The Bully

Chapter Twenty Nine

"Now Lina I believe we have some catching up to do. I am informed by the wonderful Dotty that you were a complete pest while you were recovering," William said, the first time we were alone together. I just shook my head and grinned at him. I was so happy to be back in work that I wasn't at all phased by a telling off from my friend. He couldn't keep the serious expression on his face either and grinned back at me. "It's so good to have you back. I'm sorry you had such an awful time of it with your mum passing as well though."

"Yeah well, can't say I'm grieving too much about her being gone," I replied and he smiled.

"No, I suppose not. So what next then?"

I shrugged.

"The house sold in like a day, a couple emigrating from the UK who were over the moon to find somewhere that was furnished up for sale. I'm back at work though; I love the travel and the excitement of all this too much to give it back. Plus I get to be with Bret and added bonus continue being a pain in your ass!"

William just grinned at that and tilted his glass towards me.

"Yes well, scare me again by getting badly injured and I'll put a pain in your bottom, young lady," he replied and I giggled, shaking my head at him.

"I don't know how Tania puts up with you," I said and he shrugged.

"I never have to threaten her; she's just got a naturally sweet disposition. You're a different story." He grinned but then sobered a little. "Seriously though, you've had about the worst time of it and whatever your feelings about your mother it must have been quite a shock."

"Only shock was she wanted to see me before she passed," I replied, taking a gulp of my drink and then leaning back in my seat. "But I reckon she kept her distance for so long because she was worried I'd find out about Dad's will. She'd zero rights in that house from me being twenty one and even when I walked at eighteen she forfeited the right to live there by driving me out. It was only my guardianship that gave her a place there."

"Your dad must have hated her too," William commented and I sighed.

"I think he knew what she was, William. It wasn't exactly hate, more he was cautious of protecting me. He knew how she felt about me. But then she tried to say she loved me on her death bed. Never heard such crap. How can you love someone and treat them the way she treated me?"

"I don't know, pet. I don't get it either." He sighed and then smiled. "So you're back for good now then? Mike will be pleased and Ed too I shouldn't wonder. You have been missed, Lina."

"Good to know I'm irreplaceable," I said, with a laugh and he nodded.

"Beyond doubt. Ed was ready to throttle a couple of your replacements I think and he's such a good natured kid that it was a bit of a surprise to hear him so vehemently against anyone." He paused and then looked across at the table where Curt and Bret were sat talking, just the other side of the bar from us. "And how are things with Bret?"

"Good, really good. He's been an absolute rock, William. I couldn't have coped with any of this without him. He helped with getting my stuff out of the house and his mom organised the realtor for me. They've been an amazing support for me."

"What about Dotty?"

"She was great while I was sick. But I think she was ready to get home to Edinburgh. She didn't come back to Calgary with us and I wouldn't have expected her to. Far too many awful memories for her there. I don't want anything to hurt her again like my mom did. Not sure what I ever did to deserve her as my godmother."

"She's certainly one in a million," he replied. "Have you seen Mark since you got back?"

"No. At least not to speak to. I've seen him in passing. I think he might be avoiding me."