How was I supposed to know? My Minister husband didn't say a word. I'm dead. I-Tim, you're absolutely dead. I haven't prepared a dress, and my makeup skills are just 'passable' at best. I'm definitely going to embarrass myself at this event.
"It's a costume party, too. I'm so excited! I wonder who came up with the theme; it's a first for this event. Who knows, Nong Tim, you might even find your soulmate to take back to Thailand."
My skin is going to be black and blue first. Just look at my husband's face.
Sometimes she acts like a sweet, innocent woman, but if you look closely, you'll see she's wearing many layers of masks. Women can tell. She's definitely trying to snatch my man.
And as for him... he's too much. Would it kill you to say, 'Khun Net, I don't think it's appropriate for you to touch me'? Why is he so afraid of being impolite? It's so frustrating; I just want to reach out and yank her arm off him. I swear I saw her rubbing her chest against my husband's arm. And believe me, she knows perfectly well that I'm not really the Minister's niece.
"I actually dreamed of a giant white snake last night. I suspect my soulmate might be a tall Westerner." If Khun Net can wear a mask, I-Tim isn't taking hers off either.
"You're quite good at playing along with my jokes. What do you think, Khun Nin?" She touched his arm again. Since she wasn't scolded the first time, she's grown bold enough to keep doing it. How shameless.
"What could he possibly say? Whatever happens depends on my decision anyway," I countered.
"True. We have to determine our own destiny. Oh! Khun Nin?" What now?! Her hand was lightning fast, reaching up to touch my husband's hair. "You have gray hairs! You've been under a lot of stress, haven't you? Should I dye it for you? I know how. Look, there are so many white hairs popping up." I wanted to bury my face in my hands. Who does she think she is to do that? "You're still handsome, though. Always handsome in my eyes."
My man looked up at Khun Net's hand before grabbing her wrist. It was the kind of look that scares me the most. You've done it now, P'Net. You thought you could do whatever you wanted just because you acted friendly?
"I'm sorry, Khun Nin," she said, finally realizing her mistake and quickly pulling her hand back.
"I'm full. If you'll excuse us, Khun Net." He placed some money on the table and pulled my wrist, forcing me to follow, even though I'd only managed two bites. "We won't trouble you further. See you at the event."
He took me back in a taxi, sitting in total silence. He was probably trying to calm himself down. About ten minutes passed before he finally turned to me. "Little Tim, check and see if I have a lot of gray hair."
"You want me to touch your head?"
"Yeah. Take a look for me."
"Are you sure?" I didn't dare. I was afraid he'd find it offensive; most men are like that, especially at his age. Plus, after the 'death stare' he gave P'Net earlier, I was still feeling a bit chilled.
"I've let you touch other parts of me. Why would I mind my head?" Thank god the taxi driver didn't understand Thai, or I wouldn't know where to hide my face.
"Are you sure I can touch it? You won't give me a scary look?"
"Just touch it." He took my hand and placed it on his head, even kindly turning on his phone flashlight for me.
"I can't really see it."
"Move closer."
"Okay, okay." I moved as he said. We were so close we were practically merging into one person. I ruffled through his hair. Oh... there are quite a few, actually. Mostly thin ones. "P'Net was right. This is what happens when you get old. You should just accept it."
"Dye it for me."
"Huh?"
"Dye it for me," he repeated.
"I don't know how! Just go to a salon. It'll be black in no time."
"I don't like it when women or people I'm not close with touch my head."
"I'm a woman."
"Little Tim is my wife. You can touch it."
"Are you suuuure?"
"Yes."