Chapter 7
The trip to the airport was a short one, thanks to Film's genius idea of beating rush hour traffic, and the girls passed through the ever-glamorous Ronald Reagan National Airport security with ease, checking their bags as they made their way to the terminal with time to kill.
"Aren't Sonya and Lookmhee supposed to be here by now?" Namtan asked, frowning as she and Film took seats at the largely empty terminal seating area.
Voices and alerts filled the speakers above every now and then, and endless hordes of people would pass by, but none of them gave any hint to Sonya or Lookmhee's presence.
"No." Film glanced at her watch. "We're early by an hour and a half."
Namtan's eyes widened as she buried her head in her hands. "Oh my God, traveling with you is so over the top."
Film narrowed her eyes. "Punctuality is a key to business success."
"I guess this is a business transaction for you." Namtan grumbled.
Film opened her mouth to protest, paused, and then went on once more. "Namtan, no- That's not what I meant."
Namtan glanced up, gaze unreadable. "No, it's fine. Really." She shrugged, reaching for a magazine she'd yanked off a stand.
Film knew she'd screwed up there, so she scrunched her face in thought of how to repair it.
"Do you want something to eat?" She offered quietly.
"Nope." Namtan's response was bored as she turned the pages absently.
"I can get you some chocolate?" Film offered again.
"Pass, thanks." Namtan's response was, yet again, dry.
"We could go over some more questions?" Film tried.
"I think we're pretty solid." Namtan shrugged, standing. "I think I'm going to go buy some water."
Film frowned. She'd had water up until they made her dump it at the security check. "I'll come."
"No, you watch your laptop and the other stuff." Namtan decided, her voice even. "I'll be back."
Film bit her lip, watching Namtan leave.
Had she done something wrong? It was a business transaction after all, wasn't it?
Film watched a few planes roll by outside the grand window before her, wishing she'd thought of a better way to verbalize it. She hadn't meant it that way. Namtan was just teasing her and she'd gone and made it a serious ordeal again.
Dammit, Film. She pulled at her hair eyeing Namtan’s fading figure.
No one wanted to be with someone so unpleasantly cold, and calculating.
The person she'd become to succeed.
This was why she didn't do relationships, fake or real.
She simply wasn't cut from the same cloth as Namtan Tipnaree.
Film eyed the clock, leaning back into her chair with a sigh, as she knew her best friend would likely drag it out and take a lot longer than the five minutes she needed to get water.
*
"Film." Sonya, clad in sweats and a tight sweater, touched her shoulder, causing her to nearly jump out of her seat. Film glanced up from all the business emails she'd been reading off her phone.
How long had it been since Namtan left?
She glanced at her phone once more, this time, eyes flying to the digital clock.
Half an hour.
Namtan had been gone for half an hour, and Film had buried herself into her work affairs, as usual.
How typical.
A part of her suddenly felt a pang of worry for Namtan. Where was she? Was she alright?
"Damn, what's going on in that genius mind of yours?" Sonya murmured, glancing down at her friend curiously.
Film's emerald gaze snapped up. "My apologies." She murmured. "Where's Lookmhee?"
Sonya looked suddenly defensive. "I don't know! What am I, her keeper?"
Film resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Okay then."
"Where's your fake girlfriend?" Sonya smirked, folding her arms.
Film bit her lip, stowing her phone in her pocket, in an attempt to keep her from worriedly calling Namtan. "I uh, She.. she went to get um.." She rattled off every stalling word she knew, and Sonya's smirk only grew.
"You don't know, do you?" Sonya tsked, grinning.
"She said she went to get water." Film sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"And you pissed her off." Sonya added knowingly.
"I said something stupid." Film sighed. "I called this whole thing a.. business transaction."
Sonya winced. "Seriously, Film?"
Film sighed. "You know I didn't mean it."
"Yeah, but Tipnaree did. Poor girl doesn't even know you drool just thinking about her." Sonya retorted.
Film shook her head. "Just, shut up. Do you know where she is?"
Sonya nodded slowly. "Saw her coming in. Your girl is flirting with a hot little piece."
Film's eyes widened. "A what? She what?"
