FIFTEEN years ago a wannabe reporter sailed through an interview at an evening paper in the Midlands.
I should have been there to grill the then BBC radio journalist. But I was on holiday. I must have been a bit nervous. What type of keen but potentially inexperienced new colleague would the editor foist upon us?
A week after I returned, I found out. The successful candidate phoned me. He hoped it would be a good idea to come along and say hello, perhaps I could give him a tour of the newsroom and help him find his way around a bit before he started.
I remember that call like it was yesterday, how lovely this new voice sounded, how quickly I agreed to his polite request and rather inexplicably, how much I was already looking forward to him turning up.
"I'd like to marry that man," I thought when he did.
Ridiculous isn't it? (Two children on, we aren't married yet!)
As he stood there, smiling, his blue-grey eyes twinkling and his immaculate suit making him look every inch a professional, I was knocked for six.
Beaming, I showed Neil round, introducing him to our colleagues. I remember thinking he could be my deputy, wouldn't that be great.
Days later he started work.
I wondered what on earth he must think of me as I asked him to write stuff, sent him out on jobs, or sometimes took him to task about some typo or confusing court reporting. If honest we all know this happened too often, sorry Darling. I wouldn't dare do anything to let him know how I felt as I started to day dream about meeting up after work.
If a group of us went out for a drink, I always tried my best to have a chat, wearing more make-up than I ever had before.
But soon I got another call with an offer I couldn't refuse.
Another editor wanted me to go and work for him, he'd pay well. Miles away, up North.
I agreed and a starting date was set.
It was at my leaving do that me and Neil got together.
Well I say got together, I jumped on him.
And I say, leaving do, but I wasn't allowed in after a few drinks in the pub. Club bouncers decided I was in no fit state.
Neil's car had broken down and he nearly hadn't made it, I was so nervous, I'd drank quite a bit, quite early on.
Neil offered to walk me home. So with a week before I was due to head off to my new job, I jumped on his lap on a park bench on the way home and told him how gorgeous he was. I'm not sure how much he understood. Too much vodka just possibly made me sound like I was talking in code.
And did I mention he was on calls? Neil was phoning the emergency services at regular intervals to see if there was anything to report for Monday's paper.
He also needed to ring me the next day to discuss these stories.
I got my apology in early. I was sorry for being too drunk to get into the leaving do, sorry he'd had to walk me home, sorry I was so pissed, sorry I'd jumped on him and sorry I'd gone on a bit.
And then it came.
"You don't have anything to be sorry about," he said.
I cannot tell you how I felt when I heard that. On top of the world comes close.
The kind souls in our office arranged a second leaving do.
That's when we became an item. Neil moved in with me for the few days before I was due to move.
As my new job turned into a nightmare, Neil was my rock. Truth be told I missed him too much.
My bosses weren't impressed.
"If you were anywhere near a professional you'd stay here at the weekend instead of shagging in Birmingham," they told me, among other things.
They may have had a point.
But we also managed to see each other in the week, even if it was a snatched hour here or there between a complicated train journey either way.
I hated my job but I knew I loved Neil.
And I have done ever since.
Beautifully written Linda *sniffs, dries eyes*
Lizxxx
Posted by: liz | August 06, 2011 at 07:21 PM
This just melted my heart a little bit. x
Posted by: Molly | August 06, 2011 at 07:25 PM
Thanks very much Molly and Liz. I think it's a very ordinary story! xx
Posted by: Linda | August 06, 2011 at 07:58 PM
Awwww that's so cute! Ain't love grand?? :-) xx
Posted by: Emma | August 06, 2011 at 08:29 PM
It's a lovely story Linda and all the more poignant given the past few weeks you've been through together. 'In sickness and in health' - who needs marriage for that to be true? Wishing Neil a speedy recovery x
Posted by: Emily O | August 06, 2011 at 08:33 PM
Linda, you are such a beautiful writer. I didn't want it to end there... do we get a part 2? xx
Posted by: sian | August 06, 2011 at 09:14 PM
So wonderfully written. True love is worth more than any job. Xx
Posted by: Sara | August 06, 2011 at 10:06 PM
Simply lovely! When you know, you know.....if you know what I mean!
x
Posted by: Insomniac Mummy | August 06, 2011 at 10:06 PM
Oh that was so lovely. I want one. I love that you jumped on him and I love his reply to your apology. I bet your head was spinning. Yay for love. xx
Posted by: Jo Beaufoix | August 07, 2011 at 12:37 AM
Really really enjoyed this Linda, stood out like a beacon in my reader this morning. Thank you.
