Part - 17
Bangkok,Thailand
It was 11.00 am. Michael knocked and walked into Yaya’s cabin.
Michael: Khun Yaya are you ready to go?
Yaya: (polite) Khun Michael why did you take the trouble of coming up. You could have just called me.
Michael had decided that his plan for the day would be to flatter and try to impress Yaya as much as possible.
Michael: I don’t mind Khun Yaya. So shall we?
Yaya: (nodding, smiling) ok.
When they reached his car, Michael didn’t allow the driver to open the door for Yaya. He himself did. Yaya nodded and sat in. While the car was on its way to the site all Michael could do was look at Yaya and admire her while Yaya constantly kept looking out of the window lost in thoughts as she was missing her P’Nadech. This was the first time they were apart for so long. None of their others projects were this big; therefore it was the most important project of their career.
Michael: Is there a problem Khun Yaya? You look worried.
Yaya: (startled) OH! Not at all Khun Michael.
Now she knew she had to make some kind of conversation as they were in the same car.
Yaya: I was just thinking about the project. It’s such a huge opportunity for P’Na….. Khun Nadech and our company.
Michael: It is isn’t it? First we weren't sure about the decision but when we did a little bit of background check about the company, I and the board members decided that we will give it a go. When you both presented we were completely satisfied about our decision.
Yaya: (smiling) Khun Nadech is extremely talented, I’m sure you will not be disappointed.
Michael: We were equally impressed with you Khun Yaya.
Yaya: It’s all his hard work. I just assisted how much ever I could.
Michael: I know the project belongs to your company, but since it is a huge project I would like to be involved in every step. I hope you don’t mind.
Yaya: Of course not Khun Michael. I understand your concern.
Michael: Oh here we are.
They arrived at the site. They got down. A group of 50 workers were already present there.
Michael: Who are these people?
Yaya: Oh! I asked the workers to be here by 11.30. Since Khun Nadech has gone to LA to process the raw materials order, I thought we could rid of all the debris (stones, twigs, plastic anything unwanted) and clear the site within 3 days so that we can have space for dumping the first set of raw materials when it arrives.
Michael: (shocked, a bit dull) Oh! That’s great.
Yaya had managed to spoil all of his plans on the first day itself. Michael thought he could just show her the site for an hour or so and then take her to some nice restaurant and spend time with her.
Yaya: (worried) what’s the matter Khun Michael you look shocked?
Michael: (smiling) Of course I would be shocked. I have never seen such an efficient worker. You’re brilliant. I thought we are just visiting the site today but you have thought ahead of time and allotted the work. You are amazing.
Yaya: (overwhelmed in a weird way, smiling) I’m just doing my job. So can I start?
Michael: (smiling) Of course.
The workers had pitched an open tent for the bosses (Yaya and Michael). While Michael sat on a chair and stayed below the tent, Yaya on the other hand was in the sun instructing the workers. All Michael could do was stare at her thinking how beautiful she was. Yaya had an amazing figure. Even in formal clothes she looked stunning. Michael’s eyes were tracing every curve of her body scanning every inch. In his mind he could feel himself touching her sun kissed skin, her big beautiful eyes, soft fuller lips which looked more tender then a petal. Oh! Her smile could make anyone skip a beat. The way sweat dribbled of her slender neck into her shirt made him want to explore her further.
Before he could even realize, Yaya was right in front of him.
Yaya: (waving in front of him) Khun Michael are you ok?
Michael: (startled) Yes Yaya…. I mean Khun Yaya. I’m sorry I was lost in thoughts. I .. I was just trying to imagine the stadium on this plot of land.
Yaya: Oh that’s so thoughtful of you.
Michael eyes were still going back to her neck and the way the sweat was dribbling. He took a napkin from his table and went close to her. He gently placed it on her neck and wiped it. His eyes traveled to her lips and his mind was getting too curious as to how her lips might taste. This happened just for two seconds but for him it felt much longer.
Michael: Khun Yaya you are sweating.
Yaya startled. She felt extremely awkward. She dint know how to react. She was too stunned to do anything.
Yaya: (smiling awkwardly took the napkin from his hand and stepped back) Thank you so much. (Changing subject) I have allotted all the work so I think we can leave now. Besides we are getting late for the office Khun Michael.
Michael: (seeing it as the only opportunity for the day) Khun Yaya it’s almost 2 now. Why don’t we go out for some lunch?
Yaya: No, Thank you Khun Michael. I have loads of work at the office, besides Khun Nadech is also not here, so I have to manage everything.
Michael: Come on. I’m sure they can manage themselves for an hour. (Smiling) Please I insist.
Yaya didn't want to offend him so she agreed. She kept wondering about that moment. She was too confused to even come to any sort of conclusion. She thought its best to ignore it as it might have not meant anything. Then again, she wasn't sure.
They arrived to the most expensive restaurant in Bangkok. Yaya’s mind had set off a tiny red flag. Something just dint feel right. She wanted to refuse but didn't know what to say. She can’t just stand there and refuse to go inside or stand there complaining. Besides she assumed, since he was so rich he probably lives such an extravagant lifestyle.
Yaya: Khun Michael I don’t think I’m appropriately dressed. Can we go someplace else?
Michael: Y,ou look beautiful Khun Yaya, please don’t worry.
