LADY RUSSAMEE

THE PAST

Work doesn't stop even when I get home.

Once a week, I have a meeting with my parents.

It was usually on a Wednesday evening and discussions were done during dinner.

But tonight was different.

We have dinner guests.

I heard the loud laughter coming from the dining room the moment I got home.

A business partner of ours who was in charge of medical supplies was present.

Beside him sat a man who was about my age.

He looked polished from the clean-cut hairstyle, the expensive suit and impeccable manners.

They stood up when I came in.

I offered a casual smile.

I knew the supplier since he had been working with us for decades.

My father introduced the other guest as Kiet Ayutthaya, the nephew of our business partner.

Even the name was very formidable.

He bowed and said to call him Kiet.

I asked where mother was and was told that she was unwell.

Lately, she had been battling frequent headaches.

It was ironic how my mother, the other half who owned the hospital, was not keen on seeing a doctor.

She would rather take herbal medication and home remedies than have someone check on her.

I could never understand this but she always said that the only time she would see a doctor was if she was on the verge of death.

This was such a big contrast to our business but to avoid disagreements, we let her have her way.

It was my father who first ventured into medical care.

My mother provided the money he needed.

I sat to the right of my father's spot and the helper came to serve food.

Somehow I had the feeling that this visit was not coincidental.

During the conversation, Kiet kept looking my way.

He wasn't making it easy to eat dinner with the piercing look in his eyes and the obvious admiration he had for me.

Dating was not on my list.

After I completed my business degree, overseeing the operations at the hospital was my sole focus.

I never had time for anything else because I wanted to see where else I could take our business and what advancement we could bring to help the people.

My father always mentioned that it would be easier if I had someone to help me.

I would argue that I have everything and everyone I needed to ensure the success of our business.

I knew what he was getting at.

He wasn't talking about hiring an assistant manager but a husband.

"Russamee, I'm not talking about the hospital but your life. You're of age. Don't you think it's time for you to settle down?"

"Dad, I'm only thirty years old. What's the rush?"

"You're not getting any younger."

"Settling down is not on top of my list. I could do this for a long time."

"That's what I was afraid of. Your mother and I would also like to see you happy with a man by your side. The burden will be lighter if you have someone who shares that load."

"I don't see this as a burden. On the contrary, I felt powerful knowing I'm making a difference not just in business but in people's lives."

"I don't want the time to come when we're no longer here and you're by yourself. We want you to be happier not just with work but in marriage as well."

Marriage.

That was the gist of the conversation.

Despite the success I brought to the business, it wasn't enough for my parents.

To them, I would only be complete, content, if I have a husband.

That was the reason why Kiet was here tonight.

They didn't visit just to talk about business but to introduce us.

Even if I was annoyed, I was polite and engage in the conversation.

My father wouldn't tolerate disrespect.

I wouldn't do that to him in front of our guests.

Before dinner was over, I learned that Kiet studied business in London.

He came back to Thailand three years ago.

Since then, he had been helping manage the family business.

His uncle was planning to retire and would turn over the responsibilities to him.

Tonight was a soft launch of some sort to introduce him to his uncle's business partners.

The other agenda was to see if we could be potential life partners.

***

There was nothing wrong with Kiet.

He was polite, conversant and paid attention to what was being said.

My father was obviously impressed with his wide range of knowledge when it came to business.

When he said that technology was the future, my ears perked up.

I believed in the same thing.

My father and I had lots of exchanges about this but when Kiet said that there would come a time when health care would be digital, when paper records would be stored in a computer for easy access he was stunned.

I told him about this before but he didn't believe me.

When dinner was over, Kiet and his uncle said goodbye.

My father asked me to walked them out.

It was clear to me that he wanted Kiet and I to have a longer conversation.

I wasn't wrong.

He asked if he could see me again, possibly for lunch.

"I'm fully booked."

"Ah," He didn't show his disappointment.

"Some other time then."
"We'll see."

He waved goodbye.

I closed the door behind me.

when I turned around, my father had a disapproving look on his face.

"I'm tired," I said to him.

"He's a good man. What's wrong this time?"
"Nothing. I'm just tired."

"Russamee, sooner or later, there will be no man waiting for you."

