Smile Only To Me 🤍 Bohn/Duen

Chapter 2 ~ welcome ~

The driver opened the car door for the guest before retrieving his luggage from the boot of the car and carrying it up to the decking of the cottage. He climbed a few steps before slipping off his shoes to carry the cases inside the cottage then he waited until Tap entered the cottage before speaking,

 "someone will be over to see you shortly sir so have a look around and if there is anything you are not happy with they will sort it out for you, is there anything else I can help you with sir?" he asked.

"no, thank you, it looks lovely here and thank you for picking me up from the airport" Tap said slipping a few notes into the drivers hand.

The driver wai'd before leaving the cottage and Tap heard the car driving away before suddenly being surrounded by silence, the only noises he could hear were the waves lapping at the sand and the soft chirping noise of cicadas and he looked around the cottage before going outside to the beach.

The sun was just beginning to set and the sky looked beautiful and Tap stood at the waters edge just soaking in the scene before him.

"Mr Sittanasong, I'm sorry to disturb you but I'm here to check you in" a voice said beside him.

Tap turned to look in the direction of the voice and saw a young man smiling at him, no, beaming would be a better description. He wore a loose fitting white shirt and slacks and carried a tablet. He looked a little embarrassed at being scrutinized as he lifted his right arm to casually rub the back of his neck.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your first sunset here on Koh Samui, perhaps I should come back later?" the man said.

"that's ok Mr ...?" Tap enquired.

"yes sorry, I'm Chet Thonsappapong, if you need anything during your stay here, please don't hesitate to let me know" he said practically beaming again.

He pulled up an online check in form on his tablet and asked Tap to sign on the touch screen then after giving him a card with his contact details he advised him that the fridge had been stocked with a variety of food and refreshments but he was welcome to eat up at the resort if he wanted to.

"Breakfasts are served from 8am - 10am, Lunch from 11.30am -1.30pm, afternoon tea from 3.30pm - 5.30pm then dinner is 7.30pm -9.30pm, you will find brochures in your cottage for entertainment and excursions, enjoy your stay sir and welcome to Koh Samui" Chet wai'd before turning to saunter away along the beach.

Tap watched the man go and felt irritated by his naive demeanor and silly smile, were there really people like him still existing in this dog eat dog world, in Tap's experience people would stab you in the back as soon as look at you so he couldn't comprehend someone like that guy, what was his name again?

He turned the business card over in his hand and read the print, Mr Chet Thonsappapong, KJ Hotel and Resort Manager - Koh Samui Branch followed by his contact details.

Wait, what, that kid was the manager? he didn't look old or competent enough to be running an operation like this, what the hell?

Tap watched the so called manager walk away before turning back to gaze out over the gulf towards the sea, it was stunningly beautiful. Tomorrow he would ask at the resort about hiring a car so he could visit a few real estate agents to view properties and land, the sooner he started, the sooner he could get settled.

He watched until the sun disappeared beyond the horizon before walking back into his cottage to turn on a lamp in the lounge. As dusk fell and the fiery sky began to turn different shades of grey, solar powered string lights began to automatically turn on illuminating a path towards the resort.

Tap decided to get washed up and walk to the resort for dinner, he didn't feel like self catering tonight and he wanted to check out the facilities. He showered and changed then checking the time he saw it was 7.45pm, still plenty of time so he picked up his wallet and phone and the key to his cottage before heading out to walk to the resort.

He locked the doors and sat on the back decking to slip on his canvas shoes before following the trail of string lights up the beach and within a few minutes he could see the hotel. The beach led to the rear entrance of the resort and he walked over a well lit bridge which spanned over a large swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers, tables and fixed parasols which were all closed and fastened for the evening

Beyond the pool was a beach bar surrounded by tables filled with vacationing families and couples. There was also a small stage opposite the bar but Tap continued to walk through before entering a set of doors which led to a large lobby where you could access the front main entrance, restrooms, the elevators to rooms upstairs, a reception area, and an inside bar and restaurant.

Tap walked into the restaurant where a young woman by the doors wai'd and asked him for his room number. As soon as he said he was staying in a cottage she address him as Mr Sittanasong and directed him to a table before beckoning another young woman who came forward and handed him a menu after wai'ing herself. 

A short while later, Tap ordered a medium steak with side salad and a half bottle of red wine, The smiley guy might act like he was a biscuit short of a barrel but he certainly ran a tight ship here, Tap was impressed with how helpful and well mannered the staff were and how the left hand knew what the right hand was doing at all times.

His meal arrived and the waitress poured him a small amount of wine which he tasted and after nodding she continued to pour more then after bowing respectfully she walked away to take care of the other diners.

As Tap ate, he glanced around the room and noted how everyone seemed happy including the staff. Soft music played and the atmosphere was relaxing and before long he noticed the manager walk into the restaurant. He had changed his outfit but he still carried the tablet in his hands as he interacted with the staff and guest's, the ever present beaming smile seeming to captivate everyone around him.

Tap watched him as he stopped by different tables shaking hands with returning guest's and even hugging some of them. Children ran up to him and he squatted down to their level and gave them hugs and pinched their cheeks, it was obvious that everyone thought very highly of him. 

Tap felt irritated but he didn't know why, he didn't trust people easily, especially those who acted over friendly, he wondered what they were hiding? Perhaps it was the journalist in him, or perhaps it was all the corruption he had witnessed when he had worked in the media circus but he didn't believe that people were 'that' nice without reason.

Soon the manager noticed him and made his way over to his table.

"good evening Mr Sittanasong, you decided to enjoy the restaurant this evening then?" he smiled.

"yes, I didn't feel like cooking but thank you for stocking the cupboards and fridge for me" Tap replied.

"will you be sticking around for the entertainment? there is live music and dancing this evening" Chet said.

"I'll see how I feel after dinner" Tap answered.

"yes, of course, then I'll leave you to enjoy your meal sir" he bowed and walked away before being intercepted by another guest.

Tap finished his meal and when the waitress came to clear the table she asked if he would like anything else.

"no thank you" Tap replied before being informed that everything would be billed to his cottage.

He stood to leave the restaurant and as he walked out the woman on the door wai'd again and wished him a pleasant evening then leaving the lobby of the hotel he once again found himself in the beach bar and decided to stick around for a while, it looked like it could prove to be interesting.

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