Honey Ko - A Novel

Chapter Eighteen

Sasi's condo loomed tall before me. The sound of breakers crashing on the cliff face below and the fragrant sea breeze mingling with coconut oil by the swimming pool brought a déjà vu moment to mind. Similarities between the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki and Sasi's place abounded. The only thing missing was Don Ho.

I wasn't surprised to see Sasi waving to me when I glanced up at her balcony. I returned her wave and walked faster. When I looked again, she had gone. I pushed through the revolving door and strode through the lobby toward the elevator. The door opened just as I reached for the button, and Sasi ran into my arms.

"Thomas. How wonderful of you to come. I was worried you mightn't."

She kissed my cheek as she took my hand and led me to the elevator. The front desk clerk, a look of anguish on his face, caught up to us just as the elevator doors opened. He spoke to Sasi in Thai. She replied, then walked to the front desk, and signed the guest register to the clerk's visible relief.

"Oh, Thomas. You are a criminal. You failed to sign in. I may have to call for the police."

"Oh, no! Will you handcuff me so I don't run away?"

"Of course, but the handcuffs are in my nightstand."

"Oh?"

She took my elbow. "Come with me, you scofflaw. I am making a citizen's arrest."

"Is that a thing in Thailand?"

"You know, I will have to ask the police when they arrive."

"What did you write in the book? That I promised to always sign in?"

"I wrote that I take responsibility for your actions, though you ravish me and make off with my sangria."

The elevator attendant's normally placid face turned into a smile when Sasi stepped in. When the door opened to Sasi's foyer, he bowed and spoke to her.

"What did he say?"

"He said it was a pleasure for him to see me laughing, that I most often look serious, and it makes the staff afraid to speak to me. I had not realized that was so. I must endeavor to smile more often when staff is in my presence."

She stood close to me, and I was afraid she would hear my heartbeat. Had she pressed her palm to my chest, she would have felt its rapid beat.

"You make me smile, Thomas. Perhaps you should see me every evening." Gone was her smile, replaced by moist, parted lips that seemed to beg the press of mine.

"Then we would both smile, Sasi."

Neither of us spoke for a moment, and I thought if she were any other woman, I would kiss her. I knew she wouldn't turn away. I knew, too, I would stay with her if I kissed her, and there would be no turning back.

The long moment slipped past, and Sasi opened the door and led the way to the kitchen. Sasi had known I would come: she picked up a tray with two glasses and a pitcher of sangria and nodded toward the balcony.

"If you will open the door, Thomas, I will serve the drinks in Club Sasi."

The sangria was cold and soothing, the night breeze warm and relaxing. I was glad I had come. Sasi wore shorts and a light blouse tied in front. We made light talk for a while, Sasi asking questions about the life of a Sailor while I learned more of Sasi's remarkable life as the child of a globetrotting diplomat. My fatigue drained away as we talked, and I slid ever deeper into the rattan chair.

The oven timer buzzed, and Sasi walked to the kitchen where she was warming a late snack. She returned with a tray of sweet pork spring rolls and a dish of fried rice. We ate from small plates, using fingers for the spring rolls and forks for the rice.