Sonya jerked her head in the direction of one of the smaller restaurant outlets, where travelers were enjoying incredibly overpriced breakfasts while waiting for their flights.
Her eyes fell to Namtan, who was leaning against the bar-styled front counter, flirting with a busty dirty-blonde waitress about their age.
Film stiffened.
"Ooh.." Sonya smirked. "Let me get my camera out for this one."
Film froze. Ever the stubborn one, she shook her head. "No."
"No?" Sonya teased.
"No." Film repeated. "Namtan can do what she wants. I don't have any say over that."
"Yeah?" Sonya prodded, sitting in Namtan's seat beside her. "Some girlfriend."
Film's eyes narrowed. "I'm not her girlfriend, Sonya."
"You tell em!" Sonya smirked once more. "No wonder she calls you nerd. You never take what you want."
"Don't." Film warned, but oh, how Sonya knew just how to get a rise out of her friend.
"So that kiss, it was all for nothing?" Sonya pressed, her voice enticing Film to get up and leave.
"Why do you say that?" Film asked, nearly through clenched teeth.
"Because it looks like Tipnaree is about to pull the same thing with that blonde right there. But you can go be her girlfriend, for practice, of course." Sonya shrugged, and Film's eyes flew to Namtan, the way she flirtatiously leaned across the counter, one hand twirling a blonde lock, the other reaching across.
Sonya grinned. "Can you get me a water, Racha?" She handed her a ten-dollar bill. "I'm feeling a bit.. thirsty."
Film muttered some inaudible profanity before rising from her seat, running a hand through her glorious brunette mane as she made her way over, ignoring Sonya's sniggering from behind.
Film's long strides carried her right beside Namtan in a matter of seconds, and Namtan's amused laugh echoed in her ears as she quickened her pace, slipping onto the stool beside Namtan, her arm sliding around Namtan's waist.
Namtan yelped in shock and turned to Film, eyes widening. "Film?" She asked, all traces of annoyance replaced by pure surprise. "Uh I.. uh.. what are you..."
The waitress, who'd been drying a glass, froze in place. She cocked an eyebrow in their direction, looking perhaps genuinely insulted that she'd wasted time flirting with a taken woman.
"Hey baby." Film smiled softly, eyes avoiding Namtan's gaze. "I missed you back there."
"I.. you.. Film, who's watching our stuff?" Namtan sputtered and gulped, the glass of water before her looking suddenly inviting.
"Sonya is, sweetheart, don't worry about it." Film's voice was almost teasing, inviting, and Namtan couldn't help but want to buy into the scenario.
It wasn't like she hadn't thought about it, after all.
"I uh... was just getting some water." Namtan murmured, getting chills as Film's hand brushed the small of her back.
"Can we actually get two more to go, please?" Film smirked, slipping the bill across the table as she watched the waitresses' look of disdain. "Are you making friends, Namtan?"
"Friends?" The waitress almost scoffed, and Namtan reddened slightly, feeling a hot rush of guilt for whatever apparent reason.
"Yeah." Namtan smiled. "This is, uh..." She paused momentarily. She realized she hadn't even remembered her name.
"Well thank you for entertaining my girlfriend for me." Film spoke in a low, challenging, even voice. "You ready to go, babe?"
Namtan glanced up at her with a blink. "Um, yeah. Yeah, I guess." She smiled numbly, watching Film expertly weave in and out of her façade.
"Here." Film reached for the glass, holding the straw out to Namtan. "Don't want you overheating..." She chose her words carefully, eloquently, articulating each and every vowel and consonant with sharp elegance.
Namtan's eyes widened from Film's prompting and she felt her body overcome with a strange mix of desire and overwhelming confusion as she wrapped her fingers around Film's, sucking from the straw with her full lips, Film keeping eye contact the whole time.
The waitress stared, mouth agape, and Film put the now empty glass on the table. "Keep the change." She smiled saccharinely and guided Namtan up with one hand, waters in the other.
Namtan felt the feeling return to her legs after a few steps.
Once they were out of earshot, and around the corner, Namtan whipped around on Film.
"What the hell was that?" She demanded, heart pumping rapidly.