"Father, I highly doubt that."

I didn't wait for him to reply.

Instead, I told him I have some documents to review and politely excused myself before we end up having a lengthy discussion about my unwillingness to date a man.

***

I didn't have a good sleep the previous night because of the way the conversation with my father ended.

But I didn't have the energy and the resolve to discuss my lack of interest in finding a suitable partner.

I wasn't attracted to anybody.

Even Kiet who was handsome and intelligent failed to stir something in me.

There was something I was looking for in a romantic partner.

A pull so hard you can't resist.

I haven't met that person who would make me feel that way.

***

My assistant wasn't at her desk when I reached my office.

She was probably getting coffee.

I pushed the door open and was surprise to find a lunch container.

I placed my purse on the chair across the desk and saw a slip of paper peeking from the bottom.

When I unfolded it to read the note, I smiled.

"I hope this will be the only porridge you crave for – Alice."

I unlocked the lid and the smell of garlic, ginger and spices made my stomach grumble.

Breakfast was hours ago and after a quick run, the slice of toast and scrambled eggs didn't last a long time.

I brought the food to my desk and took out my own set of utensils to eat.

After the first taste, I closed my eyes and couldn't help but gushed at how delicious the food was.

Perhaps, Alice was right.

This might be the most scrumptious porridge I had in my life.

***

The receptionist who picked up my call couldn't believe that I was calling their department.

Her voice quivered and I could tell she was afraid.

I never usually call the departments directly if I didn't have anything important to say.

But this was very important to me.

When I asked if I could speak with Alice Charoen, she repeated the request twice as if she'd gone deaf.

"The new nurse? Is she in?"

"Yes, Lady Russamee. One moment please. I will get her for you," She dropped the phone in haste.

I had to move the handset away from my ears.

It didn't take long for her to find Alice.

When I heard her voice, I put the handset back on.

"Thank you," The smile on my face was reflex now whenever I talk to her.

"Did you eat it?" The lilting sound of her voice filled my heart with joy.

"I finished all of it."
"You did. Wow. That's great. You're my test customer."
"What?"

"It was a new recipe I tried."
"You're kidding, right?"

"No. I was looking for something new to sell at our restaurant and thought of making a new porridge."

"It was really good. What's the secret ingredient?"

"If I tell you, it wouldn't be a secret anymore."
I laughed.

She did the same thing.

The flapping of butterfly wings increased its intensity.

It was no longer gentle but unceasing as if they wanted to break free from my chest.

I took a deep breath to steady the beating of my heart.

Why do I feel this way when I'm only thanking her for the food she made?

"I'm really glad you like it. You should come with me sometimes. I'll cook for you."

"Did you just invite me to go out?" I felt my cheeks flushed from the spontaneous invitation.
"I did. You said you never have fun. Maybe it's time you start."

The thought that she remembered that tidbit about me was endearing.

"Why don't we go tonight? If you're free," She said.

"Aren't you busy?"

"Now that I work here, I don't have to work too hard after."

"Where are you taking me?" I twirled the phone cable around my finger.

"I said I'll cook for you so do you mind coming to my place?"
"Where is that?"

"It's outside the city. An hour commute from here."
"You travel that far to and from work?"

"Yes. It's not a big deal. I'm used to it."

"I don't want to impose. Just thinking of how far you travel wears me out."

"Like I said, it's not a big deal. Unless you don't want to come, I'll understand."

"It's not that. I don't want you to work too hard for me."

"I don't mind. It's you. I'll be happy to do it."

There was something about what she said that made my mind spin.

Did she realize what she just said?

"So, how about that dinner tonight? There'll be fresh seafood."

"I love seafood."

"Perfect. I'll be done at four. I'll wait for you if you want."

"Why don't I drive us to your place?"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. That will probably save us some time."

"It will cut the travel time in half."

"That's great. See you at the parking lot then?"

"How about I wait for you at the bus stop?"

"Why?"

"Please?"

"Okay. Look for the black Mercedes."

"Sure."

"I'd better let you go. I don't want to get you in trouble."

"You're the boss. You can get me in trouble anytime."

I chuckled.

When she hung up the phone, it took a while for my heartbeat to settle down.