“Well, I heard you talk about Thailand for the last couple of weeks so I decided at the last minute to see it for myself.”
“Well, you could’ve told me. We could have even flown together.”
“I thought about it, but you’re an officer and I’m—well—not. Plus your flight cost more. And I didn’t want to go on a Saudi airline.”
RJ stepped up close, within inches from his face. “Listen, you’re not my subordinate anymore.” His voice low, but calm, his violet-blue eyes staring back at Pad, smile wrinkles in the corners of RJ’s eyes. “Fuck, man, we’re in Thailand, so call me RJ. And screw the uniform code of military justice and the rules against fraternization. We’re grabbing some beers and chasing some tail. What do you say about that?”
Pad smiled. “I’d love that.”
Except chasing the tail part
* * * *
RJ and Pad headed toward baggage claim. “So, where you staying, Pad?”