"Sonya told me I don't play the part convincingly enough!" Film defended, handing her a bottle of water. "I was.. practicing."
Namtan swallowed the lump in her throat.
Sonya gave good advice.
"Was that too much?" Film asked, arm in arm with her best friend as they made their way back to Sonya, who'd been smirking at them since they came into view.
"Uh I mean, for the part you were playing, I guess.. no, it was... hot." Namtan stuttered.
What the hell was going on?
Film nodded, face showing no discernable emotion.
Sonya cocked a brow, looking impressed. "That was pretty damn good."
Film looked pleased with herself as she sat beside Namtan, who tried to bury her face into a magazine once more, cheeks flushed with color and an embarrassing heat between her legs.
"Hey." Lookmhee's voice caused them all to turn around, bag slung lazily over her shoulder, hair in bun, looking good as ever. "What'd I miss?"
Namtan and Film glanced away almost immediately while Sonya chuckled, "Proof that this little charade is going to work."
*
The plane was boarded promptly, and Film and Namtan found themselves seated together, without the typical argument of who would get the window seat.
Namtan's parents had pulled all the stops, giving them the most luxurious class possible for such a short trip.
They knew Namtan was bringing a few friends, but Namtan knew they must have had a hunch that one of them was more than just a friend.
Namtan hadn't explicitly said anything, for fear of giving away something she couldn't correct later. It was nerve wracking.
"Namtan, go ahead." Film motioned to the window seat, watching Namtan pause in the aisle beside her, making Film glad that they weren't holding anyone else up.
Sonya and Lookmhee had been sentenced to their doom in coach, towards the rear of the aircraft, likely separated.
"Jen, seriously, go." Namtan nudged her with a smile, color returned to her face and humor returned to her tone. "I want you to sit there."
Film raised a questioning brow. "Would that make you more comfortable?" She clearly had no idea why Namtan wouldn't take it.
Namtan smiled a little. "Yes, Film, now sit."
Film shrugged and stuffed her bag in the overhead compartment, sliding into her seat. "Alright." She sighed.
Namtan leaned against her, huffing out a breath. "You'll see why in a bit." She winked.
Film's heartbeat quickened. Namtan was so soft, so warm, so close. She thought about the searing kiss they'd shared a few nights ago and blinked hard, praying Namtan wouldn't notice how nervous she was.
It was ridiculous, they were best friends.
Namtan had a right to lay her head on Film's shoulder and tell her whatever she wanted.
Film owed her that much, right?
Namtan herself sighed contentedly, her own heart rate picking up. Film was so soft but stable, and always warm.
She felt guilty, laying her head against Film like that. The thoughts that swam around in her melted brain weren't always the kindest to her ever increasing hunger for Film.
It was ridiculous, they were best friends.
Namtan had to repress them.
Namtan owed her that much, right?
"What are you thinking about?" Film asked softly, eyes following the stewardess as she made her way down the rows.
"Hmmm." Namtan hummed against her, her throat rumbling against Film's arm. "Nothing, I'm just so tired."
"You did have to get up a bit earlier than your usual time." Film conceded, folding her hands in her uncertainty with what to do with them.
"Not all of us are bionic business women who rise at the crack of dawn, Film Racha." Namtan tutted, smiling lazily up at her friend, eyes close.
Film's breath caught in her throat.
Namtan was so beautiful. So perfect, so relaxed, so calm.
So light and happy and teasing.
Film chuckled lightly, nudging Namtan as the seatbelt lights and signals went on overhead. "Sorry, dork. Rise and shine."
Film wished she had the ability to lighten up like that. She did, sometimes.
Namtan brought that out in her.
The plane rumbled to life as it began rolling forward, and Namtan was forced to sit up with a frown, leaning back. "There goes my sleep."
Film glanced timidly outside the plane window, and for a long while, the two fell silent, watching the city fade beneath them as they ascended into the clouds, a short distance away from the heavens themselves.
The stewardess came around, smiling brightly. "May I get you ladies anything? A drink, maybe?"
