Chapter 8
"Wow." Film's eyes widened as they took in the sight of the expansive suite before her, complete with a balcony, a spa-like bathroom, and a master bed that put Namtan and Film's apartments to shame. "This is..."
Namtan rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Ugh. Sorry. My mom must not have heard me when I told her to get two beds. She wants grandchildren."
Film lifted a sculpted brow, cheeks reddening almost instantly.
Namtan shrugged casually, as if it were a question she answered every day. "The woman is a professor with a Ph.D, but doesn't seem to get basic biology." She made her way over to the welcome basket, completely with pre-sliced pineapple, on display on the main counter.
Film chuckled, watching Namtan's reflection off the polished marble of the counter, taking a step towards her. "It's fine. I'll just sleep on the couch."
Namtan rolled her eyes, turning to Film with a piece of pineapple in her hand. "Shut up." She mumbled through her full mouth, stuffing the piece into Film's with a smirk.
Film immediately reddened once more, wondering if wearing blush was even necessary if she was going to be spending all her time with Namtan Tipnaree. She bit down on the fruit, savoring the sweet juices that flooded into her mouth.
"You get off on pineapple?" Namtan raised a brow, leaning back against the counter with an amused look.
Film hadn't realized her eyes were closed in pleasure. She opened them, glancing up in surprise. "I-what?"
"You were moaning." Namtan teased, eyes glimmering with wry amusement. "Good to know."
Film shook her head, stepping away from Namtan, turning towards the bedroom, yanking her suitcase from the front of the door. "You are incorrigible." She muttered, hoping Namtan wouldn't notice the way she almost stumbled over her words.
Namtan grinned, following her into the bedroom, dragging her own suitcase behind her. "Nice digs, right?"
Film nodded, making her way over to her suitcase, kneeling as she unzipped it.
"What are you up to, Racha?" Namtan asked with a huff as she sat back onto the bed, feeling out the mattress like an excited twelve-year-old.
"What does it look like, Namtan?" Film replied. "Unpacking."
Namtan grinned, sitting up. "Oh, this is classic Film."
Film wheeled around, unaware that she was holding a bra. "What is?"
Namtan's eyes widened. "Whoa, you brought lingerie? Babi, is there something you want to tell me?" She teased.
Film's eyes widened as she dropped the lacy bra, watching it fall into her suitcase with a soft thud. "Namtan!" She sighed, bending over. "It's not lingerie." She mumbled, setting back to taking out her clothes, which looked like they were organized by color, size, use, and possibly something else Namtan couldn't think of. "I, I didn't know what kind of clothes would be needed, so I simply prepared, for the-event, that might-I don't know!" Film huffed.
Namtan chuckled to herself, shaking her head. "Relax, I'm kidding. Is this your idea of foreplay? Rambling?"
Film blushed profusely. "Namtan Tipnaree, you can sleep on the couch tonight." She scolded teasingly, watching as Namtan hopped off the bed, turning to her suitcase.
"What are you wearing?" Namtan murmured, gazing at her haphazardly thrown clothing.
"Tonight?" Film asked tentatively. "I don't know-a dress?"
"Nothing too formal." Namtan nodded in agreement. "But, hey with your body, who needs formal, am I right?" She shrugged nonchalantly, leaving Film gaping at the bathroom door that had now just shut before her.
She couldn't help the shy smile that found its way to her lips.
*
"Namtan." Film knocked on the bathroom door tentatively. "It's been-" she glanced at her watch. "-two hours. I can hear you pacing in there."
Namtan's protests were for naught.
"I'm not pacing."
"Why are you still in there? I changed already." Film called back, leaning against the door.
"I-this dress isn't going to work." Namtan sighed from her side. "Can you maybe, look into my luggage and choose something else?"
Film's eyes widened, and she immediately caught onto what was happening. "Again?" She asked somewhat incredulously. "Namtan, you've been out maybe three times. What's gotten into you? You're supposed to be the cool one."
"I am the cool one." Namtan's teasing was half-hearted.
Film straightened up, knocking on the door.
"Yes?" Namtan sighed, unsure of why Film just bothered knocking after their entire exchange.
"Namtan." Film murmured. "May I come in?"
"Yeah, yeah." Namtan sighed once more. "It's open."
Film stepped in, pushing the door open tentatively as her eyes went up to meet Namtan.
Film gaped.
Namtan looked simply stunning. She was wearing a summer dress, in a cool ashburn hue that matched her eyes. Her earrings were just visible, sparkling behind her loosely styled hair, her makeup light and soft.
Namtan Tipnaree was a goddess.
"You look-"
"Terrible, right? Over the top?"
"What? God, no. Namtan, you look so beautiful." Film murmured, forgetting where she was and why she was there.
She was losing herself into Namtan's gaze, and she was fine with drowning in those pools, allowing the currents to float her away into Namtan's embrace.
She snapped out of her haze when she noticed Namtan's intense blush.
"What, seriously?" Namtan gaped back at her, glancing in the mirror, her frown slowly fading. She then wheeled around, her eyes taking in every inch of Film's body.
