I opened the door to my own home, noting Ping’s washing hanging outside on the clothes rack, dropped my bag for the moment to open the house up, and was happy to be here with some solitude; all this taking care of me and unexpected encounters with my ex-wife was not only physically exhausting, but to one who had become used to hours and days alone for the past few years, it was intrusive, and I craved some peaceful time alone again. My phone rang, but I ignored it for now, stripped down and threw on shorts, then did my first job after every trip: I unpacked, re-stocking toiletries and the small necessities needed every time, and stowed my bag in the corner. I threw some washing in the basket for Mrs. Phung, my housekeeper, who I then phoned to advise my return, and tell her the house looked beautifully clean and tidy; she said she already knew I’d be back today - my secretary had phoned her Friday, so she’d be around tomorrow. Then I phoned Long, my driver, and said back to normal tomorrow, see you in the morning em and that finished all the little jobs I needed to do today.

An empty beer later, new one opened, and lounging on the sofa with a replay of last night’s football on TV, I was relaxed and calm. I phoned Yen, it would be dinner-time in Melbourne so figured she’d be about…she answered promptly Hi Steve, are you home now? I bet you are tired, and I am sorry about the man and his wife who died (referencing our regional office manager and his wife who had been murdered, see part 9) and I hope things are better for you now. “Yes, thanks little one, I am ok; ironically the sadness in one office was balanced by the success in Hanoi of our new project start-up: I guess yin and yang are kept in harmony by such things. Yen, when are you coming over, I miss you. Oh Daddy, I miss you also, but didn’t Mum tell you I’ll be there in just over 3 more weeks, should be the 24th, but I am still waiting for confirmation, but soon, Steve, soon. How was Mum, did you have dinner or do anything together? Yen, we had sex last night actually, that’s not fair: we made love last night, Yen. Can you understand, Yen, I can’t refuse her well, I couldn’t, but afterwards I left her when she claimed me, she seems to feel she still owns me, like a little dog. I am not strong around her, little one, never have been, but I think I am getting better! There was a pause before Yen replied I already knew, Steve, but I am glad you told me; actually Mum phoned me very early this morning, woke me up in fact, to tell me she expects you and she will be back together very soon and that you and she had just had sex Yen I interrupted, See what I mean your mother seems to think whatever she wants, everyone else involved will just accept! It wasn’t like that, and it isn’t like that, Yen, and though I can never put aside the love I have felt for her, I can never trust her like I used to. You trust me, Yen, there is love, and there is my Love for you. I took a deep breath, and was relieved when Yen answered brightly I know, Steve, just like there is my Love for you as my Daddy, and my Love for you now, a Man Named Steve She giggled into the phone I just heard an old song on a music channel on TV, A Boy Named Sue I think it was, so I just changed it to suit you. I love you Steve, see you soon, I promise. Oh, say hello to Ping later. I put the phone down, feeling more at peace after the conversation, finished my beer, locked the front screen door, turned off the TV (the game had finished and I didn’t even see the score!) and lay my head back and slept. I woke to a noise, focused my sight in the darkening room, and looked at the door where, not unexpectedly, Ping was smiling through the screen door at me. Chao Anh, can I come in? I rose from the sofa and opened the door, and Ping jumped at me for a hug and kiss Oh, Anh, I haven’t seen you for so long, I missed you, so I was very happy when Tinh phoned you’d be home today. Yen told me also, told me to welcome you home as you might be a bit sad, you ok? She kissed me again, and then strode over to sit on the sofa, smooth, slim, bare legs leading up to shorts, and an in-fashion maternity shirt-thing above. She was beaming at me, and I smiled at her youthfulness and vivacity and I tried to soak a little of it into myself, revert from an old man needing his afternoon nap to a slightly younger-feeling one. I gave her a glass of water and said I was going to shower, Are you planning on dinner, em yes, I thought so, ok I will dress a little better than just shorts”. I gave her the remote for the TV, and headed upstairs where I shaved, showered, washed my hair and brushed my teeth nothing further left to be cleaned, I dressed in good jeans and a nice shirt, and rejoined Ping. Wow, you’re looking good, Anh! Come on, let’s go, the others should be there by now. She continued when I raised an eyebrow, Just normal group at Phung’s restaurant: Kim, Yen’s mum, and maybe Trinh, I am not sure; all the girls you like, so come on! I