Chapter 52 - Welcome Back Matthew (3) (1/2)

27 December, Club TJ's City K

Matthew quickly took in the sight of Lexi. She was still at a small at a height, even in heels like she was and that absolutely brought out his protective instincts. Her black hair was piled on top of her head, but it has the same shine as it always did. Her figure, had matured, but at its core was the same basic shape that he remembered from the last time he saw her. The inflection in her tone, was still the same.

Lexi once she was fully in the room started to look around and stopped for a few seconds as her eyes hit Matthew. He saw conflicting emotions pass across her eyes, but one key one was that she had something she did not want him to know. She quickly averted her eyes and then continued to look at everyone at home.

”Come on you lot, what is the issue?”

No one was ready to speak, as they were worried about the reaction between Matthew and Lexi, given that they had not seen each other for eight years. Other than Lexi the other two that had concerns about her secret were Phillip and Chester. Chester, who had known from the time that Lexi was found to be pregnant that her child was Matthew's and Phillip who had figured out the secret when Dominic was six months old.

”Well Steven made a comment about my rank in the military, and John spat out his drink all over Joan, then they started to question Phillip about my rank.”

”Well come on tell us.”

”Mr Goody Too-shoes is a colonel,” responded Phillip. ”Another administration position, and a senior role at the local base.” Matthew realised that there was stunned faces around the room, from those who had no idea of his rank, given how quickly he had risen in nine years in the military.

”From what I hear you never stay in the same place for long, from what I hear, so another temporary position,” came Chester.

”Actually no. This deployment is for at least four years and depending on what happens with the base commanded and commanding general, it may become permanent.”

”So, what do you do?”

”Paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork. I have been tasked also with reorganising some operational areas.” Matthew knew that this was the absolute truth, he simple omitted what he was responsible for. He then shot John a look as to say keep your mouth shut or I will tell your secrets as well.