Namtan looked thoughtful, glancing at the way Film professionally straightened up, though she didn't miss the way her eyes roamed the stewardess' blue, tight fitting uniform and scarf ensemble.
"Namtan, a water?" Film murmured, ever the gentlewoman.
"Hmm?" Namtan nodded. "Oh, yeah, please."
"Two waters, then." Film smiled politely.
The stewardess looked perplexed. "Are you sure you and your girlfriend wouldn't like something else to drink? It's complimentary."
Film's mouth slighted partly and Namtan swooped in to save her, blushing profusely herself. "No, thank you though!"
The stewardess nodded and poured out the two waters, leaving them on Namtan's tray table as she wheeled the cumbersome cart to the next row.
Film's eyes had been wide, taking in the views below her wordlessly.
Namtan decided it was best not to press the issue, so she handed Film's cup to her, tracing her gaze.
"Well..." Film sighed, eyes falling to the cup. "Alcohol might have been pleasantly numbing."
Namtan raised a brow. "You scared of flights, Babi?"
Film shook her head. "No, but they're not my favorite, either."
"Why?" Namtan asked, hazel eyes searching the depths of Film's brown gaze for secrets and answers.
"They're a waste of time." Film mumbled, loudly still, over the sound of the plane launching itself into the air. "Time spent sitting around, it could be put to good use doing something productive."
Namtan barked out a laugh, grateful not too many people were around them. "I should have known." She teased as Film frowned. "That's so very, Film."
"Yeah?" Film raised a brow. "Are you familiar with a way to pass the time productively?"
"Aww, are you nervous?" Namtan smirked.
"Hardly." Film scoffed.
"Fine, well let's see.." Namtan glanced off into the distance. "There's the, mile high club." Namtan smirked once more, wriggling her eyebrows as Film spat out the sip of water she'd been taking.
"You're not..." Film stuttered. "There's no space. It's unsanitary."
Namtan shrugged, leaning back. "It's honestly not."
Film's eyes widened. "Have you..?"
Namtan laughed a beautiful little laugh, winking at Film. "Of course not."
Film exhaled, shaking her head. "Okay, but what are things that we can do?"
"Sleep." Namtan suggested gently, glancing into Film's tired eyes. "You were up all night tying loose ends for work."
"How do you know?" Film asked suddenly.
"I heard you." Namtan reminded.
"Oh, I can't believe I kept you up!" Film sighed. "I'm so sorry, Namtan, I didn't mean to be so loud, but-"
"Babi!" Namtan smiled brightly. "Relax. Do I look mad?"
Film shook her head.
"So sleep..." Namtan offered, downing her water as she shut their tray tables.
Film made a face. "I can't, it's uncomfortable."
Namtan glanced at her sympathetically. "Okay, let's see" She began by taking off her jacket, bunching it up as she handed it to Film. "Here."
Film looked concerned almost immediately. "Namtan. It's cold."
Namtan rolled her eyes. "Thanks, mom, but I'll be fine." She teased. "There's your pillow."
Film's heart ached. Namtan Tipnaree was so light, and pure, and so- Film didn't have words to describe her.
She wished she'd had Namtan when she was a child, and she'd so desperately needed someone so warm and bright in her life.
Hell, she wished she'd had Namtan now, in a different way.
But Film would take what she could get.
"I, are you sure?" Film repeated once more, still a bit in shock.
Namtan chuckled. "Film, it's a pillow, not a diamond ring. Relax."
Film nodded, leaning the pillow against the window. She felt Namtan undo her seatbelt, lifting Film's legs so that they were lying against Namtan's warm body.
Film didn't know how she wasn't hyperventilating. Namtan was so loving. So gentle, and soft, and so careful.
Film felt undeserving.
Namtan leaned back in her chair and, as if reading Film's thoughts, murmured. "You're welcome. Now sleep."
Film squeezed her eyes shut, willing the sweet release of sleep to carry her thoughts away, as she couldn't bear them much longer without saying something.
Sleep came easy to her, Namtan's sweet perfume faintly on her jacket as Film began breathing deeply, a small smile on her lips.
