Forget Me Not

A Toast to Trouble

"Amsterdam" was a cool pick-up bar on the island of Koh Phangan in the Gulf of Surat Thani Province, famed for the "Full Moon Party" at Haad Rin Beach. Many consider it one of the world's clubbing capitals due to its stunning views and exclusive vibes. Hot singles mingled at the bar, regardless of gender. Foreigners tested their lines on exotic, beautiful people. Voices filled the air in a mix of languages, a diversity of cultures united in the pursuit of one thing---pleasure.

"Look, I'm tired of these one-night stands. What I really want is a relationship."

"Well, don't ask me. I'm into cuddling puppies and long walks on the beach... What about you, Sarawat?"

Rolling his eyes, Sarawat adjusted the earpiece hidden under his shirt, fed up with Man and Boss's back-and-forth. "Maybe you two can go somewhere, hold hands, and just talk," he said dryly.

"Why are you so boring?" Man retorted. "Isn't there anything in life that you want?"

"At the moment, I'd like to listen to the both of you."

"Really?"

"I was being sarcastic, you idiot."

He walked to the far end of the bar and smoothly squeezed in to play pool alongside some foreign women. Tall, smart, tanned, and undeniably handsome, this was Sarawat Guntithanon. Everyone called him Wat. Despite being a natural introvert, with his friends and those who knew him, he was fun, freewheeling, and reckless---a big kid who never grew up.

Dressed in a semi-casual ensemble, Wat exuded charm. He had been eyeing two beautiful Spanish girls at the bar who had turned down every guy in the club. Wat smiled broadly at them.

"Hola, hablas inglés?"

"Yes, we speak English," said the girl with bobbed hair dyed ash brown.

"Good, because we're actually much more charming in English." The two girls laughed, finding him utterly cute. "I'm Rakdee. Don't ask me about the origin of the name, but my parents had high hopes." Another burst of laughter. "I saw you guys checking me out over there. Don't be ashamed, it's okay. It happens all the time."

The brunette with long, wavy locks giggled in response. "I like your print shirt."

"You do? See, it's a conversation starter."

The one with the bobbed haircut reached out and touched his sleeve. "So, that's the secret?"

"I'll say this as respectfully as I can, and it's nothing personal---" he leaned closer and whispered, "I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you. I know people always say that, but in my case, I really would have to, and that..." he gave them a once-over, "...would be a damn shame."

"Damn, Sarawat!" Man exclaimed over the earpiece. "Just a few seconds in and those two girls are ready to drop their panties."

Boss agreed. "I could never do that. They wouldn't even care about my jokes..."

Sarawat did his best to ignore his two moronic friends and fixed all his attention on the gorgeous ladies in front of him. The girl with long, wavy locks asked, "So, are you a local here? Or are you like many of the Thai guys who prefer other countries over their own? Are you here for business or pleasure?"

"Business."

"What is your business?"

He moved between them, and they huddled in his arms willingly. "I'm a spy. Spook, secret agent, undercover operative, whatever you want to call it. I'm here for a mission."

It was obvious neither of the girls bought it and continued to laugh. "Oh yeah? You work for the CIA?"

"CDO, actually, the Covert Defense Organization."