LOVE SYNDROME [NAN & MAC] - Short Stories

Chapter 20 - Fitting (Part 9)

"All you rascals, be there by 10am or stand in your underwear on that day!", a couple of 'yes Hia' rings out at the order. Nan and Mac were going for their wedding costume measurements at the tailor, renting a few for the Nong's to match the entourage.

" and you, why are you not ready?" Mac questioned, coming down the stairs, dismayed to see Nan still in shorts.

" I am ready" spoken with the outmost confidence, had Mac's eyes narrowing into dangerous slits.

" You will not come to a bespoke tailor in tattered shorts and singlet. Now go change!"

When the subject opposite him did not move an inch, the glare intensifies, scorching Nan successfully to make a move, not before stealing quick kiss to smooth cheeks, Mac stunned where he stood.

" Yuek, too much sweetness in my coffee today" mocked a sly man stirring his morning coffee, already avoiding Mac's aimed smack on his way out because damn, the kid can hit. Hia's was hard enough but to notice those lines on his own back some mornings, Wei had enough intelligence to stay away from small, thin palms.

Counter top wiped down, fabric's pressed and steam ironed, tie and pins showcase polished, Khun Kahn was ready to receive his first customer of the day. Khun Mac, whom he had met before, came from a very influential family, among the socialites of Bangkok whom he himself had the pleasure of making the best garments for, let it be an evening tux or a tradition Thai gear, there was nothing he could not accomplish, hoping to attract more customers of that kind, setting himself apart from the rest of the common lot. His assistants were ready to receive guest, excited to see a few sport cars at their doorstep.

Arriving one minute away from their appointment, the newly refurbished bespoke store suddenly had too many chatty people at once and definitely not the kind Kahn expected. Other than Mac, the rest were, unfortunately rather shabby looking in T-shirts and unpolished boots with a much needed haircut. To add insult, a rather rowdy crowd, already touching everything in the store with grime on their fingers.

//Oh God, help me get through this day// Kahn called upon the Gods of Fabric.

" Manage the children, would you babe?" Nan appealed, plonking himself on the most plush, comfy sofa he could find, short of putting his feet on the coffee table, Wei joining him.

Post greeting the owner and absolutely embarrassed at the looks aimed at them, Mac stands hand on hip and whistles, loud and sharp and all at once becomes silent and still, even the shop assistants, all eyes wide and attentive at the slim man.

" Boss. Ai. Puck." three heads lift a little higher.

" Khun Kahn, the royal blue one on them please " mentioning the pre-selected suit.

" Follow" Mac points and three bodies step forward at the order, shuffling right towards the racks where assistants were picking out the choices.

" Sky, Mark and Non. You're next"

" The rest of you, wait your turn. Try not to break anything in the meantime and do not, I repeat, do not leave the store unmeasured, or else..." eyes dropping to each and everyone, making sure he was understood, before turning up a small smile he reserved for those business gatherings at Khun Kahn, asking him to proceed.

" I think you don't need me anymore, Hia" Wei whispers, proud his role been delegated successfully, sinking further into the sofa, rests his head, getting some shut eye.

Proud, yet notorious, Nan cackles, eyes searching Mac's, the man standing by Boss who's getting fitted.

Mother hen, he mouths, jutting a tongue, only Mac gives him the middle finger, rubbing it against his outer jeans pocket for Nan's attention. Thankfully, with that spectacle, the appointment runs smoothly, one after the other is measured, adjusted and recorded, Khun Kahn's blood pressure reducing significantly with Mac overseeing the Nong's.