I walk toward the bar, with the guy still watching me, knowing I have one chance to let him know I’m interested. Otherwise, he’d probably keep sitting there and never approach. I call back to him.
Tambara: You coming?
I don’t look back again. I sit down at the bar, thankful to see a different bartender, and sure he’ll take the invitation. He does. Not even two minutes later, he’s walking over to join me.
The bartender places a Thai iced milk tea in front of both of us.
Guy: I didn’t order this. You’re giving away free drinks now?
The bartender nods toward me.
Bartender: She ordered it.
The guy turns to me. And I forget how to breathe for a moment. He was cute on stage, but up close, I’m almost forgetting who I am. He has a strong jawline and beautiful almond-shaped eyes that are definitely adding to my confusion. I squeeze the glass in my hand a little tighter to give myself something to do.
Udom: Thank you. I’m Udom.
I chuckle a little, which finally forces me to exhale.
Tambara: Like the noodles?
He grins and nods expectantly at my little joke, as if it’s not the first time he’s heard it.
Udom: I get that a lot. It’s Udommm with an m.
Tambara: I was just joking. I’m Tambara. Nice to meet you.
I sit for a moment, trying to guess if Udom lives here or if he’s a tourist like me. He doesn’t have an accent, but he seems at ease here, like he’s been many times before. Even the way he spoke to the bartender felt familiar. He looks like he might be a native of Tomarang, but his long locs hint at some Black ancestry. I decide it’s better not to guess.
Tambara: So, are you from here?
Udom: Partially.
I’m not sure what “partially” means, but he explains.
Udom: My mother is from here, but my father is from Willow Creek in Simerica. I spent most of my life there, but also spent time here growing up.
Tambara: And now?
Udom: When I aged up, I made Tomarang my permanent home because of the cheaper cost of living.
Cheaper? That’s not in my vocabulary. I hope this guy isn’t poor. I take a big sip of my drink as I contemplate that. But I guess it doesn’t matter, because I’m only here for one more night, anyway.
Udom: So, Tambara. How about you? Where do you live?
Tambara: San Sequoia.
Udom: And how long are you here for?
Tambara: I leave tomorrow.
Udom: Oh, so soon.
Tambara: Yeah.
I finish my drink and set the empty glass on the counter. It’s nice having someone to talk to, but there’s no use denying the fact that there’s really no time for anything to come of it. I leave tomorrow, and that’s that. He’s here, an entire ocean away, and I won’t be after tonight. I silently curse all the lucky women who live here and breathe the same air as this guy, but it’s time to cut the conversation short.
Tambara: Well, it was nice meeting you.
Udom: Yeah, you too. Thanks for the drink.
I get up to leave, but before I do, I make an urgent stop in the restroom.
I finish up in the restroom, and the first person I see as I step out the door is Udom.
Tambara: So what? Are you following strangers to the restroom now?
My question doesn’t even faze him. And I realize I don’t mean a word of it—maybe he does too. His silly grin melts away any alarm I might’ve had with any other guy.
Udom: No, I was heading to the arcade. I didn’t even know you were in there. But since you’re still here, do you have time for me to show you around the place?
I think about it for a moment, weighing my options. I can go back to the rental, change into my pjs, and watch romance TV all night—or I can stay here and enjoy the view. Is there really a choice?
Tambara: Sure. It’s not like I have anything else to do.
Udom smiles, making me feel very glad that I didn’t turn him down.
Tambara: But I have one question. Why are you here alone? Don’t you have any friends, a girlfriend… something?
Again with the smile. I wish he would stop being so cute. He’s making my insides turn from stone to jelly.
Udom: Friends? Sure, but I’m here for work. I’m a part-time lifeguard, but when it’s cold and no one’s swimming, I’m free to just hang out.
I notice he didn’t confirm or deny having a girlfriend. But if he does, that’s not my problem. I’m going to enjoy the moment.
Tambara: Lifeguard? There’s a pool here?
Udom: I take it you haven’t been upstairs yet? There’s bowling on the second floor and a rooftop pool.
Tambara: No, I haven’t. So I guess that gives you something to show me, right?
Udom: It would be my pleasure.
