Namtarn looked out from her office window as Krist crossed the road to the other side.. With a light toss of her head she turned back into her office. She saw John pouring out two glasses of whiskey.

"I see you are helping urself to my personal supplies. " she asked..

"Well we got a solid nibble on that commercial block and now this huge listing..shouldn't we be Celebrating?" He asked bringing the glasses to her table..

"Well, maybe later..we now have work .....you had better finish that fast and get in the chair so I can tell u wat to do.."she glared at him..

"Ok, if u say so Namtarn. " he grinned chugging down both glasses and say down at her table facing her..

"Right, firstly get a topography map of Silverwood,I want only the best remember , check if it's seen in Google Earth view . Then get a video done of the land, both from the surface and the air..You could use the Gunsmile company,  their outputs are awesome and tell them I want it yesterday..after that contact that graphic artist,  wats his name?"

"Neo," John supplied, gulping at the amount of work piling up..

"Yeah, that guy. Call him up and get his ideas for the name Silverwood. I want the map and videos on my table by noon, as I am gonna meet the land planners Fiat and Oaujun for drinks at 4." She said briskly looking at him.

John just sat there contemplating wat she had said, trying to figure out wat she was trying to do.

"Don't u think u should get started on all this so u can finish on time?" She prompted him, irritated that he hadn't moved yet...

"I was just wondering wat 'all this' was.."he said confused..

"A little bit of homework for another Phuket," she smirked not explaining any further. This time when she met Khun Chan, she wanted to be fully prepared, so he won't have the chance to refuse her offer..

*********

With no particular destination in mind Krist idly strolled through the streets, looking around at the once sleepy town that had become a major tourist spot of hustle and bustle. He missed the quiet streets and empty beaches. He refused to think about the listing agreement in the pocket of his jacket. It was a necessary decision and there was nothing left to think about it.

The sun was out, and he had some time to kill while waiting for Mike to get his gym routine done. He could enjoy a walk bringing back his happy memories of old,he thought while crossing the road. There was the Phuket courthouse, legal buildings. He was just about to walk past, when Singto walked out the doors, carrying a briefcase and wearing a black coat over a white shirt and blue jeans, aviator glasses shades his eyes..

The man still had the looks that made Krist's heart stop. Singto paused when he saw Krist, his look turning grim..Krist hesitated too, remembering- as he was no doubt- their encounter the previous evening and his harsh words. He halted at the base of the steps forcing a meeting.

"I am glad I ran into u P'Sing," he said pulling out a copy of the agreement he had signed with Namtarn. "Since u are handling the legal affairs if the estate I think u should have a copy of this listing agreement. I was going to mail it, but as u are here I might as well give it to u now."

"Right" he said and slipped it into his coat pocket.

Krist continued before Singto could walk away, " P'Sing I was angry and upset yesterday.  Selling the plantation s not something I am doing willingly but out of need. I want u to know that it's not that I don't care, but I can't care whether u like it or not..pls understand it's a decision which was so hard for me to take and I understand how u feel.."

"Do you?" Singto challenged quietly and looked away...

"Well I know you are against development in the mountains.."

"You're wrong,  I am not against development, I am against development designed solely for the rich. And you can bet that's what s gonna come up on ur land. But why would u care. You won't even be here to see it."

"P'Sing,  I don't want to argue with u now pls " Krist pleaded, he was tired of fighting with his own conscience and couldn't take on Singto too.

"I am not arguing with u Kit, hell I am not even angry with u, nor do I want to change ur mind...it's just that I am frustrated..I sometimes feel like the Dutch boy trying to seal the hole in the dyke with his fingers..everytime I put a stop to it at one place another leak crops up..I am exhausted.."

"I believe you," Krist said smiling at him..

Singto looked back at Krist with warmth in his black eyes. Just then someone brushed past Singto, making him realize he was blocking the way...

He shifted aside, grabbing Krist's elbow,"Let's walk along the promenade. " he said."are you free or u need to be somewhere?"

"I am free till Mike finishes his routine. So let's walk..been awhile since I went to the waterfront. I wonder if Max s still there with his yachts."

"Yep, he's there. I visit him sometimes. Wanna go see him?" Singto asked smiling back like the eager 17 year old who had taken Krist out in their teens.

Krist nodded smiling back, dimples in full swing..he missed his old friends..

They reached the dock yard where all the yachts were lined up. Krist walked upto the familiar office building and peeped in. The owner sat at the desk doing some paperwork. 

"Ahem, I would like to hire a yacht please."he said...

"Sure you could just ask the man at the counter over there." Max said not looking up..

"I was wondering if my friend Max  could come along and drive us. As u see I haven't seen him in like 10 yrs? "Krist persisted at which the guy looked up. On seeing Krist his eyes widened in surprise and a huge smile came on his lips..