*
"Ladies and gentlemen, we're beginning our descent into Los Angeles, so if you could please stow away any-"
Film's eyes opened abruptly, and they were greeted with the harsh light of the afternoon sun reflecting on wispy white clouds from the window beside her, casting a golden glow into the plane's interior.
Namtan noticed her stirring and gave her a smile. "Hey." She murmured gently, adjusting Film back to normal volumes. "You slept well, huh?"
Film nodded, surprised. "I did, actually. First time in a while."
Namtan grinned. "Well I guess we'll just have to fly together every night, then."
Film couldn't help the smile that made its way onto her face. Cheeks burning, she averted her gaze from Namtan's.
Namtan sighed. " Thank you for coming along with me on this crazy, stupid adventure."
Film felt a smile tug at her lips, heart soaring higher than the plane itself. "Always, Namtan." She responded, and locked gazes with Namtan, both their eyes shimmering, lips slightly parted in gentle affection.
Moments like that, of course, never lasted long.
This was no exception.
The stewardess, who'd seemingly snuck up on the entranced fake couple, cleared her throat, startling them both out of their haze.
"Yes?" Namtan asked, whipping around.
Film could detect the briefest sense of annoyance in her tone.
"Your tray table, miss." The stewardess motioned to it. "We need them all locked in place for our landing."
Namtan nodded, turning with a huff. "Right. Of course."
Some things were too important to be ignored, but tray tables didn't quite make her list.
*
The hot desert-like air enveloped Namtan and Film like the warm hugs they shared, gently blowing away their goosebumps from the airports' chilled interior.
"Ahh Home." Namtan took a deep breath.
"Yup." Film mumbled, wheeling her suitcase behind her. "Certainly a change from D.C."
"Remind me, why did we have to bother with renting a car?" Namtan asked as she glanced at the Car Rental garage with a furrowed brow.
"Because Lookmhee said she wanted a back-up plan in case the reunion, and I quote, 'sucked major ass'."
Namtan barked out a laugh, grinning as she linked her arm into Film's.
Lookmhee and Sonya were already there, leaning against a black suburban, bickering about something no doubt. They stopped when they saw Namtan and Film approaching.
"Well if it isn't the Queen of first class." Lookmhee rolled her eyes, smirking when she saw their arms linked together. "Gee, guys, enough with the couple act. Save it for the show!"
Namtan and Film both turned beet red, glancing down at their arms.
"We're best friends." Namtan protested indignantly. "That's what we do all the time."
"Really?" Sonya chimed in. "I've been friends with Film for a while and she's never been touchy with me."
"Maybe you're not her type?" Lookmhee quipped, earning her a slap on the arm.
"Feel free to remind me why you thought bringing them was a good idea." Film muttered, loading her luggage into the trunk.
"Who's driving?" Namtan asked, shaking her head in disbelief.
Lookmhee smirked. "Take a wild guess."
*
Namtan and Film clung to each other for dear life, huddled in the back seat, while Lookmhee weaved in and out of Los Angeles traffic like a madwoman.
Sonya didn't seem phased, legs up on the dashboard lazily as if it were a grueling road trip, occasionally popping a sunflower seed into her mouth from the small packet she'd received on the plane.
"Lookmhee!" Namtan screeched. "This isn't a Porsche, its' a huge ass SUV! Slow down!"
Lookmhee rolled her eyes, glancing in the back window. "This is the only way I can make you two get close." She teased.
Namtan eyed Film, realizing she was pressed up against her. "Sorry." She mumbled sheepishly, leaning back.
Film's eyes were fixed on the palm trees that dotted the pacific coast highway, emerald eyes taking refuge in the golden sands and sparkling waves on the not too distant shores.
"Film?" Namtan prodded her thigh, making her jump a little.
"Sorry." Film murmured. "I was lost in thought."
Namtan glanced at her curiously. "What about?"
Film glanced down into her lap unsurely. "Us." She admitted.
Namtan feigned look of concern. "Film, are you breaking up with me? We haven't even gotten there yet!" She clutched at her heart dramatically, and Film looked away, faint smile in place.
"No breaking up!" Sonya chucked a sunflower seed at Film, hitting her square in the face. "We didn't haul our asses over here to see you get cold feet, sweetie."
