.

  Lauren noticed the careful scrutiny he gave everything and saw approval. “My father’s father was an artist,” she supplied when she saw his interest in the paintings. “The landscape was a graduation gift. He passed away a couple of years later, and before my grandmother died, she presented me with the still life.”

  “A beloved grandchild, with excellent taste,” he said approvingly. “I’m amazed by what you have managed to create.”

  “Thank you. Make yourself at home while I change. How should I dress for dinner?”

  “Whatever makes you feel comfortable. I’m wearing what I have on.”

  “Oh, good.” She gave him a quick kiss. “Don’t go away! I won’t be long.”

  Jonas shook his head and smiled. As if he’d want to go anywhere without her!

  While she was in her bedroom changing, he explored the place Lauren called home. He peeked into the kitchen. It was tidy and organized, a necessity in such a compact space, but her personality still shone through. Touches of Norway were also evident, from the calendar on the wall to the towels and the pewter bowl holding fruit. A few steps brought him back to the living room and a long, low window. From there he had a view of the neighborhood. The street below, lined with apartment buildings, stretched before him. No wonder she loved his terrace. And his island.

  He felt her arms come around him. “Welcome to my world,” she said softly. “Not quite in the same class as yours, is it?”

  He turned and caught her hands. She looked perfect in a cool, summery skirt and a pretty, lacy top. He pulled her close.

  When he finally released her, there was no doubt in Lauren’s mind how he felt about her. And she knew no one would ever love him as much as she did. She did not want him to return home without her.

  “Ready to go?” he said eventually.

  “You were going to tell me about a crazy idea,” she reminded him.

  He s
miled. “So, I was. What do you want most, food or a problematic story?”

  “I want to hear the story, but I missed lunch, so I’m starving.”

  “How about I tell you over dinner?”

  The car was waiting for them out front. Joseph drove them to a beautiful old building, surprisingly close to her apartment. A discreet tablet by the front door read: The Franklin: A Private Hotel.

  Lauren looked at Jonas. “I’m not familiar with this place.”

  “It’s a small, family-owned enterprise. Their advertising is mostly by word of mouth, and they are usually full.” He smiled. “I am staying here tonight. Their restaurant is excellent, but the menu is limited to one featured entrée each day. I think you’ll like it.”

  After exiting the car, Jonas had a few words with Joseph, then escorted her through the front door and into a foyer of unparalleled beauty. A reception desk occupied one corner, but no one appeared to be on duty. Jonas guided her straight through and toward the back of the building where open double doors revealed a small but beautifully appointed dining room. It held only six tables, three of them already occupied. Jonas confidently guided her to one of the empty ones where he saw her seated before taking his seat. When she remarked on the lack of a hostess he explained, “The hotel has six suites, and each suite is assigned a table. The idea is for the guests to feel at home. He reached across the table and took her hand. “You said you were hungry. We will be served more quickly here than any other restaurant in Manhattan.”

  Not long after, a handsome, dark-haired teenage boy, balancing a tray, approached their table. “Good evening, Mr. Juul.”

  Jonas greeted the boy with a smile. “Hello, Leonard.”

  “Veal Parmesan tonight,” he announced.

  “Sounds wonderful. I’m sure we’ll enjoy it.”

  “Your drinks.” Leonard placed a glass in front of each of them along with a basket of fresh, hot rolls. “Salad and entrée are coming right up,” he added before heading back to the kitchen.

  “Handsome young man,” she remarked, “and full of confidence.”

  “Youngest son in the family. He is coming along nicely. They all help run the place, and Mama supervises the cooking.”

  “Must be satisfying to be part of a family venture where everyone plays a part.”

  “Yes. From what I’ve heard, the building was a wreck when the family bought it, but with a lot of hard work and sheer determination, they brought it back to life. They have made quite a success of it.”

  Lauren reached for her glass. “What kind of drinks are these,” she asked before taking the first sip.

  “House specialty. A refreshing, fruity blend. Non-alcoholic, per my request.”

  She reached for her glass and sipped carefully. “It’s wonderful!” she exclaimed and took another sip.

  “I think you’ll find the dinner equally to your liking. I’ve never had a less than excellent meal here.”

  Leonard brought the salads as promised, quickly followed by the Veal Parmesan. The aroma was heavenly.

  Lauren was more than ready for her evening meal. She’d had a packed day. Lunch had fallen by the wayside. Gratefully she sampled the food on her plate. It was delicious. “This is wonderful, Jonas,” she said between bites.

  He smiled as he watched her eat. She had such lovely manners and ate with obvious enjoyment. He was glad he had brought her here instead of to one of the city’s celebrated restaurants with their interminable wait times. “Glad you like it.”

  As they were finishing the main course, Jonas said, “Are you ready for my story?”

  “I am,” Lauren assured him. She had been ready since they left her apartment.

  Jonas’ countenance was solemn as he began. “I’ve told you a little about my friend, Jake,” he began.

  Lauren nodded, listening carefully.

  “He grew up quite privileged on the family estate on Long Island. He was the only child of very loving and supportive parents.