Posted by: Erica | August 07, 2011 at 09:14 AM
I'm having a little blub reading this. Gorgeous, emotive writing as always my lovely friend x
Posted by: Becky | August 07, 2011 at 09:21 AM
Thank you so much everyone, I feel better for writing this!
Posted by: Linda | August 07, 2011 at 11:45 AM
Ah what a lovely story.
Posted by: Pampered Mummy | August 07, 2011 at 11:49 AM
Wonderful. Marry that man. xx
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | August 07, 2011 at 12:22 PM
What a lovely story! Found this through RosieScribble on twitter. As she said - perfect Sunday reading.
Posted by: Rebecca | August 07, 2011 at 01:22 PM
PS love the title of your blog - if I had a pound for every time someone said that to me - it would keep the twins in nappies at any rate!!
Posted by: Rebecca | August 07, 2011 at 01:23 PM
Thanks Pampered Mummy.
I will Rosie, I will.
Rebecca, thank you - I think I may just prefer 'you've got your hands full' over "I'd rather you than me" - cheeky buggers!
Posted by: Linda | August 08, 2011 at 08:40 AM
What a beautiful writeup..
Which reminded me how I met my wife:) Yes..I always believe in love at 1st sight.
Jay
Publisher, DukanDietRecipesX.com
Posted by: Dukan Diet Recipes | August 17, 2011 at 12:33 AM
Aw what a nice story :)
I can imagine how over the moon you felt when he told you he felt the same way. Glad everything worked out really well for the two of you.
Posted by: Baby Monitors Online | September 02, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Gosh, I wish I would have had that information eraielr!
Posted by: Krystal | September 29, 2011 at 08:53 AM
Beautiful xxxxx ((((hugs to you))) xxxx
Posted by: Amy | November 11, 2011 at 09:04 AM
I remember reading this in the summer and loving it then (can't understand why I didn't comment at the time).
You say it's an ordinary story but he sounds like a very special man xx
Posted by: Trish | November 11, 2011 at 09:08 AM
Hugs my lovely. X
Posted by: Jo beaufoix | November 11, 2011 at 09:17 AM
This is lovely. Just lovely.
Posted by: Liz Weston aka @cambridgemummy | November 11, 2011 at 09:21 AM
No words x
Posted by: Ellen Arnison | November 11, 2011 at 11:35 AM
A true love story, Linda. Made me smile so much. Sending love to you. Mel xxx
Posted by: fenngirl | November 11, 2011 at 12:18 PM
When you know, you know. Beautiful x
Posted by: Paula | November 11, 2011 at 12:35 PM
Finding someone you love and who loves you back is the foundation to a wonderful life. I love your story, and I certainly don't think it's ordinary.
Love to you Linda x
Posted by: Suzanne | November 11, 2011 at 01:27 PM
I don't believe that any love story is ordinary. Thanks so much for sharing yours, and I send you all my love. x
Posted by: Heather Y | November 11, 2011 at 01:52 PM
Ohh alcohol, the makings of a wonderful first date! Sending you both love. Mich x
Posted by: michelle twin mum | November 11, 2011 at 11:39 PM
Reading your tweets tonight I was a bit worried there was something wrong and so wanted to find out if you were ok. I think I've filled in some of the gaps. This is a really lovely story and congratulations on your engagement. My cousin got married when they were 50 - they'd been together since university and have two kids in their 20s. They hadn't wanted to marry before but then they did. Every blessing for you wedding day xx
Posted by: Not a Notting Hill Mum | November 12, 2011 at 12:34 AM
Just here to send you love Linda. Have been a bit buried by stuff lately but I've been so, so sad to hear of all the awful heartache and difficulty you've been going through. Thinking of you all. Much love x
Posted by: Josie | November 12, 2011 at 04:29 PM
Beautiful story, beautifully written. Sending love, prayers and blessings to you all x
Posted by: Natasha (@LoveInTheNest) | November 12, 2011 at 04:30 PM
That's just lovely. Hugs. x
Posted by: If I Could Escape | November 13, 2011 at 12:25 AM
Thanks all, people's kindness is a comfort to me.
