Tin is back in Thailand to resume being the Medthanan heir. He is finally ready to deal with all of his past misdeeds, including the mess with Pete Pichaya and his boyfriend, Ae. He now has the skills to fight his brother, Tul, for the family compan...
Tin sighed as he watched his suitcase on the merry go round at the airport. Homecomings were so bittersweet. The final three years of school went by so fast it felt odd to be back in Thailand. He reached up and adjusted his tie, looking left and right, before leaning casually against the wall. As expected, no one came to meet him.
He had low expectations from his family, after running away in disgrace. His father certainly hadn't made the time or effort to see him in England, nor did the step-monster. His brother, Tul, on the other hand, did. Twice.
Tin's carefully selected spies were great on his two trips. Tin managed to successfully avoid him to Tul's ever growing frustration and anger. He even went so far as to camp outside of Tin's dorm room for two days. Tin had booked into a hotel room for a week and didn't even care what Tul did!
In return for the disruption to the dorm, Tin threw a Christmas and a New Year's party that his "mates" loved. He would never call these men, friends, but they were acquaintances. Tin knew and understood exactly what motivated them. They wanted money. He had money. He wasn't afraid to spend his money and they were not afraid to earn that money.
It was a win / win situation for all. He was going to miss Oxford University. He was going to miss it a lot. Thailand was not the same. Here, he was in battle mode all the time with three adversaries: His own father, step-monster and half-brother.
Could he survive, thrive and win?
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Tin stretched out in the bathtub, champagne glass in hand, staring out over the night skyline of Thailand. He was back a week now, his phone had yet to ring. He still had no battle plan. What point was there in going back to the Medthanan mausoleum without one? It was a wise choice to rent a room in the best hotel in Bangkok instead.
He never, ever thought about how much money he spent on things. In two years, he would inherit all the money from his mother's passing. In fact, ever since he turned 18, he had received more money each year than one person could spend in a lifetime. He studied business economics. He had a brilliant mind. Even before entering university, he had taken that leftover money and made money.
Oh, sure, he made a few bad investments, but he only considered that a learning curve. He still needed to figure out how to evict Tul from his heritage, his company. He would never forgive that man for all his evil deeds. It was easy enough to overlook his own evil deeds.
God, how he missed the one honest, true friend he ever made. When ever he felt nostalgic for Thailand, he would open up Facebook, click on Pete's profile and stare. He felt guilt and shame. It took a long time to recognize those feelings.
What was guilt? Or shame? He knew he needed to meet with Pete Pichaya and give his apologies for his past behavior but how? Would Pete even meet up with him?
Water splashed as he stood abruptly at the beeping of his phone. Naked, he strode to the bathroom sink and looked at the display. Laughing in delight, he pressed talk.
"What the fuck do you want?"
"Three years at the prestigious Oxford University and still no manners?" Tul's voice mocked him. Tin wanted to laugh out loud. As a sparring partner, no one got his blood boiling as much as Tul.
"I have manners. I use them with people who fucking matter."
"Ouch." Tul was quiet, then continued, "Father is mad you didn't come home. He wants to see you."
"Not interested." Laughing softly, Tin hung up. The game was on. How fast would it take for father's lapdog, Tul, to come and find him... or would father call next?
Humming, in a much, much better mood now, Tin showered and got dressed. It was late, but not too late for dinner. He had an appetite. In his dark suit, dark good looks, haughty look, he caught the eye of many patrons in the hotel. It was who caught his eye that surprised him.
Walking up to the bar, he slid on to a stool. "Pete? When did you become a bartender?"
Pete Pichaya was used to people knowing him. Ae's friends, once they found out he had to fill in at the bar, would often drop by. Tin was unexpected. "Tin! Oh my god, Tin. When did you get back? Where did you go? How come you never answered me?"
"You wrote me?" Tin asked, surprised.
"Of course! I read the letters of apology you sent to my lawyer. I wrote back but I heard nothing. I even texted you, but the number had changed. Where did you go?" Pete was busy mixing a drink as the words tumbled out.
Tin looked down in surprise at the cocktail in front of him. Pete nodded. "Go ahead, it's my specialty."
"Okay, thank you. I went to England to finish my studies. I haven't been home since. Your letter is probably there, so I haven't read it yet." Tin lifted the drink and took a sip. "This is good. But," He looked at Pete, dressed up real fine in a black suit, behind the bar. "I know you have a economics degree. Why are you working as a bartender?" The puzzlement was clear in his voice.
Pete's loud, clear laughter could be heard throughout the establishment. Once he got it under control, he leaned in and whispered, "Have you forgotten who I am, Tin? My mother owns this hotel. It's on the job training."
Could he attribute the flush on his cheeks to drink? Tin had forgotten! Well, he had grown up somewhat, so he decided to just join in with Pete's laughter and raised his glass. He was enjoying the conversation so much, he failed to notice the other man approaching.
"You better watch out, Pete. If it looks like you're flirting again, Ae will do more than scream." The short, athletic man, also dressed in a black suit, giggled. Giggled and patted Pete on the back as he slid past Pete and donned an apron. "I'm sorry I'm late, dude. Football practice was bad with the new team."
Mouthing an "We'll catch up later." Pete moved to talk to the shorter man.
Tin sighed. So Pete was still with Ae. He already knew that from Facebook. Knowing and hearing it confirmed aloud sent twinges of regret down his spine. Ae was also someone he had to apologize to. He had no right to interfere the way he did, because of his own jealousy. He knew now, he only wanted to be loved by someone whom he had respect for.
Tin rapped on the countertop and the shorter man came. "Put it on my tab. Thanks." He got up and left. Can stared at the almost full drink and back at Tin, "What a dork. Who leaves a perfectly good drink?" He looked left, then right and swiftly, drank it all down.