"Krist Perawat...how have you been buddy..I thought u had gotten lost or something.."he said pulling Krist into a bear hug, as Singto looked on smiling...

"Well, almost..but here I am now..so how about that yacht?"

"Let's go," he said pulling them along to a fine vessel and started the cruise..

They sailed out a bit further into the sea and dropped anchor. After which they reminisced about the old times..Max brought Krist upto date on all his surfing and diving friends..Krist enjoyed the sea breeze and the familiar company with Singto and Max. He felt himself relax and let go of his troubles...

"Do you remember P'Leo Krist?" Max asked spotting a boat with divers up ahead..

"Yeah, ofcourse how could I forget the man who taught me to dive and surf."Krist laughed..

"Well he's right there, "Max said and pointed to the little boat, steering the yacht closer.

"P'Leo...Sawadee khrap..do you remember me?" Krist shouted excitedly waving to the man who was seated at the stern of the small boat..

He looked up against the sun, squinting to see where the voice had come from. Seeing Krist he gave a smile of recognition and jumped into the sea..swimming towards the yacht...he climbed up and gave Krist a tight hug making him all wet..

"How are you young man? It's been a long time since I saw u..Bangkok s treating you fine?" He asked smiling warmly at his student..

"Yes P '..I am good..I am here to shoot a movie actually..and my entry scene s gonna be a surfing one...want to help me out?" Krist just blurted out not thinking wat P'Jane or Earth or the producers would say about it...

"Well, if you feel u need me, I am always available Krist...just call and I ll be there ok?" Leo smiled.

Krist nodded as the others picked up small talk with the coach.. Krist noticed that Singto was on quite good terms with them and most of the topics they discussed included news on unwanted developments in the town and around the beach...

As Leo started to leave, Max asked, " hey s that pizza party still on at ur place?"

"Yep, come anytime between 6 to 8 p.m and bring ur own drinks.."Leo replied..

This led Krist to remember the summer he had stuffed himself on P'Golf's pizzas at P'Leo's house..

" Does P'Golf still make those yummy pepperoni pizzas?" He asked hoping to be invited..

"Yep,she does..it never changes.." Leo said as he walked to the rails with Max..

Krist stood still trying to keep smiling as Leo walked off..

"Why didn't u invite Krist to the pizza party?" Max asked once they were further away..

"Get real Max, he is now rubbing shoulders with the big league. He probably has a date in Gordon's or some other five star restaurant. He wouldn't want to eat with us." Leo replied before he jumped into the water swimming to his boat..

Unfortunately Krist had made his mind to self invite himself and had come after Leo and Max only to over hear this comment from him.. This was the third time people he grew up with and who knew him well were assuming he had changed just because he was an actor..he wanted to scream that he was the same old person who liked to do the same old things.. but he was afraid they wouldn't believe him..so he just turned around and walked back to Singto..he couldn't even talk about it...

************

A brilliant flare of sunlight blinded  Krist for a second as he turned into the plantation..he cut the ignition and saw a range rover parked outside. A closer look revealed a very agitated Earth leaning on its bumper talking on the phone..Krist smiled as he and Mike got down and walked towards Earth..

"Looks like someone can't stay away from this place.." Mike teased Earth as he ran up the steps with his bags and the key..giving the two men much needed privacy..

Earth pulled Krist towards him, giving the younger a peck in the lips, followed by a deeper kiss when he didn't protest..

Krist leaned into the elder's touch wanting the comfort he gave him. There was strength in his arms, strength and solidness. It was a combination that soothed and stimulated, made him feel wanted and protected...

When Earth moved back Krist settled in, more comfortably against him.." I needed tat P'Earth",  he whispered brushing his lips against the taut muscle in the elder's neck..

"I did too," Earth said turning to rub his jaw on Krist's head..." Ice and I have to go back to Bangkok to tie up a few loose ends tat side..throw a few things together in a suitcase and come with me na."

"How many days will u be gone?" Krist asked, tipping his head back and looking at Earth's face with a cute pout..

"Four or five days at the outside, a week maybe.."

"It's tempting... but I do have interviews scheduled here.."

Mike peeped out cutting in his explanation. "I hate to interrupt u two...but Krist u are wanted on the phone.."

"Who is it?"he asked back..

"Tutah.."

"Krist will call him back.."

"No, tell him I ll be right there Mike. "He reproved Earth with a look for answering that way...and pushed at his arms to separate the hands holding him..

"Forget Tutah Krist, come with me to Bangkok..let me introduce you to a good manager..someone who can do miracles for ur career.."Earth pleaded.

"No" said Krist as he shut the other up with a kiss to his lips ending the discussion..with deliberate reluctance Earth let go of Krist..Krist turned taking a step towards the house,expecting Earth to follow, but he didn't..