Film herself was wearing a black dress, the straps thin on her tanned shoulders, revealing her athletic physique under her wavy brunette locks, which sat freely on her shoulder. Her feline eyes danced with light, the dress matching her own gaze.
"Huh." Namtan shook her head, leaning back against the sink.
"What?" Film asked, slightly self-conscious, heart sinking. Namtan didn't like the dress?
"Do you ever look bad?" Namtan shook her head, voice in awe. "I just-you always look so damn good."
Film blushed, heart pounding against her chest, feeling foolish for having doubted Namtan in the first place. "I'm sure that's best friend bias."
Namtan shrugged. "I pity your future girlfriend. Everyone you date will just pale in comparison."
Film rolled her eyes. "We're already dating Ms. Tipnaree. No need to charm me."
Namtan smirked. "Shut up, nerd." She slapped Film's arm lightly.
"Namtan?" Film asked after a moment of silence, grabbing Namtan's wrist gently to capture her attention.
"Hmm?" Namtan hummed, turning to meet Film's gaze.
"Why are you nervous?" Film asked softly.
"How could you tell?" Namtan mumbled, stepping out of the expanse of the bathroom, secretly admiring how Film had so neatly unpacked and organized both of their personal belongings.
"I'm your best friend. Comes with the territory." Film affirmed. "Also, the pacing is a dead giveaway."
Namtan blew out a laugh, shaking her head. "I don't know. It's just-this has always been a challenge for me. The first time I came out to my family, the first time I told them I wanted to pursue art." She trailed off, eyes glazing with the memories.
"Were they unkind to you?" Film asked, suddenly quite defensive.
"What?" Namtan looked up in sudden surprise. "No, no." she shook her head. "Nothing like that. I just-I've found that I'm always under the heaviest judgement here. And I guess, some part of me just wants to make them proud. But lately, with my career, and no boyfriend or girlfriend..." She sighed, shaking her head once more. "I don't know. I can't help but feel a bit like a disappointment."
"You have me." Film nudged her arm with a small smile.
Namtan sighed. "I-I know. And thank you for agreeing to do this. But, I guess-It's me that I'm having trouble convincing. I'm the one who doesn't really believe in myself."
Film sighed, pulling Namtan into a deeply expressive hug as she rubbed her back comfortingly, allowing Namtan to melt into her.
"I can't think of a way to say this that won't sound trite, or dull, but god, Namtan, if someone deserves to hear this, it's you." Film mumbled. "You're perfect."
Namtan fought off the tears that threatened to spill, opting for a hoarse laugh instead. "God, Racha-Don't go falling in love with me." She teased, but the sentiment behind the idle words were strong.
Film shook her head, hugging Namtan closer as she laughed in turn. Although, she wasn’t quite sure but she still replied with "Don't worry, I won't."
Namtan took a step back, drying the mist from her eyes with a tissue she plucked from the nightstand beside her, careful not to ruin her immaculate eyeliner. "Ready?" She asked gently.
"Always." Film smiled, offering her hand as Namtan laced it with her own, beginning the great pilgrimage to the restaurant.
*
The sounds of the buzzing restaurant set Film on edge.
Okay, so she was nervous. A little.
She knew that it was all fake, that the impressions she made with Namtan's friends and family weren't so important in the long run, but she still felt as if she owed it to Namtan to be on her best behavior.
Namtan had still been holding her hand, idly brushing it with her thumb every now and then, without noticing. Of course, each time, Film had gotten chills, but she simply attributed it to the "chilly air".
Granted, Los Angeles knew no such thing in the summer, but it was the best excuse she had.
They approached the two doors marking the entrance of the hotel's main restaurant, which had a line wrapping around the back end of the hall.
Film fought the urge to gape. "Namtan, you said your parents already have a table?"
Namtan nodded. "My dad can pull some serious strings."
Film nodded slowly, taking in the glory of it all. That kind of power, the influence...she wanted it all. She wanted to have that kind of control over her life.
Maybe Keith's support of her business was her first step towards that.
They approached the hostess, who stood behind the podium looking particularly flustered. When Namtan approached, however, she perked up.
At first, Film thought it was because she was interested in her. Her grip on Namtan's hand tightened ever so slightly.
Then she actually spoke.
"Namtan Tipnaree?" She asked, forcing a smile onto her tired features.
"Yeah." Namtan nodded. "I'm here to meet-"
"-right this way. Your family is in the private room towards the back." The hostess replied promptly, turning on her heels.
Film gave Namtan a look of surprise, while Namtan herself muttered, "Perfect."
They followed the hostess into the restaurant and Film's senses were immediately assaulted in a dramatic fashion. The first thing that Film noticed was how dim the lighting was. This was, mainly, due to the fact that Namtan miss-stepped and nearly stumbled into her; had it not been for her smooth catch, keeping Namtan perfectly on track as the hostess didn't turn her head at all.
"Easy." Film murmured in her ear, unaware that her simple motion gave Namtan chills of pleasure.
"Sorry." Namtan croaked. "This place is darker than Lookmhee's soul."
Film held back a bark of laughter, trying her best to maintain her polite manner. "They'll be here, right?"
Namtan nodded. "Are you kidding? Lookmhee missing dinner is about as likely as the sun not coming up tomorrow."
