"Morning Lin. Did you sleep ok?"
Mark met him in reception.
Lin had woken up and decided today was going to be a positive one.
He was giving it both barrels, was in a fantastic city and would be seeing his good friend and hopefully making new ones. Life was good.
"Morning! I slept really well thank you" he turned to the reception and spotted Ruby. "G'morning! Haven't you been home yet?"
She laughed and twirled her hair round her fingers.
"Yes! Back on it now though, just half a day today"
Lin flashed her a grin. "Well that's good! Don't let them overwork you."
She fluttered her eyelashes.
"I won't!"
He turned back to Mark and Ruby turned to her colleague.
"Damn he's so hot!" They giggled together.
Mark took Lins tuxedo off him, walked to the car and opened the door. Realising what he was doing he shut it again quickly and stepped back "Sorry! Habit."
Lin laughed.
"These pesky habits cause nothing but grief."
He opened the door himself and got in.
Mark fastened his seatbelt.
"There's a coffee for you there. Thought you would appreciate a better one than the hotel room service provides. Hope I've got the order ok. I went for a strong flat white? There's sugar if you want it."
Lins eyebrows shot up.
"Hey that's great! Thank you so much! Appreciate it." He took a drink and sighed. "Damn I needed that!"
"If you just give me a call when you are finished today I will only be 3 minutes away."
Lin frowned. "You're going to sit in the car?"
Mark nodded.
"I could be there all day! These things have a habit of turning into mammoth sessions. I will get a rough finishing time and let you know in advance. I'm sure you have much better things you can be doing today than waiting in a car for me."
Mark looked in his rear view.
"It's my job Lin."
"Yes, but you don't have to be by my side all day when I'm not around. Hey! If the boss finds out point him my way. Can you go home for a bit? Maybe take some time with your loved ones? It is the weekend."
Mark broke into a grin.
"Actually that would be lovely. My girlfriend has just had a baby 2 months ago. Sleep isn't very forthcoming at the moment, and last night was a tough one. I could nip back and give her a break for a couple of hours. Let her rest."
Lin's eyebrows knitted together. His hand went to his chest. "Boy or girl?"
"Girl, Dhalia. She's perfect"
Lin smiled "Look at you, proud dad."
"Do you have kids Lin?"
Lin shook his head. His smile slowly leaving his face.
"No, unfortunately not. Situations never allowed it." He felt anxiety starting to surface and changed the subject quickly.
"So! Any suggestions for a good old fashioned London night out?"
"Me and a mate are going to the Roundhouse tomorrow night. We're going to see 'The Riot' I've been friends with the singer for years. They're actually playing in the same concert as you as an up and coming new band so you'll be able to have a listen later. They're rock/metal based. Not sure if it's your thing but we have a spare ticket. You'd be more than welcome to come along, everyone is coming round my house beforehand for a Sunday dinner."
He suddenly stopped.
"I'm so sorry, that was a ridiculous suggestion. I overstepped the line."
Lin frowned at him.
"There's a line? THERE'S A LINE! Where is this mythical wonderous thing, and what happens when we cross it?
Do we descend into another universe?!"
Mark turned quickly and smiled at him.
Lin leaned forward
"I would love to come with you, and a home cooked meal sound like just what I need right now. You sure you're ok cooking for everyone with a new baby? You have time?"
"Yes, it's actually a get together for my birthday which was last month. Things were a bit hectic so we didn't get round to doing anything. I'm on baby duties while Julie cooks. She's got some friends coming round and they're having a girls catch up while we are out."
"Well as long as you don't think an old guy tagging along will cramp your style?"
Mark raised his eyebrows.
"Ah yes. The absolute pinnacle of style cramping. Having a musical genius with you for the evening."
Lin frowned."Ok steady with the genius. Maestro at best..." he winked.