I’m feeling completely irrational around Udom. I agree to let him show me around, yet I take off walking on my own and head toward the stairs. Part of me wishes I had left when I had the chance. This is the type of guy I’d fall for—no doubt. And the last thing I need is to want him, knowing I’ll be on a plane this time tomorrow.
I head to the second floor and wait for him to catch up, which he does.
Udom: Do you like to bowl? It’s something I like to do in my free time here.
Tambara: No, I just got my nails done yesterday. No way I’m ruining my manicure.
I walk to the next room. Udom follows me.
Udom: Then that only leaves the arcade or the—
He pauses, tilts his head to the side, thinking, then shakes it slightly.
Udom: No, it’s way too cold for that.
Tambara: If you mean swimming, I’m down. I’m used to the cold. I was born in Brindleton Bay. Nothing gets colder than that.
I’m pushing the truth here. I was a baby when we left Brindleton Bay and don’t remember anything about it. But it sounds good, and Udom doesn’t know that, so I leave it.
Udom: Are you sure? Did you even bring a swimsuit?
I answer his question by turning and heading toward the stairs to the top floor.
Tambara: I’m in Tomarang—of course I brought a swimsuit. Never know when the weather will take a turn, right?
On the third floor, Udom points out the three rooms on the right.
Udom: You can change there. You’ll find lockers and everything you need.
I enter one of the changing rooms and realize it’s more than just a place to change—it’s a full bathroom, complete with a toilet and shower. I pause, suddenly aware of the situation I’m about to step into.
I did bring a swimsuit, but it’s… a lot. I packed it thinking I’d wear it on the beach, not one-on-one with a good-looking guy. It shows almost everything—including the parts I usually try to hide. He’s a lifeguard. I’m sure he’s seen plenty of beautiful women. Where do I even fit in that lineup?
I slip into it, feeling a little self-conscious. I can practically see the look on Daddy’s face if he saw me wearing this. But then I remember—he’s not here. I’m on my first solo vacation. And maybe, just maybe, I can let it be a sexy one after all.
I step out into the hall and see Udom waiting for me, dressed in his swimsuit. My breath catches in my throat as I take in his toned abs and chest, but I don’t stare for long. If I’m looking at him, I know he’s looking at me. I turn, feigning confidence like I’ve done this a hundred times before.
Tambara: It’s this way, right?
I step out onto the rooftop, and the chill in the air hits me instantly. I should’ve listened when he said it was too cold. But I’m already in it now, and I can either shiver like a small child or show him who I am.
I jump into the pool before I can talk myself out of it, knowing it’s the best way to conquer the cold. He follows me in.
As much as I want to play it off, I’m freezing. It takes everything in me to keep my teeth from chattering. I move around in the water, hoping it’ll get better.
Udom: Now you see why no one’s swimming?
I do, but I’m still trying to play big girl.
Udom moves closer, and I turn to face him. He’s less than a foot away—so near I can see his pores, the small goosebumps on his shoulders, and the hair rising on his arms. He’s staring into my eyes. I want to turn away, but I can’t.
Udom: You have the prettiest eyes I’ve ever seen.
It’s not like I haven’t heard that before, but there’s something in the way he says it. I’d reach out to touch him, but it’s too cold. My arms wrap protectively around my body instead, desperate for warmth. His teeth are chattering, and he rubs his arms, trying to warm them.
Realizing we’re both crazy for thinking we could endure this weather, we stare at each other. But it’s not a sexy stare. I see the amusement building in his eyes as his cheeks puff with a suppressed giggle. It’s contagious, and I feel the snickers bubbling up in me, too.
We lose it together, bursting into laughter that warms us momentarily, the sound echoing off the water.
Udom: It’s cold!
Tambara: Too cold!
Udom: Let’s get out.
I don’t argue. We both climb out of the pool. No regrets—at least I got to see what he’s working with. And I can feel his eyes on me in this suit. I can tell he likes what he sees.
Mission accomplished.
Bonus screenshot:
Note: I didn’t plan for Tami and Udom to look so good together. He’s supposed to be just a side character because I have other plans for Tami, but now he’s giving me different ideas. lol
(Generation 5 Chapter Summaries)
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