locked up and hopped on behind Ping on her bike, not too close but not too far in case I had to grab her to hold on, but she snuggled back comfortably against my groin: yes, all back to normal it seems as my cock twitched in response to the closeness of her. The others were there, ex-mother-in-law, who I still called Mae; her youngest sister, Kim; niece of another, the middle sister, Trinh, had come, she and Ping seemingly jealous of each other when we had gathered like this before, and Phung, Kim’s live-in partner, was standing at the table taking orders. Cheek kisses all round the table and we settled down, my beer arriving immediately, as Phung always knew what I would drink on arrival. The others chose a variety of alcoholic cocktails and water, and began discussing what to eat, as I looked at each of them in turn. Mae, younger than me by a couple of years, had slimmed in recent times, but she was still a big-framed woman, with large breasts to match, and in her tight jeans and t-shirt, her figure was hardly concealed; I noticed she had cut her hair shorter, and with a start, realized she resembled my current mother-in-law over in Thailand! Same age, similar frames, and now similar hair cuts; only the slight difference between a Vietnamese-Chinese and a Thai-Chinese to distinguish them almost. Though I could attest to their different sex/love-making styles also; Mae in Thailand liked it sweaty and raunchy; Mae here slower and more sensual, and she put her heart’s feelings into it also. Her youngest sister Kim, my ex-aunty, was a dazzling beauty every time; a voluptuous body with breasts made for sucking, as I had, but little more as she preferred women and Phung, who worked here, and at Kim’s acquiescence for whom I had shown what making love with a man could be like, was her live-in partner, and they always seemed very happy, though careful in public as homosexuality was frowned upon both legally and socially. Kim today was dressed as sexy as always, similar to the younger Ping in shorts and a maternity top, but beautifully made-up and wearing a glaring red lip gloss and nail polish. Trinh was the most recent arrival in Vietnam, having lived and studied in Australia for many years, where Ha had sponsored her and assisted there. She was an architect graduate and followed that with a business degree, so in the same construction field as me, and she had come back here with a good job to be part of Vietnam’s strong growth. Although I had known her as a much younger child, indeed she had been at my wedding to Ha, she had only been a shy teenager, but when she and I re-met at her first business function back here a few months ago, she was certainly grown up, beautiful and sexy and wanton as I found out. We had ended up that evening, leaving the function early, and with her beautiful long legs wrapped around me she too had used me, as Yen had urged her, and as Phung had, to find out what making love with a man for the first time was all about: she too had been a lesbian until then, but declared she would be bi-sexual after that first with me! We had wild sex again when I agreed to a photo session at a forest fishing spot, where eventually naked Kim, Phung, Ping and Trinh cavorted for my camera, but it was Trinh’s pussy wrapped around my cock who received my offering when it all became too damn wild to contain, and with Ping screaming as my tongue lashed her insides as she squatted down over my face. Whew, what a day, and what photos! Tonight she was dressed in a white tank top, stretched over her large breasts, but I didn’t know what she was wearing below that. Now, we were at a more demure location, and Mae was the only one of whom I had no such photos, but she would be too shy to participate I was sure. I shook my head to get right off the subject, and Trinh asked if I was ok; Yes, em, fine, I was just thinking about photos…. “Yes, where are they Anh? Kim asked, I want to see them again! Me, too added Trinh, both girls smiling in recollection. What photos are we talking about? asked Mae, and I blushed, but Ping interrupted to try and change the subject; however, to placate Mae, I turned to her Oh, all these girls wanted to try and be fashion models in photos, Mae, so I took some of them one weekend. But I need to put them nicely in an album, and then I can show you. Kim said I bet Mae would like you to take some photos of her too, Anh. I tried to glare at Kim before she said anything more, but she studiously ignored me as Mae responded Yes, I would, when could we? Oh, thank you heaven: the food began appearing at the table and all the women became absorbed in that before I had to answer, but I could see Kim still smirking at me, and I wished I could be sure whose foot I could kick under the table! I swallowed some beer, and Phung refilled my glass and I let the girls place some food on my plate, eating my usual small amount, enough to show them I had eaten, and then I was released to sit back as they devoured the rest.