  “When I first met him, he had only been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ a short time. He told me he had wanted to be baptized at eighteen, but his parents—particularly his father—were vehemently against it. He waited, hoping to soften his father’s opposition, but nothing changed. So, when he turned twenty-one, he was baptized without his parents’ approval. According to Jake, they came unhinged and disowned him. That was over fourteen years ago. He hasn’t seen his parents since.”

  Lauren was stunned. Jonas saw pain fill her eyes as she said, “Why do families do these things to each other, Jonas?”

  “I don’t know, Lauren. But there is more.”

  She waited expectantly, her eyes never leaving his face.

  “Today, when you came out of your building, the gray-haired man with you looked vaguely familiar. Even the way he moved sent off signals. Then, in the car, you told me he was estranged from his son, and it hit me. He was an older version of Jake. That’s who he reminded me of. Is his last name Andrews, Lauren?”

  Lauren was stunned all over again. “Yes,” she breathed, “Peter Henry Andrews. And he has an estate on Long Island. I’ve been there many times. They are wonderful people, Jonas.”

  “Do they know you’re a Latter-day Saint?”

  “Yes. They are very sweet and always go out of their way to make me feel comfortable.”

  “They must have had a change of heart,” said Jonas pensively, “or mellowed with the years.”

  “I told you Peter said he realized he had made a big error in judgment. I’m sure his heart must have softened.”

  “Do you ever talk about the Church with them?”

  “Sometimes. Peter will occasionally ask questions, but they are more for informational purposes, not because he is dissatisfied with his own church.”

  “I wonder if he is trying to understand what drew his son to the Church, something he should have done a long time ago.” Jonas sighed, thinking of Jake and the pain he had endured, separated from the parents he still loved. “Let’s finish our meal, then we can talk more.” He touched her hand. “Ready for dessert?”

  “I’m not sure I have room, I am so full.”

  “We’ll bring it upstairs and enjoy it later.”

  He stood up. “I’ll be right back,” he said and headed toward the kitchen to make the necessary arrangements.

  He was back shortly. “They’ll bring our dessert up later. Ready?”

  She nodded and stood up as he pulled out her chair for her.

  The elevator brought them to the third floor and Jonas’ suite. In addition to the living room, bedroom, and bath, there was also a small kitchen tucked away in a little alcove. It was more reminiscent of a tastefully decorated apartment than a hotel room.

  “This is nice, Jonas,” Lauren said. “It doesn’t feel like a hotel at all.”

  “I’m not a big fan of hotels,” he admitted. “That’s why I often stay with Jake and Allison. But I wanted to be near you, so The Franklin seemed a good choice this time.”

  Sinking into the comfortable sofa, Jonas pulled Lauren down next to him. His arm slipped securely around her. Luxuriating in their closeness, Lauren didn’t care if she ever moved again.

  “Are you falling asleep on me?” Jonas whispered a few minutes later.

  Lauren shook her head. “Just enjoying being with you. I’ve missed having you hold me.”

  He buried his face in her silky hair. “Do you remember the first time you asked me to hold you?”

  “On the boat after swimming, when I was so cold.”

  “I hated letting you go.”

  “I felt bereft when you did. I realized I was terribly attracted to you.”

  “No more than I was to you,” he assured her.

  “You didn’t show it.”

  “No. I had no ulterior motive in bringing you to the island.
I wanted you to know you were safe with me.”

  “I love you, Jonas.”

  “We need to talk, Lauren,” Jonas said after a while.

  Lauren sighed. She was perfectly happy cocooned in Jonas’ embrace. “Okay,” she said reluctantly.

  He ran a caressing hand over her hair. “Let’s not wait too long to be married.”

  A teasing smile broke out across her face.

  “Why is that funny?”

  “You were stunned when I said something similar a couple of weeks ago.”

  “Not stunned. But very touched. I’d never had a marriage proposal before.” He nuzzled her lightly. “How soon?”

  “How soon do you want it to be?”

  “Two weeks from tomorrow?” he suggested hopefully.

  “Two?” Her mother would have a heart attack. She looked at his face. “You’re serious.”

  “I said it would be my first choice,” he defended himself, looking slightly abashed. “I’m realistic enough to see the improbability of that.”

  Lauren’s mind was racing. She wanted a wedding, not an elopement, and since a temple ceremony was out for now, she wanted her parents’ bishop to marry them. She loved Bishop Hunter. He had been a family friend for many years and had known Lauren since she was a toddler. But in two weeks? There was still her job, a demanding one. Could she work, pack up her apartment, buy a wedding dress, plan a wedding, and find time to introduce Jonas to her family within two weeks without having a nervous breakdown? She might be able to. In fact, it was a distinct challenge. But was that what she wanted? Everything so rushed she would have no time to enjoy the anticipation of such an important event? And arrive for her wedding utterly exhausted?

  She looked at Jonas’ face. Hopeful. Subdued. Resigned. She moved closer and automatically his arm came around her. “Jonas?”

  “I’m being selfish. You deserve a lovely wedding, not a rushed one.”

  Lauren sighed in relief. He wanted a wedding too, not just a quick elopement. “It will be lovely,” she assured him. “I come from a family of miracle workers. But Jonas,” she looked pleadingly at him. “Two weeks is too soon. I have a job.”