The other sideâs president a northerner and was forthright.
He insisted on drinks after the signing.
Noreen was about to intervene but Leonel stopped her.
He downed two glasses of champagne fast, smiling.
âSorry, Iâm not feeling great.
Thatâs my Limit.
Help yourself!â
The client, after two brandies, patted Leonelâs shoulder.
âI heard about your leg.
Youâre straightforward about it and I like it.
Weâll be good friends.
â
Noreenâs face dropped at the news.
Leonel forced a smile, hiding his pain.
When leaving, the client, drunk, even offered to push his wheelchair.
Leonel declined politely.
Outside, Noreen muttered, âWhat a jerk! Why even deal with him?â
Leonel replied calmly, âHe may be dim but heâs very wealthy.
Easy money, you know.
It would be our loss not to cooperate with him.
â
Noreen wanted to protest but Leonel stopped her.
âLet it go.
The contract has been signed, and thatâs all that matters.
â
She apologized, feeling bad.
But Leonel didnât blame her.
As they were Leaving, he spotted Alexis.
She was with a guy and they were walking together.
They seemed close.
The man looked about thirty-something.
He appeared suave and seemed perfect for Alexisâ¦
Leonel was stunned.
Was he her date?
He hadnât expected it so soonâ¦
Worried Alexis might spot him, he clenched his fists.
âPush me that way.
I need a smoke.
â
Noreen saw Alexis too.
Shocked, she wheeled Leonel away to a quiet spot.
The wheelchair felt like it weighed a ton, though they werenât far away.
She fought back tears.
Her voice trembling, she said, âWhy not tell Miss Fowler the truthâ¦â
âWhat truth? That I ended up disabled protecting her, hoping sheâd pity me? So sheâd feel obligated to look after me forever?â
Leonelâs words dripped with bitterness.
Noreen couldnât hold back and she slipped away to cry.