Now that we had settled into conversation mode, I asked Ping about her studies, and after that various subjects were taken up, and it was all enjoyable for all. Mae asked me about my trip, and I gave them a summary of the death and events surrounding our office manager and his wife, which they had read of in the paper, without realizing I was so close to the matter. Then when I mentioned going on to Hanoi, Mae asked if I had seen Ha. I said yes, she was at the same hotel, so I had run into her several times, and I thought she would be back tomorrow; Kim looked at me, Was everything all right there, Anh, no problems? I paused with my beer to my mouth, swallowed, and chose my words carefully It was ok, em but, to be honest, I am a terror-stricken wreck around her, and she knows it. Trinh said softly, Perhaps because you still love her, Anh? Oh, I do, Trinh but it is the love for an ex-wife who I did love so totally, and that is not the love Ha is expecting; she wants Control. Ha would like me to be her pet dog: roll over on command so she could pat me, expecting that to set my tail wagging as if it was the greatest gift she could bestow on me; then of course she could just order me off to sit in the corner until she felt like doing it again; sorry, Mae, but that’s how she makes me feel and the stupid thing is: she knows I am almost unable to resist her if she did order me so. But I think in another 10-20 years I will be strong enough! I laughed and they politely, yet sympathetically, followed suit, with Trinh adding: “Yes, she is very strong-willed, isn’t she, and very successful with it. Now what else can we eat, I am not full. I felt Ping’s hand gently on my thigh, and she gave my leg a squeeze and smiled at me. The subject was changed and more rice was asked for, together with a new round of cocktails and beer. I rose to go to the toilet, seeing Phung near the Ladies washbasin brushing her hair on the way. When I came out to wash my own hands, she was still there; Anh, can you help me with something? Sure, em, what is it? I am worried I am losing Kim, maybe to Trinh she was downcast and I patted her arm, inviting her to continue, I want to be with her tonight and talk about it, but I think Trinh has asked her out; could you help and maybe invite Trinh out with you, and leave Kim here until I finish work I am sure she couldn’t refuse, I know I wouldn’t.”

I was a little surprised at all this, but offered Yes, em, ok, I can try, but only once all right; if things don’t work out between you and Kim, next time I’ll invite you out instead, agreed? She smiled Yes, Anh, I accept and I would love to go out with you anyway, thank you; and I will tell Ping what I have asked you to do for me. Thank you, Anh. She glanced around, and then leaned up on tiptoes to kiss me not on the cheek, but full on the mouth! I left her and walked back to the table, Phung following to refill my beer. She smiled down at me as she did so, and I smiled quizzically back: what was she up to? Ping stood as I sat and headed for the toilet, as did Mae, and they walked off together, Phung following to carry on her duties I guessed, and perhaps to explain to Ping her plan. I shook my head yet again; the machinations of women were way beyond my ken I told myself. Kim asked me What’s wrong, Anh, you seem puzzled? I smiled, then laughed, and thinking of the role I had agreed with Phung, said I am here with all you beautiful women, and I probably understand none of you and yet, I am the oldest here, you would think I should know more, but I don’t when it comes to women! Kim smiled indulgently at me Oh Anh, that’s because you are just too nice to notice the bad things. “We all love you, Anh, because you are so nice, and I don’t think any of us would hurt you, certainly not like Ha has. She picked up her glass and Trinh followed suit, and they said Cheers Anh! I laughed and said to Trinh, Ping is busy later, Kim will be waiting for Phung, Mae not sure, but would you like to go out after we finish dinner Trinh, do something to build up my spirits? Oh, Anh I would love to, really I would, but I promised my boss I would go to an architectural design show with him, and Kim is coming because there is a fashion design section also; it’s the School of Design so they have sections for everything, and she looked at her watch, We are actually already later than I thought; Kim we should go soon. Kim nodded. I had no choice to accept it was the truth, meaning I had failed to get time for Phung to spend with Kim; feeling sorry for Phung, I looked sad and that wasn’t an act. Mae and Ping returned, Ping looking pained, and they both said they were going home, Mae would ride Ping’s bike and take her home, and get a motorcycle taxi herself. Ping whispered Sorry, Anh, I would love to sleep with you, but my period just began and I have cramps, so better I go home. “Oh, of course, Ping, don’t worry about me, I understand these things, really, take care. She kissed my cheeks and I stood to do the same to Mae, wondering if she was going to come back to my place, but she said See you in a few days I hope, my son and she smiled at the ludicrous joke, even if ex-son-in-law was correct. Trinh and Kim stood and said their goodbye’s also, just as Phung appeared with a new beer for me; Kim asked Will you be ok to get home, Anh, I don’t like to leave you? I shrugged that off Well, now I have a new beer, I’ll be fine, and of course, em, I know how to get a Honda-ong taxi and get home no problem. Have a good time