Havana Nights

let's get a drink

Tine was lying on his bed in his hotel room round the corner from the bar.  It was past twelve,  he couldn't sleep.   For some reason he couldn't get the image of Sarawat out of his head.   He was intrigued by him.   His shy smile, the way his eyes wrinkled when he laughed, ugh his laugh.  What the hell Tine!   This was supposed to be an easy job, in and out, but Tine knew what he wanted.   He just wanted a little taste.  That wouldn't be so bad, would it?  

He got up and stood on the terrace looking out at the night sky,  he could hear music still playing, most probably from the bar.  He decided to take a walk.   Yes, it was definitely the bar.  He stopped in front of one of the open windows, people were salsaing between the tables and on the dance floor.   Sarawat was behind the bar sweating, his white cotton shirt sticking to his chest.   He was smiling and laughing.   I went in and sat at the end of the bar where it was a little bit less busy.   He walked over when he saw me. 

"What can I get you?  Whiskey please.   I don't serve whiskey, too stiff and boring.  I looked at him, Rum then please.  He poured me a shot.   Give me the bottle.  Ok, enjoy"

He ignored me the rest of the evening walking over later when they were half empty and I could see they were starting to get ready to close up.  "Why are you pouting"?   I am most definitely not pouting I said a little slurry.  I wasn't used to rum.  Oh yes you are, he laughed. 

Well, if you must know I am not used to be ignored, I confessed.  Aaaah so the poor baby wants attention?   He came and stood in front of me putting his elbows on the bar. Looking straight into my eyes.  I felt lost for a second. "What is your name?  Tine. Nice to meet you Tine, my name is Sarawat.    Well Tine I assume you are from Thailand right?  Yes.   So we very, very rarely have people from Thailand here and usually when they do come here they are here on business and I don't get involved with people in "business".  He winked at me and left.   Fuck.

I woke up with a massive headache. I felt horrible. It was already late afternoon. I walked over to the bar taking a seat in the corner and ordering some food.   Sarawat walked over and put a glass on the table.  He cracked and egg into it.  Here, drink this.   You will feel better, I promise.   I looked at him skeptically.   Just drink it Tine.   I gulped it down and almost threw up.   Are you trying to kill me I shouted.  He laughed.  15 Minutes later and I felt fine. Shit, I am not going to hear the end of it...I could see him smirking at me from behind the bar.   I got up and left.  I had some business to attend to.  Exactly the kind of business Sarawat alluded to.  I was glad,  I needed time to think. 

I got back into Havana 2 days later.  It was late.  I was tired.  I walked over to the bar.   There was a bonfire in the alley next to it with people drinking at some makeshift tables.   I went in drank a couple of shots and got a drink.  I spotted him sitting at one of the tables.  He was drinking with some friends, most probably his night off.   I took my drink and went outside and stood next to the fire.  My head finally buzzing from the rum.   I felt someone behind me, I resisted the urge to turn around.  I felt a hand snake around my waist, his hand pushing in under my shirt and resting on my stomach. I could feel the heat radiating from him.  He pushed his chest against my back.  You're back, he whispered in my ear.  He pushed his hips against mine and started swaying with the music.  His breath fanning over my neck.   I rested my head against his shoulder and just let the music take over.   I felt relaxed, for the first time in fucking years.   

He left me after a while and went back inside.   I waited.  "Hey Tine, Jose here says you look like a bunny.   He put his arm around my shoulder and pointed his finger at my chin,  I told him to stop looking at my sexy ass bunny". I smiled. He was much drunker than before and cuter.  I lost some bets, it might be your fault, he slurred.   Let's go home bunny.   We turned down the alley into the street.  Where do you live?   He was leaning on my shoulder as we walked.   Shit, Sarawat, wake up.  Where do you live?  I took him to my hotel.  Here, I handed him a glass of water. He gulped it down and seemed to sober up a bit. Hmm nice digs bunny.   Why are we here?   I told you, I don't know where you live. Aaah....He took his t-shirt off and I swallowed hard, his faded jeans hanging low on his hips with his V-shape disappearing into the exact place I want to be right now.

He threw the t-shirt in my face.  "Goodnight then bunny".  What the fuck, you can't be serious.  Wat, wait!  Hey hey heeeeeey Mr. Bunny you might be cute but you are not deserving of that name yet, he said trying to look serious but just even just more fucking adorable.   I apologised profussedly and stepped closer hoping if I can at least touch him I might entice him a little....

Nah ah aaah Mr Bunny, he shook his finger in my face.  Get those dirty little hands away from me.  He turned me around and kicked me on my ass.  Now get out.  He closed the door behind me.

I was stunned.  What the fuck just happened? 

I picked up the phone and called Pear.  She answered immediately.   Tine, everything ok?  Pear,  am I still desirable?  I just got rejected.............for the second time.   I heard a thump and it went quiet.  Pear?  Pear?   I then heard someone pick up the phone.  Hello?   Tine?  It was Boss.  Tine why is Pear lying on the floor? 

"Give me the phone Boss"!  

Ok Tine...tell me exactly what happened. 

Boss and Pear both stayed with me and are now my closest confidants.   Boss's family had ties to the Teepakorns so he was easily persuaded to switch sides and well Pear has seen me at my worst, there was no secrets between us.   Dim and Man was unfortunately not so easy to persuade, and they were killed in the crossfire during the changeover.  The war lasted several days. It was tough but we came out victorious.  The Teepakorn name was now firmly re-established again in the underworld.

Ok Pear so what do I do?  Umm well ok, so it actually just sounds like he is a nice guy.   Just try and be friends with him first.  Friends...you must be joking.  Pear that is not really the objective here.  Ok well Tine,  I think then you first need sort out in your head what the objective really is.  She was right.  I was confused.  He confused me. 

I was sitting in the lounge playing video games when I heard him.  "What the fuck"!  Where is my fucking shirt?   I heard the door open and he peeked his head out.  Good morning, sleep well?  There is a clean shirt on the bed you can wear.  He just closed the door and came out 2 minutes later.   Why the fuck are you not wearing any clothes?   I was just in my boxers.  It's fucking hot, I shrugged and grabbed my t-shirt pretending to play along.  I wanted to also give him a glimpse of what he's missing.  I did not miss his eyes lingering a little bit longer.   He was looking very nervous and rubbing the back of his neck.  You ok?  Umm yeah I am just not used to waking up in strangers hotel rooms.   I put my hand to my heart with a dramatic face,  me?  A stranger?  After helping you get to a bed safely last night I am yet again left with the rubbish on the street.  I did a pretend cry.  I should have been an actor.   You wanna play?  I ordered food, should be here any second. You must be hungry....his tummy took that opportune moment to make a loud rumbling noise." Hmm naah I think I should head out.  Work?  No I have night shift, but I have imposed long enough.  Thanks man".   There was a knock on the door.  Come in!  A trolley full of food and drinks was pushed in.  It smelled delicious.  You sure man, there is more than enough.  I could see him hesitating.   Ok maybe just a little while.   He grabbed a controller and sat down.

3 Hours later they were still locked in a fierce battle.