Film rolled her eyes, making a face of disgust. "I'm not getting cold feet. I'm just, thinking."
"About what?" Namtan pressed once more. "What could go wrong?"
Film's eyes widened, and Namtan knew she'd asked the wrong question. "What if your parents hate me? Or your friends? What if they can tell that we've been secretly meeting and they decide that we're worth investigating and then-"
"Hey!" Namtan took Film's hand, lacing it with her own. "Babi! Calm down!"
Lookmhee watched with mild amusement as she exited, making a turn. "Get your shit together, kids, I'm pulling up. And knowing Namtan's parents, they're probably waiting for us by the door."
Film sucked in a breath, realizing that skin on skin contact with Namtan, even in the most minuscule form of holding hands, was giving her a heart attack.
That never happened to this extent before.
"They'll love you for being you." Namtan promised with a knowing smile. "Besides, that's not the part we're lying about."
Film nodded slowly.
She could do this.
For the money.
For her business.
For Namtan.
Lookmhee pulled up towards the front of the hotel entrance, and Film's eyes widened.
It was like a small beachside palace.
Palm trees everywhere, likely part of the summer décor, giving Film the tropical feel she'd longed for in D.C's biting cold. The main fountain was on, and the sound, hopefully, was covering her beating heart as she stepped out of the car, straightening her shirt, wishing that she'd chosen something more suitable than jeans to meet Namtan's parents.
Namtan herself was wearing a thin little dress, and Film swore, with the golden sunlight illuminating her hair and her smile, she looked like a goddess.
She hadn't noticed Namtan staring at her similarly.
Lookmhee tossed the keys to the valet, grinning as she muttered, "Not a scratch on her, boys."
Sonya stepped out as well, cupping Film on the shoulder on the way to grab her bags from the trunk. "You got this, Film." She winked, passing her without another word.
Immediately they were greeted by a lanky, pubescent bellboy, uniform and all, who froze and stared at Film, eyes widening. "Uh.."
Namtan smirked. "You wanna take our bags?"
Film was completely, utterly oblivious, glancing at the tall entrance's impeccable architecture instead.
"Uh, yes! Right away!" The Bellboy smiled awkwardly, reaching forward to lift the bags onto the luggage cart.
"Come on." Namtan returned her attention to Film, who had her hands folded behind her back, always formally standing at attention. "Now or never."
Film nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "There's Lana and Keith, and Orm, and Metawin, and Namtan." She paused, eyes widening.
"Did you just forget my name?" Namtan teased, tugging her forward.
"No, I'm prepping." Film replied.
Namtan leaned forward and kissed her cheek briefly, before moving on, slipping her hand into Film's, lacing their fingers together.
Film reddened, and Namtan watched the blush blossom throughout her features. "What was that for? Is someone watching us?"
Namtan smiled sweetly. "Nope. Just warming you up."
Film glanced down, eyes tracing the elegant meshed stone tiles leading to the main entrance.
Well, it certainly did the trick.
As they stepped into the foyer of the hotel, Film's eyes began to dart around, taking everything in.
There were so many voices, lofty arrogant tones of wealthy families on vacation, employees hurrying around, business associates sharing their ideas.
With great annoyance, Film noticed that there were stupidly beautiful arrangements of exotic flowers on nearly every goddamned table and countertop, making it impossible to spot out Namtan's family.
"Film, you're squeezing." Namtan murmured amusedly, stepping slowly towards the main desk.
"Sorry." Film whispered, hoping she would be able to school her features in time for the Tipnaree's arrival.
And then she heard it.
A gasp.
"Is that her?"
A deeper voice.
"Yes, baby, don't be embarrassing. She'll kill us."
"Oh my god and look it's Lookmhee!"
The voices were getting closer.
Lookmhee smirked and yanked Sonya forward, towards the check-in desk, ahead of Namtan and Film. "Don't wanna interrupt the family reunion! Plus, front row seats to Film probably throwing up on Namtan's parents!" She added when Sonya shot her a look of confusion.
Sonya stifled a laugh before following wholeheartedly.
