Page 76 of Never With You
I turn over my shoulder, smiling at the camera. Nate snaps a few pictures and then holds the phone out, taking a video of us as the market passes by our window.
Slowly, we pull into Maeklong station, and the doors open, emptying the train. Nate holds a Pureskin sign high in the air, waiting for our group to gather so he can give instructions on how long we’re staying and where to meet the bus. Usually, on these trips, I’m the one who handles that sort of thing. I activelyseek outthose responsibilities; it's part of Carly Catterson’s need to be in charge all the time. However, I appreciate how Nate steps up, relieving some of the stress and pressure I typically feel when running an event. For a moment, I feel like a tourist enjoying Bangkok like everyone else, and it’s kind of nice for a change.
“Have you ever seen anything like that before?” Nate’s mom asks as the group disperses.
“I haven’t. But I loved it!”
“Me too!” Connie’s eyes light with an excitement that reminds me of her son.
“I thought the train would run over people’s toes,” a slender woman with gray bangs and a low ponytail says. Her hand shoots out in front of me. “I’m Nate’s Aunt Vicky.”
“Nice to meet you.” I’m barely done shaking hers when another hand reaches out.
“And I’m Aunt Gina.” She’s shorter and rounder than Vicky but has dark-blue eyes and black hair. The contrast between them should be easy enough to tell them apart the rest of the week. “We’re thrilled about you and Nate. We would’ve introduced ourselves on the dinner cruise, but Connie said not to bombard you on night one.”
“You’ve got a good one with Nate.” Vicky leans in like she’s telling me classified information. “Don’t let his carefree lifestyle fool you. That boy will make the sweetest and most loving husband.”
“He’s always been a softy,” Gina agrees. “Just a gooey heart of gold.”
“Really? I’ve yet to see that side of him.” They all laugh, thinking I’m joking.
“Oh, you just wait,” Connie inserts herself into the conversation. “Both of my boys are sweet, but Nate has always had such a tender heart. You couldn’t punish him—even as a teenager—or his big brown eyes would tear up.”
I watch as his mom pats his cheek lovingly. Nate’s dad may suck, but he definitely won in the mom department, even if she has her mom goggles on when it comes to her son’s character.
“Okay, that’s enough of that.” One by one, Nate kisses the top of each of their hands. “As fun as it is to hear all about me, Carly and I are going to explore the market.” He grabs my hand. “Come on. Now, we get to experience it from the ground. The train leaves from the station in fifteen minutes.”
I wave back at his watching family members as he drags me away. Touring all day with Nate, especially hand in hand, isn’t my idea of fun, so when we’re a little ways away, I pull out of his grasp.
“Well done. You’ve fooled your aunts into thinking you’re a good person.”
His lips tilt into a crooked grin. “Or is it you I have fooled into thinking I’m not?”
I roll my eyes, biting back a smile.
We walk down the tracks, exploring the market, stopping to pick up handmade trinkets, and bartering with locals.
“Are you thirsty?”
“I can get it.” But Nate is already reaching into his wallet for some money.
He buys two water bottles and hands one to me.
“Thanks.” I twist open the cap and take a sip as he talks to a local about their goods.
“They’re insects,” he says to me, pointing down at the baskets in front of us.
“No, they’re not.” I glance at the shop owner. He nods like Nate is telling the truth.
“It’s considered a delicacy here and a good source of protein,” Nate says. “There are crickets, grasshoppers, silkworms, and scorpions.”
“Gross.” I step closer to get a better look. Sure enough, each basket holds a different type of seasoned and fried insect.
His gaze fills with mischief. “I’ll try one if you do.”
Let me be clear: thesedelicaciesdo not look appetizing, but there’s something exciting about Nate’s challenge that makes me want to participate…with him.
“Okay,” I answer with confidence.