"Aren't you coming inside?"he asked.

"Ice s at the airport waiting for me.. I ll call you.."he said walking around to get in the car..he knew he sounded angry..he was angry Dammit...krist's loyalty to Tutah bugged him..it was noble but not practical..why wouldn't he listen.. he was just trying to help him.

He threw the vehicle in reverse and spun the wheel, spraying around a lot of sand and gravel as he drove away..

Krist pushed a hand through his hair,feeling tired,irritated and tensed all at the same time..the little pleasure he had felt a while ago, dissipated to nothingness..

He turned around and walked into the house,not really caring wat Tutah wanted right now..

"Why haven't you called me? You should check in now and then to let me know how things are Krist. How did the interview go?"

"Fine, " Krist replied sitting on the arm of the sofa..

"Did they say when the piece would run?"

"No I didn't think to ask."

"Tats ok I ll find out. And I have mailed u a few scripts to go through...read them when u're free and let me know which ones u like..ok? And u have 2 more interviews scheduled, the Phuket times on Wednesday and the surf and sea newsletter on Saturday.."

"Yes,yes Toots I got it all marked down in my calendar with reminders set to beep and tell me if I forget..so don't worry.."

"Your talent s getting recognition Krist.  The right people are sending you offers so don't mess this up,ok..and check in from time to time, so I ll know wat u are doing..ok I gotta go, there's a guy from one37 in the other line..bye.." and he hung up..

Over the next few days Krist managed to stay busy,deliberately to avoid his own depressing thoughts..

He sat cross-legged in front of the gun cabinet, looking into the mess it was..guns, equipment, parts,bullets, blanks,magazines on outdoor life,random papers,candy wrappers and even a stray sock was stuffed in there.. He wondered how his dad had managed to find anything in this mess..but then people said the same thing about his cupboards, so he couldn't really complain..

Mike lounged on the sofa a beauty mask on his face as he tried to buff his nails..

"Did P'Jane say where he's taking you to dinner tonight?" Krist asked his friend..

"No"

"Maybe he ll take u to Gordon's. "He said, but regretted the next second, for remembering the restaurant tat P'Leo had mentioned. Some one knocked on the door at that moment..

Mike got up from the sofa and rushed inside,not wanting to be caught in his dés habille...

Krist gave him enough time to disappear before going to the door..he looked at the partly nerdy guy on the otherside of the door. He had the typical reporter look. A note pad and pencil tucked in his shirt pocket and a recorder in his hands..he was looking him up and down, taking in the messy hair and dirty casual clothes...

"You are Krist Perawat?"

"Yes,"

"I am khun Phillips,  freelance reporter."

"I am sorry I don't remember u listed in my appointments for today.  Did Tutah send u?"

"Tutah s your agent isn't he?"

"Yes, well do come in and forgive the mess pls."

Five mins later he was settled down in his dad's chair the recorder set on the arm. The questions were regular at first and gradually they moved on to the movie and lastly P'Earth..

"Are you and Earth having a fight?"

"Watever gave u that idea?" Krist asked frowning in confusion..

"Well he's in Bangkok and you are not.."

"He has work over there and I have interviews scheduled here..some of them are local."

"Well u flew in with him..stayed at his place then abruptly moved out..now he's there and ur not..so it does give us food for thought."

"Well, then let me clear ur thoughts..we are not having an affair..nor are we fighting. We are perfectly OK with each other as co stars."

" Did u know tat Earth met with Mixx on his trip to Bangkok?"

"So? Wat do u want me to do?"

"Well the rumor s that they're considering him for ur role in the movie."

"We have signed contracts already so any changes will be their loss. My part s a challenging role,that ll make anyone want it. So it's not a surprise that other's want it. But I already got it so it's really their loss."

"Wat did u do to get such a coveted role khun Krist?"

"The casting couch angle s as old as the seas..so maybe it's time u grew out of it and respect real talent. " Krist said feeling himself getting angry..this guy was creeping him out with his twisted questions and he was starting to suspect him..

"The same can be said for prostitution.."he smiled irking Krist again...

"Which publication s buying this story khun?"

"I didn't say.."he grinned mysteriously..

"As a matter of fact I don't think u said that u scheduled this interview through Tutah too..did u?"

"Nope"

" Well in that case this interview is over Khun Phillips. Please leave.." he stood and went towards the door. He opened it and gestured with his hand holding the recorder outside..

The reporter didn't give up. "I heard u were easy to work with khun Krist..one taste of fame and u have become so high handed.."he taunted..

But Krist didn't budge till he was out of the door..

He walked back in,shocked and upset..he sat on the sofa and started thinking about everything..letting his tears fall again...he was in tat same place when Mike came down 2 hours later,dressed for his date...