one person can change everything

chapter 23 lonan

I took a deep breath as I got out my car. The time off had gone quick. Quicker than normal! I wasn't sure what I would be walking back into. Every step felt heavy & it was quiet. I was hoping I would see Linda first, my stomach was doing backflips. Linda's smiled made me relax instantly, she held her arms out and took my coat.

"Wellcome back sir .. nice break?... coffee... "

"Thank you.. coffee be great.. how's your daughter?" I followed her into my massive office forgot just how big it was.. actually very lonely...

"Doing amazing.. and it's all down to you sir."

"No Linda I did nothing I just helped.. so been busy?"

"Very... had Jay helping me with some things.. but all important post etc are here... also here are your files which I have put on hold till you returned.. Right coffee.." she hurried off.. my chest started hurting as I no longer could see my desk again.. I logged onto my computer and the binges started one after the other...

"LONAN boy good to have you back? Refreshed?" Mr Welsh strolled into my office

"Mr Welsh. Refreshed."

"We need a meeting.."

"Yes sure when?"

"Get settled and sorted then come by...good to have you back boy" he waved his hand in the air as he left my office.. i watched Mr Welsh grin at Linda boldly and she smiled back as always..

"Sir...here..you go.. your coffee"

"Thank you... so Mr Welsh hasn't put too much on you has he?"

"No no not at all.. He's been helping me"

"Great... I'm going for a meeting with him"

"Okay sir... Sir..."

"Yes" I stood up to stretch

"Umm... your friend alex Cooper came by the other day.. she left this" she pushed a pale yellow envelope towards me

"Oh...Okay thank you.....Linda..." I stopped talking as I stared at the envelope

"She never said sir... feels and looks important"

"Hmmmm..she didn't say anything?"

"No not really... just could I give you it when you get here... Sir... she looked sad.."

"Hmmm."

"Thought you two were more than friends..."

"Friends?" Couldn't get my words out

"Yes.. more than friends.. she said your just friends now?"

"Its complicated Linda"

"Thats what she said and like I said to her sir... it's only complicated if you allow it to be!"

"Easier to say that Linda"

"True but I'm right.. Sir Mr Welsh will be waiting "

"Okay.. I'm going." Sipped my coffee and went to his office.

"Linda.. what's been happening while I've been away?"

"Not much sir.."

I knew she was lying to me well not telling me everything.

"Lonan come in... sit ..we have a lot to discuss... No Linda?" He looked passed

"No Mr Welsh she's sorting a few things.."

"Hmmm... Right feel refreshed from your break?"

"Yes I do.."

"Good.... back to business... an I am taking a break.."

"A holiday?"

"Yes yes... thinking of surprising Linda"

"Linda.. my Linda....but your wife?"

"No... she gone... money sorted that out boy... gold digger.. anyway Linda"

"Linda??" I was trying not to laugh with shock

"Boy stop with the smirking... Linda is marvellous" his expression was soft, his smiles creased around the corners.

"Yes she is... so anything I should know about?"

"No.. No nothing... just Jay helped.. that boys attitude stinks... but can you ask Linda to sort these again for me?"

"Sure"

"Lonan... wait... give these to her please" pushed flat wallet to my hands

I could see Linda shuffling around the office, I could tell she was humming to her radio, she looked happy.....

"Linda.... Mr Welsh asked me to hand this to you.." I studied her from a distance of my desk and she couldn't have looked more excited, she hurried out the office and I knew where she went to.. What exactly did I miss while away? Mr Welsh and my Pa really?