Namtan squeezed her eyes shut, as if the voices she'd just heard physically pained her.
"Here we fucking go." Namtan muttered, turning around and plastering an unbelievably fake, happy grin onto her features.
If Film hadn't been about to be judged into oblivion, she would have died laughing.
Instead, she did the exact same thing, forcing a smile onto her features.
'Be Eloquent, Be Elegant' Film's mind coached itself.
Film's eyes flicked to the blonde woman striding towards Namtan with her arms wide open.
The first thing Film noticed was how beautiful she was, just like her daughter. Lana Tipnaree was blonde, with her hair in a beautiful side braid, with a figure most mothers would kill for.
She threw Namtan into a hug, effectively separating Namtan's hand from Film's by force as she yanked Namtan closely, murmuring, "Oh baby look at you! You're so grown up! I missed you so much."
Namtan rolled her eyes from her resting position against her mom, smiling nonetheless. "Mom, it's been a few months!"
Lana sniffed indignantly, taking a step back, proud gaze taking all of her daughter in.
The man, presumably Keith Tipnaree, stepped forward, and Film got her first good look at him.
He was tall. His well-built figure was overshadowed by one of the kindest smiles Film had ever seen, and his sand-colored hair reminded her of Bonnie. His eyes reflected the happiness he felt at seeing Namtan, and Film knew that on some deep level, she could relate.
Namtan brought out that light in people.
"Hey, kiddo." Keith grinned, stepping forward to envelop his daughter in a hug, kissing the top of her head.
"Hey dad." Namtan smiled up at him genuinely before taking a step back.
Film stood a little taller, smile in place.
This was it.
The big moment.
Her first impression.
Lana smiled kindly at Film. "So, Namtan, will you introduce us to your beautiful friend?"
Film struggled to not blush as much as she did.
"Mom, Dad." Namtan took a breath, intertwining her fingers with Film's, watching their eyes widen in surprise. "This is Film Racha, my neighbor, my best friend, and girlfriend."
Keith smiled politely, allowing Lana to step forward first, ever the gentleman.
Lana's eyebrows shot up, but she wore a veiled smile like Namtan's. "Film." She took Film's hand in her own, shaking it, surprised at the younger woman's firm grip.
"A pleasure, Mrs. Tipnaree." Film responded in kind, assuming some control over the odd situation.
Namtan felt herself swoon internally, just a little, at Film's formal demeanor. She certainly was one of a kind.
"Please, call me Lana." Lana offered, stepping back. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly, and Namtan saw what she called "predatory mom mode" switched on.
Namtan swallowed audibly. The last time Lana did that, she scared off her boyfriend of three weeks, and Namtan locked herself in her room.
There was nowhere to hide, this time around.
Keith stepped forward, shaking Film's hand. "Firm grip there, kiddo. You're a business woman, right? I can tell." Keith offered her a wink.
Film gave him a nod and an affirmative smile, and Namtan smiled as she seized her first opportunity to boast about Film's work.
"Well that is something we have in common, and I'll be sure to pester you all about it over dinner with the others." Keith suggested wryly, and Film couldn't help but mirror his smile.
"Why don't we grab a cocktail now? We have some time." Lana suggested, brown eyes settling on Film.
Namtan knew it was a trap, an interrogation. Cocktails? Alone? With just Film and her parents? On the first day of their charade?
Hell no.
Film was about to respond, but Namtan threw her arm around her waist, pinching gently at her side in an effort to warn her, trying not to laugh at the way she heard Film stifle a yelp.
"Oh, no, mom." Namtan glanced up at the main, elegant clock hanging on the uppermost wall of the bustling lobby. "We've gotta go get checked in, and unpacked, and- Whoa, look, Lookmhee!" Namtan waved Lookmhee over, who'd just finished checking in with Sonya.
Lana was about to protest, but Namtan was quicker to the draw. "We'll meet you guys for dinner!" She yanked Film away, passing Lookmhee on the way to the check-in desk, grateful for her friend's provided distraction.
Lookmhee smirked as she shouldered past Film, muttering, "Oh, tough luck Film. Mama Tipnaree's gonna be on your ass all week."