Slow Slide to the End

Chapter 3

(Payu's POV - 4 weeks prior to Chapter 2)

Nearing the end of his workday, Payu logged off his laptop, cleared his desk of supplies, and pulled his phone out of his pocket to text Rain. Halfway through his text, his phone rang with an incoming call from P'Chai. Picking it up, he said "Hi P'Chai."

"P'Pakin wants you to stop by his office on your way home."

Payu sighed mentally, as he had promised Rain he'd be home for dinner tonight. "Sure P'Chai. I'm leaving work now. Can you tell P'Pakin I'll be there in about 20 minutes depending on traffic?"

"I'll let him know," Chai responded before hanging up.

Instead of texting Rain, he figured he better call and tell Rain he wouldn't be making it for dinner. Payu put the phone to his ear and shortly after, heard Rain's voice "P'Payu! Are you leaving work?"

"Sorry Rain, it looks like I won't be making it home for dinner. I have a last minute meeting so go ahead and eat without me. Are you still going to stay over tonight or will you head home?"

"Oh. I already have .... Never mind. I'll eat with Saifah and then maybe I'll go to Sky's dorm. He has Sig and Por over working on our project. I'll go join them I guess. Will I see you tomorrow?" Payu noticed the disappointment in Rain's quiet reply.

"I'll text you tonight about our plans for tomorrow. I'm really sorry Rain. Maybe I'll take you out to eat tomorrow night to make it up to you? Would you like that sweet boy?"

"Sure P'Payu! Maybe that new noodle shop by the garage?" Payu smiled as he heard some happiness return to Rain's voice.

"Anywhere you want, baby. Have fun at Sky's," Payu answered.

"Okay P'Payu. I love you."

"I love you too Rain," he said, hanging up.

*****

Payu headed into Pakin's office building after being let through the gate. Frustrated and annoyed at being summoned with so little notice, Payu tried to settle his emotions before seeing Pakin. He sat in the reception area, looking through his photos. Scrolling through photos of Rain always calmed him when he felt unsettled. A smile curled on his lips at a picture of Rain asleep next to him one morning a few months back. Rain's face was so calm and sweet with a look of utter peace. Payu was overcome with pride that he was the one to ensure Rain always felt that way. He deemed it his priority in life to have Rain feel cared for and protected. He was good at being an architect and mechanic but he was damn good at taking care of Rain.

When Chai opened the door to Pakin's office, Payu had gained control of himself and rose to go in. "Hello P'Chai. Hello P'Pakin", he said as he gave a small bow to both.

"Payu! Come in, sit down", Pakin gestured to a chair across from his desk.

"It's been a while since I've seen you. How is work? How is Rain?" Pakin asked him.

"Work is good. I just started a new home by the shore and I've been given a lot of freedom with it. I think it'll be a lot of fun to create. And Rain is good, he's almost done with his second year of school and is working on his final projects for the year" he replied to Pakin.

"Good. Good. I imagine you are wondering why I called you here." Payu nodded. "I have a special request. My business associate is looking to have a new headquarters designed and built. He has requested you for the job. I fear I've boasted about you one too many times" Pakin added while standing from his desk. He moved to sit in the chair next to Payu.

"I would like you to take the job. I realize that it would need to be done outside of your other job hours. I am happy to have your other mechanics take over for the races while you are working on this side project. I assume you are okay taking on the job?"

Payu was equally flattered and worried about the request. There was, however, no real way for him to say no. So, he replied "Of course P'Pakin."

"Thank you Payu. He will be happy to hear your answer. I'll have my secretary set up a dinner so I can introduce you to him and you can discuss compensation and timelines."

"It's an honor P'Pakin" Payu replied with his mind full of doubt. He wanted to ask who this associate was and why it was so important that he be the architect on the project. He also knew that this would take significant time away from Rain. Rain was not going to be happy about this but what could he do? He lay his head on his steering wheel back in his car, debating how best to break the news to Rain.

********

Payu was ushered into a private dining room at the back of the restaurant. Sitting at the table with Pakin and Chai was an older man and a girl about his age. He bowed to all of them before sitting across from the girl. She smiled at him sweetly so he smiled back.

"Payu, I'd like to introduce you to my friend Kittisak" Pakin said, gesturing to the man across from Payu.

"Nice to meet you P'Kittisak," replied Payu.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Payu. I have heard a great deal about you from Pakin. He is quite enamored of your skills with his precious bikes" he said with laughter directed at Pakin. Pakin rolled his eyes in response.

Payu realized that the two were clearly close friends which was a relief to Payu. He had been worried they were adversaries which would require care and tact by Payu through the duration of the project. This seemed to be an easier scenario.

"Payu, let's talk business after we eat. First, though, I'd like to introduce you to my daughter, Hathai."

Hathai's face lit up with a large smile. "Nice to meet you P'Payu."