Page 81 of Never With You
Because just now, things between us felt a lot like flirting.
It’sour last night in Bangkok before we fly to Phuket tomorrow. I’ve never been so grateful for free time in my entire life. I needed a break from Pureskin execs, nosy aunts, Isaac’s perfect girlfriend, and especially, fake boyfriends.
The rest of our time at the floating market wasn’tthatbad. Nate and I shopped for cool magnets, ate Pad Thai, tried new-to-me produce, and mingled with Pureskin guests. It was all very civil.Toocivil if you ask my heart. The biggest downside was falling asleep on the bus ride home and waking up with my head on Nate’s shoulder.
He didn’t seem to mind—good opticsand all. But I minded. I hate how casual things are becoming between us. Things were better when we were coworkers who tolerated each other, not friendly coworkers who shared a ridiculously amazing kiss.
But tonight, it’s just me.
I booked a tuk-tuk tour to explore the bustling city and see all the best sights. My tour ended in Chinatown, where I grabbed dinner and took some pictures. I even sent one of the pictures to Mr. International, carefully leaving out any details that would signify Bangkok’s Chinatown from other Chinatowns around the world. We’ve never shared our travel destinationswhileon a trip, only after, but I did writeCurrentlywhen I sent him the picture, so we’ll see how it goes. He probably won’t respond for a while. It’s early morning in Arizona.
To my surprise, my phone buzzes thirty minutes later as I walk around Bangkok’s gigantic flower market. I open my DMs to a picture. It’s blurry, as if he took it while spinning aroundandused a motion blur filter. The only thing I can tell for sure is that he’s in a city at night with bright lights. He sent the picture with the same message:Currently.
@girl_sees_the_world:
Not in Arizona, I see.
I keep my phone out, hoping for a quick reply. Mr. International doesn’t disappoint.
@worth_traveling_to:
Same with you. Does this mean you made it out alive from your compromising situations?
@girl_sees_the_world:
No, it just means I got a break from my compromising situations. What about you?
@worth_traveling_to:
I’m taking a break as well. So, what’s on your agenda besides exploring an unnamed Chinatown?
@girl_sees_the_world:
Exploring an unnamed city.
@worth_traveling_to:
What if we’re in the same city, exploring at the same time? Would you be willing to hang out with me?
I bite my lip, trying to contain my smile as I reply.
@girl_sees_the_world:
I guess that depends on what you want to do. Maybe we don’t like to explore the same way.
@worth_traveling_to:
I like to talk to locals. Eat delicious food. Try everything. See as much as I can in little amounts of time.
@girl_sees_the_world:
Sounds perfect. Where do we meet up?
@worth_traveling_to:
First, I should probably clarify that’s what I like to do when I’m alone. When I’m with somebody else, plans might change a little bit. They might take a more romantic turn.
Oh boy. I can’t help the giddy feeling taking over my stomach.
