The Wish You Left Behind

Chapter 5: The Bodyguard

FAYE

Faye spends the rest of the afternoon at Ice’s clinic. She didn’t have a choice when Marissa called the doctor on behalf of Yoko. Ice didn’t tell her much other than Ms. Apasra prefers to be left alone for a while.

She’s not complaining, though. The doctor’s friendly demeanor makes it easy for her to get along with. Not to mention that the doctor didn’t ask her personal questions.

While Ice was busy writing notes and answering phone calls, though, Faye was reminded of an earlier commitment.

“I forgot. I have dinner with my landlord and his granddaughter tonight.”

“And?” Ice asks, her attention not leaving the book in front of her.

“I can’t come to Mr. Big’s dinner.”

Ice shakes her head. “Call your landlord.”

“What?”

“Go on.”

“What will I say?”

Ice looks at her expectantly. Faye hesitates for a moment before dialing Mr. Bunmi’s number.

“Mr. Bunmi, hi.” She can hear Ryn shouting her name in the background. Faye can’t help but smile. “Just —checking in.”

Ice asks for her phone. Faye barely knew the doctor, but if there’s one thing she’s certain of, Ice isn’t rude. After a moment’s hesitation, Faye gives her phone to her.

“Hi Mr. Bunmi!”

Faye didn’t hear the rest of the conversation as the woman leaves the clinic and shuts the door.

Ice came back with a big smile plastered on her face. “Great! Dinner at Big’s restaurant at 6. Then we will be with Mr. Bunmi and Ryn at 8.”

“We?”

Ice hums merrily before resting her hands on her hips. “How can you not tell me that your landlord is a chef?”

Faye shakes her head.

She underestimates the doctor’s love for food.

It’s not until past 5 and they are in Ice’s car that Faye voices out her concerns.

“I really don’t think Ms. Apasra wants me to be there.”

Ice glances at her before bringing her attention back to the road. “Did you know my mother wants me to be a businesswoman like her? And yet, here I am. Treating patients excites me. Sorry, that sounded better in my head.”

Ice suddenly swerves to the right, avoiding an SUV. She punches the horn right after. “Watch it!”

Faye held onto the grab bar.

“Sorry about that. What I mean is, what others want doesn't matter. Now, tell me what you want. If you want to go, I mean.”

Faye sighs in defeat. “Alright,"  her stomach joins in as it grumbles.

Ice looks at her like she’s a lost puppy. “Sorry, babe. I can’t ignore a stomach cry for help.”

Instead of a high-end looking restaurant, they arrived in a rather cozy place. Ice leads her to an elevator lobby where few people are waiting.

“This building is quite old, but if you’re looking for an authentic Thai experience, this is the place,” Ice said.

The 3rd floor is rather spacious than the first and a few customers occupy some of the rattan tables. Their chattering mixed with the smell of pungent spices fills the air.