Not Me : 🎨 Yok's Tapestry 🔻this Is Not a Yok/Dan story🔻

Six 🎨

"Mae I'll probably be home late tonight. I'm having dinner with Finn." " Just stay over at his place son. I've got security. I know to lock the doors."

"Mae I don't plan on leaving you alone all night. You go to bed and lock up as usual. I'll take my keys and I'll use the back door coming home. Don't forget to set the alarm. I'll ask phi from next door to keep an eye on our place."

"Son, that old man is way to busybody for his own good and I don't plan on being his seventh wife, so please don't ask him again. Besides I am not a fragile old woman, I raised you didn't I. I taught you to kick butt , stop trying to teach me how to survive. I can lock a door. "

The last part of that conversation ended with her turning her back to me and refusing to listen to anything else. My deaf mother used this to her advantage, she needs to see you to know when you're speaking to her. So when she turns her back....it's end of conversation.

I mumble under my breath "stubborn old woman," to which she reminds me that she can read my lips in the mirror. I forgot about that old trick. "She bested me yet again.," I think with a smile.

Five minutes later she's back, handing a shopping bag over to me. "What's this?" I ask. "Go upstairs and change. I like Finn. I'm making sure you're bringing home the son-in-law of my choice. " "Mae what's in the bag?" "A surprise. Now go !"

Once in my bedroom I inspect the contents of the bag. Black shirt and pants. Black boxers with red hearts and a pack of condoms. I'm shocked.... And also not really shocked. Once again Mae got my back. I change into Mae's chosen outfit and splash on a bit of cologne. Adding my biker's jacket and lucky earing.

Downstairs, one last twirl for Mae. "You look handsome son, I'll change your bed linen and give your room a dust. Make sure Finn stays for breakfast. I missed him a little. He's quite the sweety." I smile broadly at Mae's request. I give Mae a playful mock salute ," Orders received."

I grab my keys. A final look in the mirror. A quick kiss for Mae and I'm on my way. "Be careful son." "I will Mae."

Half an hour later I pick Finn up at the address he gave me. It's an enormous sky rise complete with security detail and front door buzzers, all state of the art technology. His apartment is on the second floor right next to the elevator. I messaged as soon as I arrived at his building and by the time I stepped off the elevator he was already stepping out of his apartment.

"Looking dapper khun.' "Not too bad yourself Mr Handsome."

Finn only needs a little help fastening the helmet and soon he's sitting behind me on my motorcycle, arms wrapped around my waist, chin resting on my shoulder. "Hold on tight." Whipping through the streets, we steadily made our way to our destination.

I'd read a review on this place a while back. Their menu seemed interesting and I thought it would be nice to give it a try. So here we were, stepping into 'Level-Up', bar grill and social hangout for the young and vibing crowd.

The place was packed. Thank goodness I had reserved a table. It helped to know the owner as well. He'd commissioned a portrait from me years ago. Now we were getting the red carpet treatment.

"Ah Yok, welcome welcome. Come, come ...here we go. Best table in the house. Now what would you two like to drink?"

"Any preferences Finn?" I asked shyly. "What do you recommend Phi? "Mmmm I'd say for starters the *Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce paired with a dry *Rosé, followed by a main of *Pad Thai. Then I'd recommend a *Riesling ending with *Sweet rice with mangoes and finally *Cha Yen. For the Pad Thai, let me suggest adding king prawns with peanuts, lime and fresh herbs."

"Sounds excellent phi " "Good good. I'll relay your order to my staff. Yok my wife's birthday is coming up . You must recommend an artist she'd love. You know her well, but we'll have that talk another night. For now please enjoy your meal."

"Thank you phi. I shall email you some recommendations for your wife. " "Ah Yok you saved me. Of course it would be better if you painted yourself. Young man, " addressing Finn. "Please convince your boyfriend to drop this Tatoo stuff and get back to painting."

I was about to say "we're not boyfriends phi" when Finn answered instead. "I'll do my best phi but lately all he wants to do is look into my eyes." We all had a hearty laugh at that statement.

"You're quite the popular guy khun Yok. " "Just being friendly." The conversation flowed easily. The banter , sweet. funny and flirtatious. The meal was excellent, the wine delicious and the company added the extra enjoyment to a beautiful evening.

After dinner, a short drive to the *boardwalk, followed by a stop for the best hot chocolate drink ever created.
Hand in hand we walked sipping hot chocolate over shy smiles and flirty conversation.

At the edge of the boardwalk we stood still looking out over the ocean. "Are you cold Finn?" "A little." "Here, use my jacket." "Keep the jacket or else you'll be cold. Hug me instead and we'll both be warmer." "I am indeed very happy to oblige Khun "

I step behind Finn and encircled him with both arms. We stood like that for a while, no need for conversation or small talk. Completely comfortable and relaxed. From the fluttering in my heart I knew I had fallen in love. I could only hope he felt the same.

Finally he turned around to face me. My arms still encircling him. "I had a lovely evening Yok. I think it's obvious that I'm attracted to you. Our last kiss was a surprise and maybe a bit accidental. This time could we do it deliberately?"

In answer I pulled him a little closer. I lowered my head slightly and kissed him gently on his forehead, his nose and eventually my lips found his on this dimly lit walkway.

"Yok , I don't want tonight to end. " "Me neither. Come home with me. Stay the night, please...."

"Okay...." Our lips met again. All conscious thought became senseless and unnecessary at the connection of our hearts and souls. Not since Danai had I felt this way.

No, I've never felt this way, not even with Danai. This is love. I knew it then, beyond any doubt.

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Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce: A flavorful satisfying appetiser.

Pad Thai:
This popular noodle dish can be elevated with extra toppings like crushed peanuts, lime, and fresh herbs. Adding king prawns or other seafood can also add a "wow" factor.

Sweet Rice with Mangoes:
This classic dessert is sweet, creamy, and a perfect way to end a romantic meal.

Cha Yen (Thai Iced Tea)

Riesling ( a red wine):
The aromatic fruit flavors and acidity of Riesling, particularly off-dry styles, can complement the tropical notes and spice of Thai cuisine. It's a good choice for appetizers like spring rolls or fresh rolls, and even dishes like Pad Thai.

Rosé (wine) :
A dry Rosé, particularly from Provence, offers a light, refreshing alternative that can pair well with a variety of Thai dishes, especially those with savory sauces.

Boardwalk:
A boardwalk is a walkway that runs parallel to a beach or shoreline.

Edge: end of boardwalk.