Film smiled to herself, eyes taking in her surroundings as they made their way past elegantly set tables, mostly with dates over candle lit dinners, or groups of wealthy friends who'd come out to celebrate.
High ceilings boasted elaborate chandeliers, and plants filled the vacant corners beside the bustling tables, waiters passing them left in right, heavy looking trays of irresistible smelling dishes in hand.
A jazz band played in the corner, and Film couldn't remember the last time she'd seen a restaurant with such good live music.
Namtan's parents had really gone all out.
Film hoped that with their help, someday, she'd be able to return the favor. To Namtan, at the very least.
"Here we are." The hostess stopped in front of two double doors in the back, pulling one open with minimal effort. "Enjoy your evening, ladies." With that, she turned and left Namtan and Film to their own agenda.
Film could hear the chatter pouring out of the open doors, and straightened slightly.
"You're going to be fine." Namtan reminded with a smile, not hesitating to push the doors open all the way, forcing a smile as she pulled Film into the room.
The room was long and rectangular, boasting a table with a great many seats all the way across, elaborate place setting in each spot. No one was seated- everyone was standing, mingling, chatting about their achievements and failures for the past five years.
The room all but fell silent when Lookmhee piped up from the back, Sonya beside her, the two both elegantly cleaned up. "Look, Lolen is here!" She cried out, directing each and every gaze to her helpless friend.
"Son of a-" Namtan began, but stopped when Film stepped ever so gently on her toe. "Hey guys!" Namtan corrected her course with haste. "I'll come around and say hi to everyone individually just-uh-do your thing!" She offered rather lamely, to which Film responded with a sympathetic gaze.
That relative moment of peace, of course, didn't last.
Namtan was thrown out of Film's grasp, not for the first time that day, by a gorgeous blonde, who now had her arms laced around Namtan's neck.
"Hey Orm." Namtan grinned, stepping back from her friend's embrace.
"Hey yourself." Orm responded coolly, her straight brunette hair falling around her shoulders gracefully. "Looks like we both have significant others to introduce, huh?"
"So I've heard." Namtan took a step back, re-lacing her fingers with Film's, while Orm turned, bringing forward the very attractive woman Namtan had seen while stalking Orm's social media accounts.
"Namtan, this is Lingling. She's my Girlfriend." Orm smiled.
Namtan took in the woman before her, taller than any of them. Her black long hair cascaded down her shoulder, and she wore a wry smile. "Namtan." She stuck her hand out. Her tone was warm, welcoming, the kind of tone Namtan wanted to lose herself in. Like Film's. "Pleasure to meet you."
Namtan shook his hand with a smile of her own. "Hey, I'm honored to meet anyone who meets Orm's standards." She teased. Namtan watched the way Orm made a motion to flip her off from behind Lingling, hiding her grin. "And this-" she turned to Film, allowing her to step forward. "is my girlfriend, Film."
Film shook Orm's hand, and then Lingling's, a smile on her lips.
"So, Film." Orm smirked, slyly wrapping her arms around Film, who immediately blushed at the contact. "You want to hear some embarrassing Namtan stories?"
Namtan rolled her eyes at her antics. "Ha! No, thanks, O. We have better things to do."
Film bit her lip. "Well, now that you mention it..."
"Film!" Namtan pressed her lips into a line, resembling Lana when she got impatient. "Baby, you don't want to hear any of that." She tugged on Film's arm, and Film snapped out of her reverie upon hearing Namtan's pet name for her. She wasn't sure why it made such a brilliant warmth radiate within her.
"Sorry." She smiled apologetically to Orm, who winked in response, as if excusing her to move forward.
Namtan dragged Film over to the next group- Sonya and Lookmhee were there, surrounded by three boys. Namtan motioned to the first one, a tall boy with a polite smile and an extended hand. "This is Mario, genius of all techy things."
"Techy?" Film repeated amusedly, shaking his hand.
"She's trying to call me a geek without actually saying it." Mario elaborated. "You sure know how to choose them, Nam."
Film hid her grin at the exchange, eyes turning to the next boy Namtan motioned to, with shaggy hair and a flirtatious smile.
"Archen, this is Film Racha, my-"
The boy leaned forward, pulling Film into a hug which lasted about a second too long, murmuring, in a faux debonair manner, "Hey, I'm Archen, and I'd like t-"
Film froze, unsure of what exactly had happened in the split second between their meeting and his romantic advances.
"-And that's my girlfriend." Namtan specified once more, voice low, tugging Archen off. "As in, off limits."
"I thought you were kidding." Archen defended, eyebrows shooting up. "Have you seen her?"
Film blushed slightly and Namtan rolled her eyes, shoving him out of the way. She turned to the final boy with long locks that he combed back, and yet another flirtatious smile, which had been aimed at Lookmhee, until that point.
"Ten." He grinned, offering up his hand. "I hear you're quite the entrepreneur."
Film felt Sonya's hard stare at the back of his head. So Sonya had already decided that she didn't like this Ten character?
"Film's talking business with my dad later, Ten. You can join them if you want." Namtan cut in, knowing full-well that Ten's wealth wasn't something to be taken lightly.
