41. The lunch club
The lunch club was known by many names, such as the grand assembly, queens of Bangkok supreme council, or simply gossip central. Robert Miller came first to the restaurant at Dusit Thani and helped himself to oysters from the buffet.
Bjorn Svensson arrived and brought his fellow Swede Pelle Larson along. Larson still had hair in an odd colour but to Bjorn’s relief had given up wearing his leather pants. And instead of four open shirt buttons Larson now only did two.
Peter Hart, sometimes called Captain Picard because his looks reminded people of the hero from Star Trek, arrived last.
- Poor Duff, said Larson. He didn’t look like he wanted to go home.
- England in January, said Peter. Would you like to go there?
- Sweden in February is hardly any better, said Larson. But at least I have three weeks left.
- How do you like Thailand so far? asked Robert.
- At first I thought Bangkok was dirty, noisy, overcrowded and smelled bad, said Larson. My plan was to stay in the city a few days and then go to the beach. But now it looks like I am stuck here.
- Pelle has met the love of his life, said Bjorn.
- I don’t know if he is the love of my life, said Larson. But he is nice. Much nicer than anything I have laid hands on for many years.
- You were quick, said Robert. It pays to shop around. But since you are here on holiday you can love them and leave them. You can get the best out of each boy and be out of the country before the problems start. Right, Peter?
Peter was slightly embarrassed to be put on the spot but was willing to share his boy problems. His boy had left in a huff over the holiday-in-France issue and then showed up again a few days later without any explanation.
- It was your first time, said Bjorn in a comforting tone. You will never get entirely used to it but it will be less upsetting when he has done it a few times.
- Once was more than enough, said Peter and shook his head. I could hardly sleep from worry. I know he does this to punish me. It is a power game. But knowing what it is doesn’t take the discomfort away.
- My boy has outgrown most of this childish behaviour, said Robert. But then again he is almost 30 now.
Larson listened to the conversation and thought the farangs who had such trouble with Thai boys were exaggerating. Or if what they said about Thai boys was accurate the farangs must be making some mistake. I won’t be caught in this trap, thought Larson. I will be strict. Any sign of bad behaviour and I will show Lek the door.
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