Lindy walked into the office that Monday morning feeling keen on working. Her flawless radiance beamed from across the room and gave a new ray of light to the otherwise dull open space. She walked with a sway of the hips as if she was dancing to some tune only she could hear, and her step was not a spring, but rather a sensual and delicate landing on the carpeted floor as if she was walking on cushions. Indeed she was walking on air and it showed. Her inner smile, the way she nodded her greetings, she was oblivious to the world and the stares she was getting.

“SURPRISE!” The whole office sang in unison when she entered. It was decorated with balloons and a big CONGRATULATIONS sign that hung in the middle of the room. Everyone had gathered around; all 7 of them, with Champaign glasses in hand. Steven, her number 2, handed her a glass and made a toast before she could utter a single word.

“You made it. And here we are to say thank you for taking us along on the ride.”

“Dragged us is more like it,” Angelique, her P.A, added and laughter erupted in the room as the people grunted in agreement.

“Yes, Angie’s right and I’m sure she speaks for a lot of us. It was hell on the rollercoaster but it was one hell of a ride. I believe I speak for everyone when I say; we’d do it again if you asked us. Thank you for making our dreams a reality and thank you for being you. Now hopefully since the stress is over we can look forward to the ice melting in your fortress and that we can have Lindiwe back coz hell, we’re tired of dragon lady.” Again the laughter broke and tears were welling up in Lindy’s eyes.

“To Lindy!” Steve saluted with his glass raised high. “TO LINDY!” the room sang and a song of cheers went out.

She walked around and hugged everybody. She didn’t have the heart to make a speech without falling to pieces. A Christmas party and bonuses would do. You can’t be too extravagant with the profits, you just broke even; she reminded herself. Everyone seemed to be having fun and engaging in animated talks about how the launch was, who got drunk and who did what. The hot story was that Lindy was seen in a man’s arms and shortly after that they vanished.

“Angelique, this is… wow thank you,” she acknowledged with a smile, both on her lips and her eyes.

“Oh you know you had it coming, besides, we needed a few hours of lounging and having fun after what you put us through these past few months.” Angelique was always earnest with her boss. She didn’t just think of Lindy as an employer but she was always a friend. Lindy admired her forwardness most times, she liked people who spoke their minds and held nothing back.

“Was I really that bad?”

“Dragon Lady, Ice Queen, Drucilla, take your pick. The whole office had names for you for different moods.” They laughed and Lindy made her way to her office again to check her emails. She knew her inbox would be flooded but she only hoped she would get one from William. She hadn’t seen him since the party on Saturday night but he had called Sunday afternoon and evening just to chat. Lindy had sat up giggling and twirling her hair like a school girl the whole day and night. She had a wide grin that even Grace noticed.

She hadn’t told her yet that daddy was back. She didn’t want to excite her as things were still fresh and unclear. Lu was already giving her hell and telling her to watch out for the Fischers and protect Grace at whatever cost. She was thrilled that her friend was happy and in love. She was rather miserable over the years and only had Grace and her work to keep her sane.

“So… What happened to you at the launch and who was that stud you were with? I’m sure he has everything to do with your new look,” Angelique stood by Lindy’s desk admiring the changes she saw before her.

“Stop being such a drama queen. There is nothing different about me, at all!” There was something different, but it had nothing to do with her look. Her hair was in a ponytail like always. Her shoes, the silky blue blouse and accessories had all seen better days. She had no make-up on, just lip gloss. It was all in her attitude. SHE HAD A NEW ATTITUDE!

“Are you honestly going to keep me guessing, or must I wait for the memo?” Angelique was not about to quit that easily, she’s always been forward.

“Everybody knows that you’re the running champ of guessing games, I would dare play with you,” Lindy stalled as she scrolled down the emails.

“I’ll fish it out of you even if it’s the last thing I do, you just wait.”

“Look, we just had a boost in our finances not to mention the workload of new clients that will stream in, so yes, I’m in a good mood. Shoot me.”

“Oh child, do I look that gullible? Come now, spin me another one…come just try. But give it a bit more kick this time, spice it up a little.” Normally Lindy would be annoyed by now, but her mood was beyond untouchable, she could not be distraught even if she were to lose a large sum of money that very day. She spent the rest of the day just responding to emails while everybody took a chilled day and rescheduled meetings for the next day. It was a good day.

***

Tell us what you think: Can Lindy’s good mood withstand even the devastating news about to come?