No matter how busy, Chi-an and Tom of Angkor Borei are always the gracious hosts. Tonight their restaurant was filled with customers. We were lucky to squeeze ourselves into its narrow hallway so we didn’t have to stand in the street to wait for a table. Tom was surprised to see me. Ever since we moved away from the neighborhood I hardly frequent the restaurant. He gave me a big hug and went about with his take-out delivery.
There were times in the past when the restaurant was not so busy. After they serve us lunch, Chi-an and Tom would come over and chat with us. We learned that theirs was a second marriage for Chi-an. When she met Tom she already had two children.
“Tom takes care of my children as if they were his own,” Chi-an told us. “Every time I come back from Cambodia he comes to the airport with a dozen red roses.”
“Is that why you married him?” asked Dore.
You can tell when a woman is truly loved by her blushing smile, gleaming eyes, and her seemingly inexhaustible energy. And the man she loves has springy steps, a hearty laugh and generous disposition.
Photo from The Chronicle.