"Sure." Ten nodded, settling his gaze back on Lookmhee and Sonya. "So, you two are just friends?"
"Yes." Sonya answered, her tone short and clipped.
"Why, Ten?" Lookmhee smirked. "Looking for round two?"
Sonya clenched the stem of her glass tightly, and Film feared her white-knuckled grip would soon send glass shards into her friend's hand.
What the hell was going on there?
Film was dying to hear more, but Namtan wasn't finished guiding her through the tangled web of friends and family.
Nearing the far end of the table, Film approached Keith and Lana, who were conversing with another woman who looked to be about their age.
"Mom, Dad, Aira." Namtan cleared her throat, and they all turned, grinning at Namtan delightedly. "You two know Film, my girlfriend, but-this is Aira, Metawin and Orm's mom."
Namtan allowed Film to step forward and shake her hand, offering a polite greeting.
Namtan did a quick sweep of the room with her eyes. "Where's Metawin? And Jackson?" She asked.
Aira smiled knowingly. "Metawin is coming with Jackson in an hour or so. They arrived later than everyone else. I'm so glad you thought of him, though. He'll be absolutely thrilled to see you, Namtan. He doesn't ever stop talking about you."
Namtan offered a small thanks and a smile, and she felt Film suddenly slip her arm around her waist, pulling them side by side, anchoring her to Film. She felt the familiar sensation of thrill sweep through her entire body at Film's touch.
Lana stepped forward. "Film, honey, you look beautiful. How about that drink, sweetie?" She motioned to the bar.
Namtan knew this was Lana's shot at one-on-one time with Film, and if she approved, then all Film had to do was convince Keith. This was her shot.
"I'd love to, Mrs. Tipnaree." Film nodded, but Namtan interrupted.
"Sure, sure, no problem mom." Namtan nodded enthusiastically, perhaps overly so. "Can I just steal her for a quick second?"
Lana nodded, turning back to Keith and Aira, but Namtan could see that she was still watching from the corner of her eyes.
"Namtan, I'll be fine." Film murmured. "We're ready for this."
Namtan leaned forward, sliding her arms around Film's neck for show, and she felt her friend stiffen beneath her. She leaned forward, towards Film's ear, so that she could hear the whispers over the sound of music and chatter. "-Just be you. She'll love you. Everyone does." She murmured, and she felt all the eyes in the room, suddenly on them.
Film took in a sharp breath through parted lips, hoping she didn't look as nervous as she felt.
Orm, Sonya, Lookmhee, Archen-they all looked on expectantly, shamelessly.
"See you in a bit, baby." Namtan cooed as she leaned forward, enveloping Film's soft, pillow-like lips into a tender kiss, feeling Film's electric-like shock at the contact. It was a chaste, tender kiss, but both girls melted into it almost instantly. Namtan felt heat spread all over her body as she fought it off, leaning back.
"See you, babi." Film murmured before detaching herself with a smile, following Lana, who'd been staring at them rather pointedly, out the door and back into the main restaurant.
Namtan was still smiling stupidly, feeling her lips with the tips of her fingers. "Man." Orm smirked, coming up beside Namtan. "You've got it bad."
*
Lana had guided Film to the bar, where two seats were reserved at the center, amidst a bustling scene.
Film fought the urge to look surprised. Had Lana booked this in advance? Had she been plotting this?
Film sat quietly beside her, straightening up, knowing that this was her ticket to impressing Lana, or satisfying her, at the very least. If she did that, Keith would be willing to do anything for her.
She just had to play her cards right.
Lana looked entirely predatory as she sat beside Film on the stool, leaning forward, motioning for two drinks, effectively ordering on Film's behalf.
The barkeep nodded, and Film had to gape at the efficiency with which Lana was served.
Namtan wasn't kidding about money carrying weight and importance.
And ordering a drink for her? That was certainly bold.
"So" Lana began, swiveling to face Film, taking the entirety of her figure in with a hard glance. "Film."
"Mrs. Tipnaree." Film replied evenly, a small smile gracing her lips. She had to keep it amicable, even though she knew Lana's game.
"You and Namtan met-how long ago?" Lana asked with a wry smile.
"About, a little over a year ago." Film replied, thinking back to their first meeting, and how Lookmhee hit on Sonya while Namtan and Film gaped at each other.
"I see." Lana nodded. "Neighbors, right?"
"Yes ma'am." Film responded.
"And when did you two officially get together?" Lana prodded. "Namtan hardly keeps me up over the phone."
Oh, shit. Had they gone over that? Film's mind was drawing a blank. She decided to go with the time Namtan had "asked her out" after her stupid balcony-hopping stunt that left Film breathless for several reasons.
"A few months ago. But, of course, we were always friendly from the start." Film replied smoothly.
"Friendly as in-casual sex?" Lana pressed, eyebrows raised.
Film's eyes widened as she struggled to hold Lana's gaze, her cheeks burning, the dim lighting hopefully masking that. "What? No, I mean-we're best friends, Mrs. Tipnaree. We were friends before we pursued a relationship."
It didn't help that Film was now imagining sleeping with Namtan. She crossed her legs, glancing away momentarily.
"Right. That's good. Relationships based off friendships tend to be more satisfying, in the long run." Lana nodded, sounding satisfied.