and we all exchanged more kisses, Trinh lingering and pressing herself close to me, Wish I was staying, Anh, but I promised to do this. She kissed me again, lingering on my cheek, and I felt a desire to ask her to come back after the exhibition was finished, but Phung intervened to say good night to all, and the moment was gone; a good night’s sleep alone would be a rarity, but I should have one now and again, I told myself, smiling at how stupid that sounded for an aging man to think. They all waved goodbye and swayed their respective bodies out, past emptying tables, while I sat down. Phung poured my beer, standing close to my side. I am sorry, em, I tried, but it didn’t work, they are going to their Exhibition. It’s ok, Anh, I know you tried, guess something just left us, you and me, here - well, maybe it was Fate? I’ll be back soon, it’s getting quiet, if you want to wait a short time, I’ll buy you another beer if you need, and then I can take you home on my Honda save you some money I laughed, and settled back in my chair as she brushed me and hustled away to perform her job elsewhere. It was another hour and one more beer when Phung came back, said she was able to leave now, and please wait a couple of minutes and she’d be ready to take me; I asked her for the bill, but she said Trinh had left enough money to cover it all when she had left, so I offered a tip but Phung refused and turned away, looking back and saying Wait just a minute, Anh. I watched her and she was sure beautiful to watch…remembering the first time I had seen and met her here, before Kim took over and they became a couple. But I think when Phung and I had made love that had been special, for both of us, and it felt good, without ego getting in the way, to know I had pleased her that time, because I had done my best to make it sweet and beautiful.

Phung appeared, unchanged from her uniform, but it was clear she had freshened up and put on a little lip gloss and brushed her long hair, letting it fall down without any clips or ties such as when she was working. She smiled, and I stood to tell her she looked beautiful, and she even blushed, as she led me out to her bike. The parking guy smiled when he saw her holding my hand, and said to me You’re the lucky one”; perhaps he thought I wouldn’t understand, but I turned and said Sure am, em, luckiest man in HCMC tonight and while he looked stunned, Phung giggled, and turned to the boy, said I am just giving a friend a ride home, but I am the lucky one anyway, finally meet a nice man! It was banter between workmates I knew, but nice to my ears anyway, and I put my arm around her shoulders and walked with her pulled closely to my side to where her bike was parked. We rode out and I cuddled her tightly for effect when we passed the entrance, and the boy laughed, as did we; but I didn’t release Phung totally when we were on the streets, as her driving style was equally as fast and frightening as most other women I knew! We arrived at my gate, and Phung said Well, can I come in for a minute, Anh, or do you want me to go? Sure, Phung, if you want. I thought she might be feeling lonely without Kim, so I opened the gate and she rolled her bike inside the courtyard. Want to take some photos, Anh? she posed provocatively, as I unlocked and opened the house, smiling to myself as she slipped past me inside. I closed the screen door against insects and turned and found myself pressed against a waiting Phung, waiting to reach up and throw her arms around my neck and kiss me, hard and deep-tongued into my mouth! I responded automatically for a few seconds, but then prised her arms and mouth away, and stepped back Phung, what are you doing? Just what I wanted, Anh; I have a confession: this was nearly all planned to get me alone with you. I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind since we made love; I have been obsessed, and it has interfered with my relationship with Kim, but she’s an amazing lady and she understood before I did: I want more love-making with you. I didn’t have to lie to Trinh, they were going to the exhibition, nor lie to Ping, she really did start her period when she went to the Ladies’, but I would have somehow convinced her to give me this second chance with you. She hadn’t mentioned Mae, so I figured Mae had truly just been being nice to help Ping.

I was flabbergasted and speechless, and Phung looked crestfallen for a few moments, until I wrapped my arms around her and held her. I am very flattered if I helped make you feel pleasure before, em, and I did also, but are you sure this is what you want, knowing I can’t give you more than a little bit of myself for a little time? I care for you, Phung, and don’t want you to be hurt in any way. She broke away from my embrace, smiling but with tears You used almost the exact words Kim said you would use, and the same consideration; oh Anh, you are the nicest man, and yes, I want to be here with you and will accept only what you can give she sniffled and I pulled a tissue from my pocket to hand her It’s a clean one I said, and she laughed and blubbered. I led her to the sofa, turned on a corner light, and stood for a moment to let her calm down. Sorry Anh, just crying with happiness, truly. I went for a glass of water and a beer, but Phung reached for the beer, so I left the water and got a new beer for myself and the tissue box for her. I wandered outside for a cigarette, my mind and emotions churning.

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