I blinked, taking in my surroundings for a moment. I had clearly stepped into a parallel universe.
The interior of the bank was the complete opposite of the exterior. It was a study in sophistication and exemplary taste.
The floors were polished wood, the walls were cream coloured with wood-panelled accents.
Comfortable leather armchairs were placed around marble topped coffee tables in the waiting lounge.
Men and women in business suits walked around carrying trays and files.
A prim and proper receptionist sat behind a mahogany desk. She looked up at me and nodded.
"How may I help you, sir?"
"I'm here for Mr Kanawut" I said, extending the appointment letter.
"Of course, Mr Aekaranwong. May I see your identity card please?" she said, politely.
I showed her my national ID card. She nodded and handed it back to me.
"Thank you. You may proceed to cabin number 8, on your right" she said.
I almost asked her which right she meant, when she pointed helpfully in the correct direction.
The bank seemed to occupy the entire first floor. Cubicles and cabins extended as far as the eye could see.
I searched for cabin number 8. It was a corner office, which meant Mr Kanawut was most likely a senior bank official.
I knocked politely.
"Come in" said a voice from within.
I entered and was surprised to see a rather young man behind the large wooden desk. It was a beautifully appointed office and had glass walls on two sides.
"You're not Moke" he said, by way of a greeting.
"I'm indeed not Moke. I'm his elder son, Tine" I said, extending my hand to him.
He stood up and shook it with a raised eyebrow.
"This is unexpected. I don't like the unexpected" he said, frowning.
"My father passed away a few months ago. He left me this and instructions to meet you" I said, holding out the key.
Kanawut's eyes widened and he looked at me with sympathy.
"I'm extremely sorry for your loss. My apologies, I was unaware of his demise. Mr Aekaranwong was a good man. A very sound accountant. Not many like him these days."
"Thank you. I appreciate it, Mr Kanawut" I said awkwardly.
"You can call me Gulf" he said, smiling at me. "I had the pleasure of working with Mr Aekaranwong as his banking liaison for nearly eight years. I learned a lot from him."
I simply nodded, unsure what to say to this man who knew my father better than I did.
"Would you like some coffee?" he offered.
"No, thank you. I'm in a bit of a hurry. I have a deadline of sorts" I said, chuckling inwardly at my own morbid pun.
"I understand completely. Come, I'll take you to the vaults" said Gulf and stood up.
He was extremely attractive and looked every bit the banker that he was in his grey pinstriped suit and sober tie.
He scared me a bit. Less than the goth chick, more than the other receptionist.
My legs felt like jelly as I followed him through a maze of corridors to a pair of elevator doors in the interior of the building.
I had a strange feeling I was going deep into the belly of a mythical monster.
YOU ARE READING
Business With Pleasure | 2gether AU
FanfictionWhen his father leaves him with a failing party planning business and a crippling debt - as in pay up or lose a limb - Tine Teepakorn has no choice but to make it work somehow. Enter Sarawat, who has been appointed by the friendly mafia loan sharks...
