LOVE WAS RED

CHAPTER 8

Saran arrived at the Millennium Hilton on time and before he got out of the car, he thanked Tito for his assistance. While Tito said that it was an honor to be of help.

Saran stood and watched him drive off before going into the hotel. The Millennium Hilton was situated in the Riverside district with untouched local villages and iconic cultural landmarks.

Saran finally made his way to the chic, sophisticated restaurant named FLOW, which serves an array of international cuisine in an all-day dining format.

Saran found the newly married couple waiting for him.

Ken was a communications manager at a prestigious university while Jintana was a political consultant.

Saran greeted them politely before taking his seat. Ken and Jintana were very happy to see him because they had presumed that the rain would have detained him. Saran remarked that he was fortunate to have received a lift from a good Samaritan just as the rain began.

The interview began. Saran took out a leather bound journal with a fountain pen and recorder. He quickly took notes as the couple spoke about how their love started.

"We first met while playing squash at university," Ken said, smiling.

"Yes we did, but after university we lost contact with each other. Then, four years later, we were introduced again through a dating app again." Jintana added.

What were your first impressions of each other?" Saran asked as he scribbled away.

"I thought he was a little too loud and all over the place. Very arrogant, that was what I first thought of him." Jintana was the first to speak.

Ken laughed.

"What about you, Ken?"

"I thought she was gorgeous, maybe a little snobbish, but I still wanted to get to know her better."

"But you didn't want anything serious at that time," Jintana was looking at Ken.

Yes, that's true."

"Can you tell me about your first date?"

"I really didn't have any expectations, but I remember that Jintana had a positive energy about her. We talked about family, our careers and our favorite cuisines."

"I will say I felt quickly at ease around him, because when I arrived he stood up and pulled out my chair for me."

Was there any awkward moment?" Saran asked, looking at both Ken and Jintana.

Jintana nodded, smiling. "Yes, when I asked if I could taste his honey."

Ken laughed.

And Saran scribbled down notes.

Pitch had a date with Banks that evening and when Pitch asked Banks what he wanted to do? Banks suggested a spa visit.

Their spa experience begins with a gentle rose and champagne body scrub, an aromatic body message to further stimulate circulation. And it drew to a close when Pitch and Banks had a sumptuous rose-petal lavender and champagne bath together while sipping more champagne.

When they had finished with the sumptuous bath, they sat down relaxing and enjoying high tea refreshments.

"How do you feel about us living together?" Pitch asked.

"Why do you want us to live together?"

"We have been together for five years; don't you think that living together is a natural step for us to take?"

"I thought you wanted to focus more on work so that you get a pay upgrade at the firm?" Banks set down his tea cup.

"That is true, but I think the time is right for us at this moment. Don't worry, I will take care of you."

Banks was thoughtful for a moment as he wondered about what life would be like living together as a couple.

"Why so thoughtful, don't you want to be a kept man whose lover pays for everything?" Pitch teased playfully.

Banks broke into laughter.

"I like it when I make you laugh every now and then. Pitch reached over and took Banks by the hand.

"So what do you think about us living together?"

Before Banks could answer, Ice walked in with the naughtiest smirk on his face.

"Hello, everyone."

"Ice…." Pitch was genuinely surprised, while Banks became uncomfortable with Ice being there.

"What are you doing here?" Pitch asked.

"Why? Am I not allowed a spa treatment?"

"That was not what I meant."

Banks looked from Ice to Pitch and wondered what the hell was going on.

"Well, I am here on a date," Ice declared.

"On date? A date with who?" Pitch wanted to know.

What a strange coincidence, Banks thought silently to himself.

"Are you also here on a date?" Ice turned a little in Banks' direction.

That action felt weird to Banks.

"Yes, we are on a date," Pitch said.

"Okay, I will get going," as Ice turned to leave, Pitch grabbed his hand.

"Wait, who are you on a date with?"

Banks immediately became alert by the way Pitch possessively held onto Ice.

"King."

"With King? The one who choked on his dessert and started crying?" Pitch seemed shocked.

"Yes, the very one." Ice laughed.

Banks felt totally left out of their conversation, as if he was just a spectator.

"But I thought you said you would never meet him again?"

"Yes, I know I did. But I was so bored with nothing to do, so when he called about us going to dinner, I suggested the spa instead."

Ice then reached out and smoothed the collar of the white towel robe that Pitch was wearing.

Banks shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he brushed hair off his forehead.

"I am going to leave so that you two enjoy each other," Ice said while looking a little in Banks' direction again.

"Pitch, I think your tea is getting cold," Banks suggested with a sly expression.

Ice then pretended to have suddenly noticed Banks for the first time.

"Banks, what a lovely surprise. How are you?"

" I'm fine, thank you. I would suggest that you go get an eye test so that you see better." Banks was now being sarcastic.

Ice turned to Pitch. "I will see you later."

Then he was gone.