175. Duff’s 2nd date with Noi
Undeterred by the first date Duff arranged to meet Noi again. This time he chose Robert Miller’s boutique hotel on Sukhumvit. Duff felt he would be in charge of the situation if he met Noi there. There would be no more expensive meals for hordes of uninvited guests.
Noi came to the hotel 42 minutes late. He blamed traffic.
Duff sat in the lobby reading the massage ads in the Bangkok Post when the boy came. “Big Men” one ad said.
Robert Miller sat in the reception, doing his accounts behind the counter. Noi came in, carrying a motorbike helmet under his arm. Then he went to the bathroom to groom himself.
- What do you think of him? asked Duff.
- That’s not a man, said Robert. - That’s a boy.
- I don’t want a man.
- I don’t see the attraction. He is too young, too short and too skinny.
- I think he is cute. Did you see his smile?
- Each to his own taste. I bet that before the meal is over he will have asked for money.
- Why do you think that?
- It is their nature.
- You are too cynical, Robert.
- Either that or I have lived in Thailand for too long.
Noi and Duff went to the restaurant. Duff had a cheeseburger and Noi had some Isaan dish that was too spicy for Duff. The strong smell of it was enough to scare Duff, who had tried Thai food that set his mouth on fire.
Noi brought a small book with Thai-English translation and common phrases. With the help of the book Duff and Noi had the following conversation:
- How are you?
- I am find. Thanks you. You han-sam man.
- You are cute.
- Thanks you very much.
- What did you do today?
- I working. What you working?
- I don’t have a job at the moment.
- In England. What you working?
- I had a job in a newspaper.
- In Bangkok have newspaper also.
- I don’t think I can get a job with any of them. I am looking for a teacher job.
- Ajarn Dupp!
- Yes. But I am too lazy to apply anywhere. Bangkok does that to me. The days just go by and I do nothing.
- I wan go England with you.
- Really?
- England better. Can have money.
- I think Thailand is better. I don’t want to go back.
- Thailand I no have money. No money buy shoe.
Noi showed Duff his worn shoes. They were almost falling apart.
- I see, said Duff.
- Central Chitlom have shoe.
- I wasn’t planning to go there today.
- Tomorrow is birthday me.
- Is it? What a coincidence. We must celebrate. So, would you like to go back to the Malaysia hotel with me now?
- No have time. Must work.
- Never mind then.
After eating Noi put his helmet on and shook Duff’s hand when saying goodbye. Duff watched from the reception as the boy left on his motorbike.
- You don’t look too convinced? asked Robert.
- It went fine. No problems.
- But?
- There is no “but”.
- There is always a “but”. Did he ask for money?
- No.
- Not at all?
- No.
- That’s strange. No requests for gold, watches, phones, clothes or shoes?
- He may have mentioned shoes. But just in passing.
- I knew it!
- He is not the materialistic type. He didn’t ask for anything.
- Of course he is not materialistic. Anything else? Why did he leave? Are you not supposed to bonk him?
- He doesn’t have the time.
- Ah, a busy boy.
- It doesn’t matter. I will meet him again tomorrow. It is his birthday.
- Ha ha ha! If you believe that I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you.
- Noi is not like that. What if it really is his birthday?
- Isaan boys don’t have birthdays.
- This one does.
- We’ll see, Duff. Keep your heart and your wallet under control, OK?
- Don’t worry.
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