Maybe she believed Film because Film actually sounded like she and Namtan were some celibate couple who'd never been intimate in their lives.
Film wanted to internally kick herself for not having prepared for that question, but who knew Lana was going to be so forward?
The bartender set their drinks down, and Film realized that Lana had ordered what was no doubt two glasses of an expensive looking scotch, neat.
Maybe it was a metaphor for Lana. No games, no fancy cocktails, just hard, a little abrasive, and to the point.
"I hope you don't mind, I took the liberty of ordering for you." Lana slid the drink towards her. "Namtan usually dates people who can handle her partying lifestyle."
Well, that was certainly a challenge, wasn't it?
"I'm not one for partying, Mrs. Tipnaree." Film replied, taking a sip, her expression indecipherable.
"Really?" Lana shot back, taking a sip of her own. "One would think that, maybe you and Namtan aren't compatible, then?"
Film wore a smirk. It couldn't have been liquid courage. Not after one sip, that was still in the process of burning her throat. "Quite the opposite, I think. It just means I'm better equipped to care for her."
Lana would have sputtered or choked on her drink if she didn't have the self-control of a practiced woman of her age. "I see." She nodded. "And what is it you do for a living, sweetie?"
Film cleared her throat. "I have my own financial company."
Lana was nodding now, as if testing the waters. "Namtan tells me you're quite the scholar."
"Georgetown." Film shrugged nonchalantly, as if it hadn't been one of the greatest achievements of her short lifetime. As if she hadn't spent nights studying, dying to put her own miserable past behind her and begin anew.
"Impressive." Lana gave her credit where credit was due. "You and Namtan don't exactly seem like a match." She sighed.
Film cocked a brow. "I'm sorry?"
"Film. You're a numbers girl, a dedicated scholar, and you seem like you like a good amount of order in your life. I like that. Very much."
Film nodded slowly, accepting the compliment, wondering when the big "but" was coming.
"But..." Lana began.
Fantastic.
"-Namtan is a wild spirit, a free soul, an artist. That's a lot of Keith's doing, I'm afraid. Namtan loves intensely, and deeply..."
Film stiffened, feeling entirely too uncomfortable. This all felt a bit real, a bit too genuine and authentic, and Film had to wonder if she'd maybe gone too far down the rabbit hole with this entire charade. But Lana admitted that she respected her. That was something worth fighting for, wasn't it? So that all this effort, all her schooling, all the hours she'd poured into her business wouldn't be for naught.
"I just-I'd hate to see her heart broken." Lana spoke softly and tersely all at once, a warning and a threat.
Film froze, swallowing almost audibly. "Mrs. Tipnaree, I-I would never hurt her. She's my best friend."
Well, that part wasn't a lie.
Lana nodded, eyes locking with Film's, and Film felt as if she were being hunted by a predatory Lioness, defending her cub with great intensity. "That's what makes this so tricky. Film, I know my daughter. One glance into her eyes tells me that she's head over heels for you. I've never seen Namtan like this, in all her years."
Film's heart was hammering inside her chest as she struggled to keep from spilling her drink on herself, taking a steady sip to numb her senses, to no avail.
Lana wasn't simply trying to get under Film's skin. She feared for Namtan, and as far as Film was concerned, that meant they shared the same views.
"What exactly are your intentions with Namtan, Film?" Lana asked, her voice fair but threatening, as if she were giving Film one chance, and one chance only, to answer correctly.
Film took in a breath, deciding to go with a simple truth, as it would sound more believable in the end. "I don't know, Mrs. Tipnaree. What I can guarantee you, however, is that Namtan is one of-no, the most important person in my life. I cannot speak for her, or our future as a couple, but I know that I will always love and care for her."
Lana nodded, tossing back the rest of her drink, looking satisfied. "You're not sugar-coating it. I like that, Racha. Let's get back to the others, the kids are dying to get to know Namtan's new love."
Film wanted to heave a sigh of relief, but she couldn't muster the strength.
So she'd survived the first round of Lana Tipnaree.
*
Namtan's eyes shot forward as she saw Film step back into their private dining room, Lana in tow. Her hazel gaze searched Film's for any clues, any answers at all, but Film remained stoic, her expression schooled.
Namtan had been chatting with her father and Lingling, and had turned to approach Film, who instead motioned for her to stay and finish her conversation with Keith.
Film knew it was her time to assimilate into the group, and she knew it would feel more natural if Namtan wasn't looming beside her nervously.
She missed Namtan's adorable pout as she approached Lookmhee, Orm, and Sonya, who'd formed their group off to the side.
"Hey Film." Sonya muttered, out of earshot of the other two girls, allowing the best friends some time to catch up. "Tell me you're having a better time."
"Hardly. I was attacked." Film muttered her response, trying to keep the scowl off her features.
"Who's the thorn in your side?" Sonya smirked, watching Film fight away any aggravation.
"Namtan's mom." Film replied, nudging her gently.
"Yikes. She looks like a hardass." Sonya muttered apologetically.
"She is." Film grunted.
"I heard she really wants Namtan to get with this one's-" she jerked her head to Orm, "-brother."
Film's eyes narrowed.
