149. Arriving in style
Duff, Larson and his fellow Swede Bjorn were leaving the Malaysia hotel when a white Mercedes-Benz came up to the entrance. The farangs were on their way to have lunch with Robert Miller at his hotel but looked with curiosity at the car.
“Bangkok Airport Limousine” was written on the side of the Mercedes. The driver opened the door to the back seat and a young Thai man stepped out.
- Darn, said Larson.
- Someone you know? asked Duff.
- Do I ever, said Larson.
- Hey, it is your poor Isaan boy, said Bjorn.
- Lar-san! said the young man with a bright smile. He paused by the main door as the driver took his suitcase inside.
- Hello Lek, said Larson stiffly.
- I missed you, said Lek.
- That’s nice.
- I no money, said Lek, lowering his voice.
- No money? But you travel in style.
- I no money eat.
- Oh please!
- I no have room.
- And?
- Where you go? I waiting you.
Larson’s body language became hostile, with the Swede crossing his arms in front of his chest and looking defiantly away.
Duff intervened.
- Welcome back, said Duff and gave the boy a 1000 baht bill.
- What are you doing? Don’t give him anything! said Larson.
- Why not? He is probably broke after the trip, said Duff.
Lek wai’ed Duff, ignored Larson and Bjorn and entered the hotel. The farangs looked at each other with a collective shrug. Then they went to the soi to get a taxi.
- Your sweetheart is back, said Bjorn when they were seated in the taxi.
- He is not my sweetheart. To Sukhumvit soi 12 please, said Larson.
- You don’t look like you missed him, said Duff.
- Do you always throw money around like that? asked Larson.
- I felt sorry for him, said Duff.
- How can you feel sorry for someone who wastes money on an airport limo? He could have taken the bus.
- It was just a car. Maybe he felt insecure and wanted to impress people.
- You don’t know him the way I do, said Larson.
- He is just a moneyboy, said Bjorn.
- Don’t call him moneyboy. I told you I never paid him, said Larson.
- It is either cash on delivery or by instalments, said Bjorn, laughing.
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