Something New

Chapter 15

As soon as Beam met his parents, his Mom grinned at him gave him a big hug and when she pulled away, she still held on to his arm and gave him a once over and said, "Oh Beamie, you look so handsome today. I love this color on you." Beam blushed and ushered both his parents in. When his mom saw what the place looked like, her eyed lit up and she gasped and said, "Oh my God sweetie the place turned out wonderful. I love the fountain!" Beam grinned proudly.

Just then he noticed Forth and before Beam could say anything, he shook their hands and politely said, "Hello Mrs. And Dr. Vongviphan, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Forth Jamornham." Beam's mom gave the handsome young man a big smile while his dad just had his poker face on. Beam chimed in and said, "He's the one that designed and built all this. "His dad then gave a disapproving look and said, "Oh so he's the landscaper?" Beam felt annoyed and said tersely, "No dad, Forth is an architect with his own firm and a friend." Forth's face fell a little at the friend, which didn't go unnoticed by Beam's mom.

Beam's dad acted like he didn't hear it, but he looked around and said with a frown, "I see you've gone for a messy look, how very 'bohemian'" he finished, in a condescending tone. Beam's mood was deteriorating rapidly, and he was also losing patience. His mom noticed it and nudged her husband while giving him a glare. As soon as he saw the death glare from his wife, he shivered a little and said, "Oh I see Pha there with your Chief. I'm going to go say hello." And slipped away.

Mrs. Vongviphan slipped her arm into Forth's and said, "You, young man, give me a tour of this gorgeous place that you designed." Forth chuckled at her and said, "Sure mam, right this way." And took her away, leaving Beam alone, to attend to his guests. Beam felt so thankful to his mom for diffusing the situation, but he was still pissed at his dad's rudeness. Even though he knew what his dad was like, and he knew about his dad's awareness about perceived societal norms and high expectations, he couldn't help but feel bad when confronted with them.

Beam was still silently fuming when he felt someone tap him on his shoulder. He turned around and saw Tharn standing there smiling at him. Beam smiled back and asked, "P'Tharn, do you need anything? Are you enjoying yourself?" Tharn just smiled and shook his head saying, "Oh Beam, don't worry about me, this party is a smash hit." Beam breathed out a sigh of relief and said, "I am so glad to hear that P, I was so anxious."

Tharn patted him on the shoulder and with a sheepish grin he said, "You know how Type always says that you should be with someone because you're too lovely to remain single? We both think that, actually." Beam did not like the direction this conversation was headed, so he quickly said, "P, I really appreciate it but..." but Tharn didn't let him finish, he quickly cut him off and said, "My friend Joss recently move back to Thailand from the US. He is also a surgeon and a really nice guy. I want you to meet him and give him a chance."

Beam was shocked and after a second said, "What?! No P, I don't..." again he was interrupted by Tharn, "Oops, too late, he's already here" and he abruptly turned him around and slinked away. Beam was thoroughly confused and disoriented. He was just staring at a broad chest, mouth agape from the suddenness of it all. He then slowly raised his head to see a handsome face smiling at him. Beam's only thought was that the guy was tall.

The tall guy chuckled at Beam and said, "Hello Beam, I'm Joss Wayar. Tharn told be so much about you, but you are even more gorgeous than he gave you credit for." he commented with a flirty smile and handed Beam a beautiful orchid plant, which Beam accepted with a tight smile. When Beam still said nothing, he continued, "You recently bought this place right? Love what you've done, it looks beautiful." He said appreciatively. Beam finally smiled and said, "Thanks!"

Joss continued, "I just moved back here from New York, to join the oncology team at J.I.T." Beam looked genuinely impressed and said, "Wow, that's so amazing, their oncology department is one of the best in the nation. Congrats!" Joss then said, "Thanks! So, maybe you can help me find a place and show me around the neighborhood." Beam hesitated and said, "Well..." Joss immediately said, "It's just that you recently bought your house and I figured you'd know the housing market." Beam replied, "I'm no expert."

Then Tharn sprung out of nowhere and said, "He is just being modest. He can definitely show you around." he looked and Beam and added while smiling, "right Beam?" While Beam just glared at him, Joss brightened up and said, "Great! How about next week then?" Beam hesitantly said, "Umm can I let you know after I check my schedule?" Joss' face looked a little disappointed, but he quickly composed himself and said, "Of course." But he still kept staring at Beam and Tharn sensed Beam getting a little antsy, so he dragged a reluctant Joss away who just said, "Nice meeting you, talk soon."

Beam felt like his head was going to explode. Just then Forth walked up to him, gave his cheek a quick peck and asked, "Hey babe, how's it going? How are you holding up?" while rubbing his arm up and down comfortingly. When Beam just sighed, he asked, trying to sound nonchalant, "Who was that guy?" Beam just shrugged and said, "P'Tharn's friend." Forth seemed unconvinced but didn't say anything. He looked at the plant in Beam's hands and commented, "Nice plant!" but it came out bitter.

The party was dying down and Beam was busy seeing people off when his mom and dad approached him. His dad abruptly said, "So, I spent some time talking to Tharn's friend Joss. What a charming and smart young man. Being asked to join the oncology team at J.I.T is so impressive for someone his age." Beam just rolled his eyes and his mom looked at him sympathetically. But his dad was not done, he continued, "He needs someone to show him around, so..." his mom decided to save him again and cut him off saying, "Honey, it's late, we have to get going. Time to say good night." She then gave Beam a hug and whispered, "You're welcome." In his ear and Beam just chuckled at her.

As they were leaving, his dad suddenly turned around and yelled, "Don't forget to RSVP to the party at the club." Beam just huffed and facepalmed. Forth sidled up to him and asked curiously, "So, what was that all about?" Beam shook his head and said, "I'll explain later." Forth just nodded and decided to let it go for now because Beam looked stressed.

Once all the guests had left, Pha, Kit, Ming and Yo stuck around to help clean up a little. And the end of the night, Pha practically carried an exhausted Yo, while Forth had to help drag a drunk Ming out to their car. After everyone left, both Forth and Beam heaved a huge sigh of relief. After a quick shower, both of them cuddled together on the couch with Beam sipping some tea and Forth gently running his fingers through the other's hair. That's when his gaze fell on a fancy looking invitation on the coffee table.

Forth grabbed it to take a closer look and then asked, "So, are you going?" when Beam didn't say anything, he added, "It's the same time as the party at Laem's but I can skip it." Beam just shook his head and said, "No, I'm not going this year." Forth asked, "Why? It seems like an important event for your family. Is it because of me?" he added, teasingly, "I clean up nice, you know. I'll even rent a tux." Beam smiled at him and just said, "No, I just don't think that we would be comfortable in that setting."

Forth prickled at that and his eyes flashed a little hurt but then hardened and he asked, "We or you?" Beam didn't say anything, he just looked and him intently and leaned in and kissed him, effectively shutting him up. He then got up and said in a sweet voice, "Come on, let's go to bed. We're both tired and we have work tomorrow." Forth knew that he had lost that argument before they even started. He just obediently followed Beam to bed.

A/N - Votes and comments fuel my soul because I'm a Validation Whore! No, on a more serious note, I'd appreciate the feedback. Please and thank you!