One month today

December 2002

I called Maggie from Heathrow airport having already checked in. My flight was delayed, so we had plenty of time to talk.

'Do you know what today is?' I asked.
'I do', she said, 'it's the 2nd'
'Yes, one month today'

It was such a happy conversation. I was on my way to Shanghai, and at the end of the week I would be flying to Hong Kong. We'd been talking about this for a couple of weeks, both of us excited about meeting again.

'Make sure you call to say you land safe' she said. 'and don't let anyone in your room, the girls in Shanghai can be tricky. But I know you won't, I know you can handle yourself well'

I didn't know it at the time, but this proved to be the first of several trips I made, over the coming months. My love life being funded by my company and all 5 star.

I asked if I would get to meet her mother. 'That is serious' she said. 'It means you are very serious to me, if you meet my mother'

'Perhaps we should leave it this time then' I said.
'No' she replied. 'I want you to meet my mother'