"Easy there, Film." Sonya smirked. "It's just for a week. You don't need to get all riled up. Unless, of course... you're actually whipped for Tipnaree."
"Yeah?" Film countered with a hiss. "I saw how pleased you were when Ten was approaching Mhee back there. What was that? You're not even fake dating, no excuse there."
"Film." Orm's low voice interrupted as she tossed a friendly arm around Film, who immediately relaxed her features to eliminate any trace of the little friendly spat she'd just had with Sonya.
"Orm." Film greeted politely, forcing a smile for the umpteenth time that evening.
"I promised you some dirt on Tipnaree, and I-" Orm fished her phone from her purse, slung over the back of the chair in front of her. "-am a woman of my word."
Lookmhee smirked, going to stand beside Sonya, who mirrored her expression.
"Well, I couldn't possibly lie and say I'm not interested." Film admitted, shifting to turn to Lingling and Namtan, who were at the other side of the room, still talking with Keith. "Fine." She sighed. "Something quick."
Orm smirked. "That's my girl. Let's see here.. I saved some screen shots of our award winning texting conversations just for this moment."
Film's brows shot up, and she ran a hand through her hair nervously. This wasn't planned. Namtan never mentioned that she'd been texting Orm about Film.
This was real. These were Namtan's actual thoughts and feelings about her.
Film readied herself for whatever was coming her way. Was it awful? Did Namtan hate her? Film steeled herself.
"Okay, first one dates back to-Oh! Namtan was at a party with Lookmhee, so... the first day you moved in, I think. Let's see." Orm's screen lit up as deft thumbs scrolled through various screenshots until she landed on one, grinning. She passed Film the phone.
The conversation read:
Namtan (10:42 PM): Orm, you're not gonna believe my luck
Orm (10:43 PM): Did Lookmhee lose another bet?
Orm: I told her she's not as smooth as she thinks she is
Namtan: NO
Namtan: BETTER
Orm: It's a girl, isn't it?
Namtan: Yes
At this point, Film's heart was racing as she scanned the screen, scrolling to the next portion of the conversation, trying to look amused, but worrying herself to death internally.
Orm (10:45 PM): Damn. Fill me in.
Namtan: Orm, my new neighbor is probably the hottest person I've ever met.
Orm: Shit really? Like hotter than that girl you dated from the coffee shop?
Namtan: YES. Like stunning. Insanely hot. And her VOICE.
Orm: Her voice?
Namtan: It's low and commanding and ugh just take me to bed already
Film had to keep from choking, unable to fight the grin that made its way onto her face. She never had any idea.
Orm: Wow Namtan calm the thirst there. You get her name? Her #?
Namtan: ...No...
Orm: What? Why?
Namtan: Idk her! She's probably not even into girls.
Orm: wow she must be something, you're never nervous
Namtan: she is.
Film was unable to contain the immense rush of warmth that spread throughout her body, just knowing how Namtan thought about her. If only Namtan knew that Film, while not an avid fan of texting, had the exact same thoughts about her at the time.
They were both such idiots.
Namtan: Her name is Film. Like, even her name is Sexy, Orm.
Namtan: Oh. I got it! Sexy Film
Namtan: I'm a genius.
Film's blush burned her cheeks as Lookmhee and Orm burst into tears of laughter, effectively alarming Namtan from the other side of the room, as she now hustled over, yanking the phone from Film's grasp.
"Orm!" Namtan's eyes scanned the screen and her voice was hoarse with humiliation. "What the hell?"
Film couldn't mask the giddy feeling she felt inside, yet she still felt awful for the violation of Namtan's privacy. In her defense, it was to better her budding relationship with Namtan's friends, of course.
"Oh come on!" Orm grinned, snatching her phone back. "You're dating! It's not like its news!"
"Yeah." Sonya pressed, smirking at Tipnaree. "Sexy Film, huh? Way to be subtle."
Lookmhee was still shaking with laughter, leaning against Orm for support.
Namtan's cheeks flushed as she hid her gaze, shaking her head. "Unbelievable. Who can I trust anymore?"
Film then realized that everyone was glancing at her expectantly. She cleared her throat, turning to Namtan with an apologetic smile. "Namtan, I'm sorry I thought it was-very flattering." She admitted, causing Namtan to turn beet red.
"You suck." Namtan muttered, getting more laughs from her companions.
"Oh, come on, Namtan." Film spoke soothingly, wrapping her arms around Namtan, Namtan mortified into stillness, leaning her head against Film's chest. "It was cute." Film added.
Of course, Namtan was actually mortified because that was what she actually thought about Film, outside of their little fake couple arrangement.
Now Film truly knew how attractive Namtan had found her. Perfect. This totally wasn't going to add to their already awkward dynamic at all.
Film knew she was playing the part right, as everyone watching "awed" in approval. It also just felt like the natural thing to do. She really was consoling Namtan, telling her that her feelings and compliments were valid.
"Seriously, I'm flattered." Film murmured to Namtan's ear, knowing that at least some part of Namtan would know that she was being genuine.
"You're totally sleeping on the couch tonight." Namtan muttered, but Film knew she was only teasing her best friend. She knew Namtan well enough to know the difference between grumpy Namtan and actually-angry Namtan. This was certainly the former.
