The Nice Guy (Book 1)

Chapter 12

Pete sighed and stared at his phone for the tenth time that day. He had been very depressed during his last conversation with Ae but he never expected that it would be two weeks and nothing. Not one text, or call. He never even replied... 

Pete was devastated. He swung to the lowest point he had been in years and Tin was right there to lap it all up and rub it in that "ordinary" people couldn't be trusted. Pete sighed. His life was shit. 

Today in class, he had finalized the arrangements for the date with Tin. He had clarified that it was a one time date, to get his hands on the precious envelope. If anything, he still had to clean up the mess with Trump and to do that, he needed that information.

He really hated being helpless. 

He really hated feeling like everyone around him was manipulating him for his own best interests. That's what his dad always said, "Pete, it's for your own good."

No, Pete had learned that when someone said that, it was for their own good, not his. He was beginning to loose interest and trust in people. 

He slid into the driver's seat of his Benz and cried. Yup, this was his life lately. He wiped his tear stained face and pulled out of the parking lot. He had to pull himself together before he got home. Mom was already beginning to suspect things. 

As it was, he had to explain he had a date with Tin Medthanan tonight. How, he wasn't sure. Once he had agreed, Tin had been clear that he wasn't to tell anyone the reason for the date. A deal was a deal, so Pete would do it.

Putch was very worried when Pete arrived home. She always knew when he cried. Especially after hearing news that he was going out later that evening and with who, it was even more worrying. The very rich brought trouble. She knew that well. Look at what happened with Pete's father.

"Pete, my love, you don't have to go with him." Putch placed a gentle hand on her son's hand. "I know there is more to this than you're telling me. I'm sure Tin is a nice man, but you don't look happy."

Pete tried his best, he really did. "Mom, I am happy to go out with Tin. He's my best friend."

Putch looked at him, quizzically, "Friends don't always become lovers, Pete. As I said, do not do something that doesn't make you happy." She patted his hand and walked away. Pete was technically an adult now, he had to learn on his own.

As his mother, she would always be there to pick up the pieces if he needed her.

Promptly at 7:30 the door to the Pichaya residence rang. Auntie Jiew answered and announced Tin. Pete introduced him to his mother and Auntie Jiew. Tin was so handsome, dressed in khakis, and a light beige polo. 

Pete couldn't help but to wish that there was something, anything to spark a little desire in his heart for him, but it was stone cold. There was none of the instant heat he felt like there was when he was with Ae. Ae... he had to forget him. He broke his heart.

Pete smiled sadly at Tin, "Shall we leave? I believe we've done enough pleasantries?"

Putch glanced at her son, surprised. Pete was raised with better manners. Tin did not seem surprised at all, and was very gracious as he rose and walked over to her. She rose and and Tin gave a small bow, indicating what a pleasure it was to finally meet her. 

Nodding back, Putch escorted the two young men to the door and reminded Pete to call if he was going to be out late. Tin replied, "Don't worry, Mother, I'll have Pete home before midnight. I hope that isn't too late?"

"No, no that's fine." Putch softly replied. "Have a good time, boys." Closing the door behind them, she looked at Jiew and crossed her arms over her breast. "I'm scared, Jiew, frightened. That boy is too good looking, even more than my Pete. What if he breaks my boy's heart again? He will shatter and I don't think I can pick up all the pieces this time."

Jiew, who had been with Putch for 25 years, gathered her in her arms and held her safely. "It'll be okay, Lady, it'll be okay. All little birds need to leave the nest eventually. They need to fly. Pete has to try out his wings. They look good together, don't you think?"

That's what scares me the most, thought Putch. Money is a bad combination and so is looks. 

Tin escorted Pete to the Porsche and opened the passenger door. The luxurious leather seat cradled Pete and he sighed, leaning back and closing his eyes. Tin slid into the driver's seat and glanced at Pete. "Anything in particular you'd like to do this evening?"

Pete shook his head. "No, you choose."

"Ah, very well." Tin rubbed his nose briefly. "They're opening a new club just off campus for the students. I thought we could check it out?"

"Okay, that sounds fine. I've actually never been to one of the clubs before?"

Tin laughed, "Me either. I prefer to do my drinking at home. But I won't take you to my home, yet." Pete only nodded back. Tin put the car in gear and drove to the club. After parking, he once again, was the perfect gentleman and opened Pete's door. 

They walked into the club side by side and found an empty table. Tin sat Pete down and said, "I'll be right back with drinks." and disappeared, leaving Pete in a cacophony of people, lights and music. To Pete, who lived in a mostly silent world, it was almost overwhelming after a lifetime of books.

As he waited for Tin, he people watched. It was something he usually enjoyed. Thai people were colourful and vibrant. They enjoyed going out and partying. The club was no different. The dance floor was packed and the tables were surrounded with young people laughing and drinking.