Lotusland by David Joiner

Author:David Joiner [Joiner, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781550719314
Publisher: Guernica Editions Inc
Published: 2015-04-24T16:00:00+00:00

Fifteen

His days at the office revolved around combing through agency e-mail, answering clients' questions, and submitting proposals as precursors for formal contracts. Twice a day he did an office walkthrough, making a point to speak with each employee and ask about whatever problems he or she had. Some work he delegated, but most of what appeared on his desk he dealt with himself. There were valuations and reports to write, and clients — mainly investors inquiring about the local market — constantly coming and going. It was essential that he keep on top of all the properties they were developing for purchase, renovation, and lease. During lulls, Anthony asked him to take a few high-level employees aside and help them improve their English. Normally there were two meetings a day to attend, which was in addition to general office administration. After a few weeks he felt his work squeezing him on all sides.

The money was even better than Anthony had promised — the commissions alone, if they continued apace, would be enough to settle his debt with Anthony in slightly more than a year. But money wasn't what he was after, and soon he was waking up each morning overwhelmed with malaise. It took several weeks to unlock that feeling and understand that it came from not writing. Behind it was a kind of warning: you'll regret most the things you haven't done with your life, and in the end it will tear you apart. Time wasted, a voice told him, was time forever lost.

When he returned home at night, time for himself was scant. If it weren't too late, he'd drive to a café near Le's house and, from a seat by the water, try to catch a glimpse of her painting beneath the banyan. Like his writing, however, little resulted from the investment of time. Sitting, of course, got him nowhere.

Making friends in Hanoi was hard at first, particularly since he spent so much time at the office. Like with other things, it was simpler to rely on Anthony. But he found he had little in common with Anthony's friends, who for all practical purposes were only business contacts anyway.

Late one morning Anthony called him into his office. Sitting at his desk, he was grinning into a local magazine. In one hand he was turning over a cell phone with his fingers.

"Well, I did it," he announced as Nathan came in.

"Did what?"

"Helped you where you were unable to help yourself."

Nathan couldn't guess what he was talking about. He hadn't come to Anthony with work problems, nor had he asked for any favors.

Anthony dropped the magazine and pointed at a page of photos.

"There she is. One of the hottest properties in Hanoi. Beautiful, successful, well-connected, rich. And thanks to me you've got a date with her."

Nathan's first thought was to protest, but something stopped him. He stood there dumbly, scratching his head and smiling uncertainly.

"I understand your surprise," Anthony said. "I couldn't believe it myself when she said she was free tonight after work.

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