"Sexy Film, huh?" She teased, earning her a jab to her stomach.
"Don't let it go to your head." Namtan muttered, cheeks still rosy, friends still laughing.
This certainly changed things, didn't it?
*
It was right as the appetizers started coming in platters through the double doors, that Film first laid eyes on the notorious Metawin Kornaphat.
He was tall, and true to his pictures on social media. Film could see why he was such an item of attraction within the group. His mop of curly brown hair was brushed out of his eyes, and his smile was warm.
Film hated that he actually looked decent in a black button up, next to the man who was presumably Jackson Wang, who wore a leather jacket and a bored expression, drink already in hand.
As Metawin made his rounds, greeting everyone, he made eye contact with Namtan over a hug from Lingling, winking at her with a smile.
It wasn't even flirtatious. It could have been interpreted as any number of things. It could have been a greeting, or an inside joke. It could have been anything.
But Film didn't like the feeling it gave her in the pit of her stomach.
"Namtan, look!" Lana smiled, just having greeted Metawin. "Metawin's finally here."
Namtan muttered under her breath, "I have eyes, mom."
Film stifled a laugh at that, politely following Namtan, stiffening when Metawin enveloped her into a hug, lifting her slightly off the ground.
"Hey, princess." He smiled, voice deep and smooth.
"Hey Win." Namtan smiled and Film could tell it was genuine.
"How's my best friend from the east end?" Metawin teased, setting her down.
Best friend? Film ignored that little stinging sensation she felt.
"Busy, and broke." Namtan replied with an airy laugh. "Win, I have to introduce you to someone."
"Sure." Metawin smiled, stepping forward with his had extended for Film to shake. "You must be Film Racha, right?"
Film looked surprised. Had Namtan spoken to him about her? When had Namtan even spoken to him?
"I uh. Yes." Film wanted to curse herself for the lamest reply she'd ever given. "You must be Metawin. I've heard a lot about you."
Metawin nodded. "All good I hope? Namtan and I have had some...questionable experiences. Like that time in Aus-"
"Win!" Namtan smacked his prominent bicep, and Film resisted the urge to act possessively. She was being irrational. "Stop! I've been embarrassed enough tonight!"
Film Racha always kept a level head.
Even if Lana was staring lovingly at Namtan and Metawin like they were some picturesque celebrity couple out of the magazines.
Jackson just nodded to Namtan and Film from afar, slinking beside Lookmhee, his most trusted companion in the group.
Keith lifted his glass, tapping on his flute of champagne with his knife lightly, the ringing bringing everyone to attention. "Guys." He smiled. "Our little family is back, with some new faces." He smiled at Film, who blushed lightly. She'd decided that she'd taken a liking to Keith. "And some old ones." He smiled at Orm, who'd been chatting with him moments ago. "I think we're all starving, and this dinner should get underway! I'm just so happy to see all of you again. I can't wait to spend the next few days catching up, and I'd just like to welcome Lingling, Sonya, and Film to our family. I hope we don't scare you off." He winked at Film, and Namtan shook her head, amused by his antics. "Let's eat."
*
Film had been seated next to Namtan, of course, with Metawin a safe distance away across the table.
Unless of course, they'd been brushing feet together under the table.
Which Film totally hadn't checked for, while picking up Namtan's dropped napkin for her.
The food was delicious, and though Film was a bit of a health freak, even she splurged on the elaborate dishes brought before them, courtesy of Keith and Lana.
Chatter filled the table at every level. Orm told Lingling all about her college antics, while Lookmhee and Sonya snickered to themselves. Ten and Jackson were arguing about football, while Archen and Metawin fought over a piece of chocolate cake when the dessert trays arrived.
When Namtan's eyes spotted a cookie, she instinctively reached for it, her arms not quite reaching the platter.
"Here, baby." Film murmured instinctively, earning an adoring look from Namtan when she handed her the cookie.
Keith smiled at Film. "Good looking and you pay attention to her cookie needs? There's a keeper, Namtan." He grinned.
"Dad..." Namtan groaned, shaking her head in embarrassment as Film blushed.
"You know..." Metawin began by clearing his throat. "Namtan's always been a cookie person."
Of course, Metawin would have some adorable little anecdote about Namtan's eating habits.
Film narrowed her eyes, schooling her expression. It wasn't a competition.
"You said you were neighbors, right Film?" Aira Kornaphat spoke from her end of the table, a smile on her features.
Film nodded. "We are, yes." She replied with a smile.
Lana smiled to herself, eyes glazed over with memories. "I remember when the Kornaphats moved next door for the first time. Namtan, you were maybe, five?"
Metawin grinned. "Yeah, and even then you were a thief."
Namtan dropped her cookie, playfully offended. "Am not!"
"You were!" Metawin smirked. "I remember we heard a crash from the kitchen, and everyone ran over, and you tried to climb the sink counter to get to my personal cookie stash!"
The whole table combusted into a laughing fit at the familiar memory, and Film felt oddly left out.
Namtan's cheeks reddened as she muttered, "Almost had them, too."
Metawin nodded, continuing. "Yeah, you were always adventurous like that."