Posted by: Linda | November 13, 2011 at 08:51 AM
Sending lots of love and hugs ... This is so beautiful xxx
Posted by: Amumonamission | November 13, 2011 at 09:23 AM
very kind...
Posted by: Gary McCormack | November 13, 2011 at 10:12 PM
wow
http://www.supercleancarpets.co.uk/
Posted by: Gary McCormack | November 13, 2011 at 10:13 PM
Reading your wonderful love story took me back ....and as I told you at the time - a man who gives you cheesecake is a very special guy! Love and hugs to you all....thinking about you. xxxxxx
Posted by: Sue Watson | November 14, 2011 at 05:14 PM
Yes a man who gives you cheesecake is AMAZING. thank you Sue xxx
Posted by: Linda | November 16, 2011 at 10:32 AM
By the way, thanks everyone for all your kind wishes of course. Please continue to send all the love and positive thoughts that you can. xxxx
Posted by: Linda | November 16, 2011 at 10:34 AM
Wow - not sure which is more beautiful, the heart warming story or your emotive writing style xxxxxx
Posted by: Clairey | November 16, 2011 at 12:12 PM
That's lovely Linda! xx
Posted by: Libby | November 16, 2011 at 02:06 PM
I love hearing how people got together, and I have to say Linda, I like your style! Sending positive thoughts xxx
Posted by: notsupermum | November 16, 2011 at 04:25 PM
Isn't love just the best, such a 'warm the cockles' story. Sending you all lots of love and prayers xxxx
Posted by: Fran | November 17, 2011 at 12:16 AM
I somehow managed to convince myself I'd already commented on this, but I've come back for a re-read and see I haven't - gah! Anyway, what I wanted to say was that I really don't think anything you did could be "ordinary", Linda, and this story is no exception - and wonderfully told, as always. Terry and I are both thinking of you all, and sending lots of love. xxx
Posted by: Amber | November 17, 2011 at 08:35 PM
Linda, I've read, read and reread this several times each time trying to come up with the right words for a comment. As I still haven't I thought I'd just wing it.... Your story is beautiful, but love stories are. I'm so glad you found your Neil and you have had that happiness. I say, celebrate the vodka intoxication - if you hadn't been pissed would either of you ever have made that move?
What a great story. *hugs*
Posted by: Suzi | November 18, 2011 at 07:32 AM
Late in commenting, but I really enjoyed reading. It might be an "ordinary" story, but the love you share is clearly anything but. x
Posted by: Diane | November 27, 2011 at 06:26 PM
Ahhhh! Really lovely. Made me feel all warm. Who knew - Vodka the elixir of truth and love!! Big hugs to you both. xx
Posted by: Sally | December 01, 2011 at 03:12 PM
I might be batenig a dead horse, but thank you for posting this!
Posted by: Tori | December 15, 2011 at 06:07 AM
Wow, your post makes mine look felebe. More power to you!
Posted by: Bertha | December 15, 2011 at 08:54 AM
CHARISSA!!!! you were glowing and you lokeod FREAKING GORGEOUS!!!! now you just need to have 10 more babies!!! oh, and jason, you look fabulous too! ( ;can't wait to see little lady's pics!!!!
Posted by: Carlos | May 24, 2012 at 04:19 AM
her parents-to-be made wlffaes on a lazy saturday morning, you can see how darn cute that was, HERE!a0 abigail arrived on her due date she has been a perfect baby every step of the way, so we
Posted by: Rosane | May 24, 2012 at 05:38 AM
Love, love, lova that first room!Happy weekend to you, dear Mia.En stor kram i rymedn.P.S Inspelningen aer nu klar. Vi faar vael se (eller hoera) hur vi laater... Hej och he5!
Posted by: Lourdes | May 24, 2012 at 05:38 AM
The interview with a Literary Agent . Linda Langton was not up and wkroing, but I am very interested in listening and/or watching it. I am wkroing on a very sensative peice of literature. Any guidance and suggestion would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by: Givanildo | May 24, 2012 at 06:52 AM