The next morning Bill was sitting in the office trying to concentrate on a story that they had been working on for submission later that day, his head throbbed incessantly from the stitches in the back of his head.
The phone jangled loudly, "Bloody hell that's loud" he thought as he picked up the receiver... "The Times - Hanoi Desk" he said, expecting his usual contact from London on the line, but there was a moment of silence before Lea greeted him "hello stranger". It took Bill a few seconds to register her unmistakeable voice. "Hello you" he said smiling broadly. It was great to hear a friendly and familiar voice, almost reassuring after what he'd been through.
After the brief catch up there was a slight pause in the conversation, Bill was feeling a little awkward when Lea broke the silence "would you like a visitor?" she said as brightly as possible given her nervousness.
Bill was clearly surprised given all that had transpired, or in actuality what hadn't transpired before he left London or his new posting in Hanoi some months before. "Of course, whenever you want" he said expectantly. Well, I might be able to book for the end of the month she said breezily, not wanting to give anything away. Is it okay if I come for two weeks, I realize I'm imposing, but I'll explore while your at work. I'll be no problem and it'll be fun!
"Okay, sure that sounds great" Bill said nervously. Let me know when you finalize your flights land I'll come pick you up. Lea sensed the slight hesitation, but put it down to the surprise phone call.
"I'll look forward to seeing you" she said before hanging up the receiver. Bill sat holding the receiver, a million thoughts rushing through his head as he reached out and slowly replaced the handset back into its cradle.
All he could do was shake his head...
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