"Fine," I agreed, letting go of I-Tim. To be honest, I loathe being touched by others—even by men. Even my grandparents who raised me know I'm not a fan of physical contact. The one person I actually want near me is the one trying to run away. What a nightmare.
"If you'll excuse me, then." Khun Net casually linked her arm with mine. I glanced at her fair, smooth hand; she seemed completely unfazed by her lack of etiquette. Worse, she leaned in slightly so her chest brushed against my arm. It was brief, but I'm certain it was intentional. I looked at the person standing next to me; she was pouting hard. "This restaurant is delicious. I guarantee both you and Nong Tim will love it. Let's get a bite to eat because we still have many hours before the evening session starts. We'll surely be hungry by then."
Khun Net took us to a famous restaurant. She took charge of ordering everything for I-Tim and me, leaving us to just sit and wait for the service.
"My, someone is getting catered to right at the table, aren't they, Sir?" the person next to me grumbled. I-Tim watched Khun Net's efficiency in ordering special dishes with pure annoyance. I knew that's what it was because the moment Khun Net turned to smile, my wife faked a wide, squinty-eyed smile back. But as soon as Khun Net turned away, she was pouting and rolling her eyes.
"You're a teacher; use better words. I'm not an animal to be 'catered to'."
"I think it suits you perfectly, Sir. You like it, don't you? Having girls throw themselves at you like this. Was her chest soft, Sir?"
"Why are you being so sarcastic? You've been like this since we met Khun Net." Most women are like this when they're jealous, right?
"I'm not being sarcastic. I'm just stating what I see. You look like such a gen-tle-man. So calm, so kind, so composed. It's all a total sham!" She was really digging deep for those insults.
"How many times do I have to tell you that I don't like you calling me 'Sir'?" I sighed. That title is the one I've hated most since taking office. Even though most news about me is positive, drama is inevitable. Especially with those power-hungry old men in the Ministry—they are what I hate most about meetings.
"I'm going to call you that. What are you going to do about it?"
"I've told you many times. Don't call me that again."
"I will!" She raised her eyebrows defiantly. Challenging me, is she? Just wait until tonight and see if you're still this mouthy.
"Don't—call—me—that—again!"
"I—will!"
"Here we are! What are you two talking about? You both look so tense. Come on, Khun Nin, stop scolding her." Khun Net placed two bowls in front of us, followed by her own, as the staff brought out a tray of water.
"I wasn't scolding her," I clarified.
"That's good. Because at the gala tonight, you'll definitely be glaring at everyone to protect your niece."
"Wait, what?" The woman who was just arguing with me wide-eyed. I forgot to tell her, didn't I?
"Nong Tim, didn't you know there's a gala tonight?"