Film saw her opportunity and seized it, consequences damned. "Yes, like how she asked me out for the first time. She scaled her balcony and leapt over to mine."
Lana choked on her food and the table roared in approval, Archen and Metawin banging their fists down in laughter while Namtan smirked triumphantly, Metawin's jaw dropping.
"You what?" Lana demanded but by that point the conversation was out of her hands.
"Well..." Metawin recovered airily. "I actually believe that, because Namtan's never been afraid of heights."
"Oh holy shit." Lookmhee muttered under her breath to Sonya.
"This is a pissing match, isn't it?" Sonya agreed, smirk on her features.
She'd take Film's side any day of the week.
"But, you know what Namtan is afraid of?" Metawin began, looking as if he had a fantastic story on the tip of his tongue.
"-Snakes." Film supplied, watching his face fall slightly.
Everyone at the table watched the match like it was a tennis rally, eyes going back and forth between Film and Metawin, their eyes wide and their jaws hanging.
Namtan seemed to realize what was happening, and she froze, unsure of what to do.
"You know, once, we were playing in the backyard at our old place-" Metawin began confidently.
"The one with the treehouse!" Orm chimed in. Lingling smiled at her enthusiasm, pressing a quick kiss to her hand.
"Oh, you and Metawin used to pretend to get married in that treehouse." Aira smiled fondly.
"And one day, I was digging a pool, for my beautiful wife-" Metawin teased, watching Namtan bury her head in her hands. "And we came across a rattlesnake. I'm pretty sure Namtan started sobbing."
"I was eight, let it go!" Namtan rolled her eyes, smiling nonetheless, and the table once again found themselves laughing at a fond memory.
"Well..." Film shrugged. "I mean, we don't have a yard at our place, so Namtan just paints incredible views from the balcony."
"Aww, Babi." Namtan turned to her with a genuine smile.
Namtan blushed at Film's compliment, meeting Keith's eyes, brimming with pride at the mention of his daughter's artistic talents.
"I'll bet you're painting sunsets." Metawin chimed in. "We always used to watch those together. You love them."
"Well I mean-"
"Well, she certainly loves pizza, but you don't see her painting that." Film quipped bravely, earning a roar of laughter from the table.
"I'd actually believe it if she had a few 'pizza portraits" Lookmhee smirked, dodging a bunched up napkin that Namtan threw at her.
"Namtan used to challenge me to pizza eating competitions." Metawin challenged, leaning forward. "She can't do more than four slices in a sitting."
"But she can eat an entire carton of chocolate ice cream." Film countered.
"Oh this is just so flattering." Namtan muttered, shaking her head. "Thanks, guys."
Sonya snorted with laughter at that, the entire table grinning, oblivious to their obvious competition.
"Speaking of ice cream..." Metawin began.
Jackson smirked from behind his bite of cheesecake, readying himself for the grand finale that was so inevitably coming.
"Win..." Namtan whined, eyeing him.
"Namtan accidentally dropped an entire cone of vanilla ice cream on her chest at prom, and her dress was-" Metawin never finished.
"Brown, because she wanted it to match her eyes. And its also Namtan's fa-"
"Favorite color. Which I know, because..." He turned to Namtan with a wink. "We've been best friends for years. We're close."
"Damn." Ten muttered under his breath. How was Film going to top that outright statement this time?
Film Racha was never one to back down from a challenge, no matter how petty. In retrospect, she probably should have.
Maybe it was one too many drinks.
Namtan looked red in the cheeks, reaching forward in an odd attempt to distract them both. "Look, guys. Cake."
That statement was thoroughly ignored.
Namtan sighed, biting into the frosted edge, hoping that it would end right there and then.
"Well, I mean, there's no competition here." Film reminded with a light laugh and a wry smile.
Metawin smiled, thinking that Film was formally backing down. Until she opened her mouth again.
"I wouldn't beat myself up, if I were you, Metawin. I suppose I know her a bit more... intimately." Film replied coolly, leaning forward to kiss a little frosting off the edge of Namtan's lips.
Lana began coughing.
Sonya grinned and Lookmhee dropped her fork, not bothering to miss a second of the apparent show Film and Metawin had just put on.
Namtan's eyes went wide as she felt Film's lips brush against the corner of her own, so unexpectedly, tasting a tiny bit of Film mixing with the frosting. It was heavenly.
There was a moment of silence, likely for Metawin's dignity.
Film's heart was beating so hard against her chest that she thought she might have been having a heart attack.
And then Lookmhee muttered, "Holy shit, nicely done Film!" Under her breath, and groups began barking out laughs of their own. Film was earning smirks and smiles left and right as Lookmhee slow clapped it out for her.
Metawin laughed himself, likely to avoid the awkward tension he and Film had just built up.
Keith himself broke out into a grin, having never been fond of Metawin and Namtan's relationship, knowing how uninterested Namtan was. He only stopped when Lana roughly elbowed him in the side.
Namtan turned to Film with a look of utter attraction, a numb smile on her lips as she eyed Film, who licked her own lips in a satisfied manner.
Just then, the waiter came back into the room, platter in hand. "Who ordered seconds?" He grinned.