There it was another red flag. She mumbled inside of her brain “what was that? You look beautiful! Am I thinking too much? May be he thought I was worried about the way I’m dressed, that’s why just to be polite he must have told like that. Yes, that’s it. That’s exactly what it is. I did act as though I'm worried.”
When the staff approached them, Michael ordered for a private lunch. Ok now this was definitely a red flag.
Yaya immediately reacted.
Yaya: Khun Michael I don’t think private lunch would be necessary. We can just eat here.
Michael: Khun Yaya you’re my guest. I want you to be comfortable. (seeing that she was still worried and the chances of rejection was getting higher) This is my treat. You and Khun Nadech can treat me some other time. (smiling) I promise I will not refuse.
The word “Nadech” always does wonders on our Yaya. In this case also it was proved to be correct. The minute he mentioned Nadech’s name Yaya calmed down. She thought it must be a casual lunch and that she was just way in over her head.
Yaya: (smiling) Alright.
They both went in. The waiter arrived.
Waiter: Sir, would you like to have a drink.
Michael: Khun Yaya what would you like to have?
Yaya: No, thank you Khun Michael. I just drink some champagne or wine on rare occasions. Nothing for now.
Michael: In that case (turning to waiter) we will have 2 glasses of champagne. (Seeing that she is about to refuse) Please think of it as me wishing you 'good luck' for the project. Besides we might be very busy from now on so it’s better to celebrate now.
Yaya: (feeling awkward, trying not to offend him) Ok Khun Michael.
They had their champagne.
Waiter: Sir what would you like to order?
Michael: I’ll have whatever you’ll have Khun Yaya. Feel free to order whatever you want.
"Awkward" was the word running in Yaya’s mind. She just wanted this lunch to get over. She knew there was no point in refusing. He would come up with something else. She just went with the flow and ordered.
While having food.
Michael: So tell me something about yourself.
Yaya: Oh there is not much to my story Khun Michael.
She just gives general details about her school and college and degree and stuff.
Michael: (laughing) I don’t want your resume. I’ll hire you just like that. I meant tell me something personal. Hmm what about your family?
Yaya: Both parents dead. I was raised by Mae Pla. Oh she died too.
Michael: I’m so sorry to hear that.
Yaya: It’s alright. Right now this job is my life.
Michael: Can I know what your rank was?
Yaya: I was the 2nd topper in my university Khun Michael.
Michael: (surprised) No offense but if your 2nd in the whole university why did you join a small company? You could have easily landed a job in huge companies including mine. Hell! If you want, I will give you a job right this second.
Yaya: (laughing) Your too kind. But at the time I felt like I wanted to learn more. Having a job in huge company will give me limited knowledge and limited responsibility but if I would join a start-up/small company, I would get more exposure and I will be able to learn and handle bigger things and perform better. I’m really glad that I took that decision. No offense.
Michael: (smiling) None taken.
Yaya: Khun Nadech has been a great mentor. He is so talented and I got to learn a lot from him. He gives chance to all his staff to express their ideas. I have had an amazing 2 ½ years in this company and I got to learn a lot from him.
Michael: (polite) That’s great.
Every time she mentioned Nadech’s name, all Michael could think of was that kissing scene. He was getting frustrated. Finally they had finished their lunch.
Michael: Khun Yaya you have a bit of ….. (With his thumb he just wiped her chin touching her lips) curry on your chin.
As a matter of fact nothing was on her chin. Yaya felt extremely awkward. Her mind was screaming ‘red flags’. She surely felt like something was definitely up. She didn't know what to say or what to react. She however was glad the lunch was over. The driver drove them back to Nadech’s office.
Yaya: Thank you so much for the lunch.
Michael: It was my pleasure Khun Yaya. So our lawyers would have gone through the contract by the end of the night. How about I get the documents to your office tomorrow.
Yaya: (trying to avoid meeting him again) There is no need for it Khun Michael. The contracts will anyways be signed when Khun Nadech arrives. Once he arrives, we will collect the documents ourselves. Your lawyers can take more time and study it thoroughly.
Michael: That is not an issue Khun Yaya; the documents will be ready by tomorrow. I seriously don't mind getting them.
Yaya: (smiling) Khun Michael please don’t worry about it. We are in No hurry. Khun Nadech is extremely strict when it comes to contracts and legal documents. He would want you to take your time. Please I insist.
Michael: (smiling back) Alright. I will see you during the contract signing. Bye
Yaya: Ok Khun Michael. Bye.
Michael goes to his office while Yaya goes to her cabin. She just drinks a glass of water and tries to calm herself, while Michael does the opposite. He goes into his cabin and throws his phone in frustration.
Michael: (yelling alone in his cabin) Nadech, Nadech, Nadech………… (Takes off his tie, jacket and unbuttons the 1st button of his shirt, sits on his chair looking at the roof). If I follow this method I will not be able to impress her even in a year. Maybe I’m doing this all wrong. Instead of me going to her, I will make her come to me. (Smirking) Beside I’m the one holding all their cards. Why don’t I utilize it to the fullest. (Looking at her photo in his phone which he had clicked when they were at the site) Yaya, if I set my eyes on something I will not rest until I get it. (Kissing her photo) You are mine. Let the games begin.
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