“Hm.” He kissed the tip of my nose. “Always adventurous.”
“Yes, that’s what I need to shake off yesterday—an adventure. But it has to be something good—something big.”
“Like what?”
“One of the things I want to do while we’re here is to ride an elephant.”
“Really?” He grinned. “That sounds like fun.”
“Maybe we can find a way to do it today.”
“I don’t know.” He rubbed his eyes. “It seems like we’re pretty far from the wild.”
“We can ask about it at the front desk.”
“Good idea. But that would require us to actually get out of this comfy bed.”
“Yes, that does make it rather difficult.” I laughed, then pulled Max close for a kiss. It was always tempting to stay in bed with him, but I knew that I would regret not exploring. “Let’s go. I want to get more of that fried bread we had yesterday. I think they serve it in the hotel restaurant.”
“Okay, okay.” He hugged me tighter. “I’m getting up—right now.” He kissed my cheek.
“You’re not making much progress.” I laughed.
He groaned and released me. Then he jumped up out of the bed. He turned to look at me with a grin. “What are you still doing in bed? Let’s go!”
“Ugh.” I flung a pillow at him and climbed out of bed.
Before we headed to the restaurant we stopped at the front desk. While we waited for the customer in front of us to finish, I looked over the pictures on the wall. Many were of elephants.
I’d always admired the majestic creatures. Despite the fact that they were so large, they were also very graceful. In a movie I’d seen as a child, a bride rode an elephant to her wedding. Both she and the elephant were covered in flowers. It had taken my breath away. I looked forward to an opportunity to get to know one of the beautiful beasts, even if it was only for a short time.
The person in front of us left, and the clerk smiled at us as we stepped forward.
“Yes, breakfast is in the restaurant.” He nodded to me.
“Thanks.” I smiled back. “But I’m curious about what attractions are available. Is there anywhere local that I can ride an elephant?”
“Oh yes, one place.” He pushed a pamphlet across the counter to me. “It’s a very busy place, so be sure to call ahead.”
“Okay, thanks.” I grinned at Max as I clutched the pamphlet. “We’re going to get to ride an elephant!”
He grinned at my enthusiasm. “Yes, but first we need to eat.” He steered me toward the restaurant.
While we waited for our food I checked the pamphlet for a phone number and promptly punched it into my phone.
“Sammy, can’t you wait until after breakfast?”
“If we wait, then there might not be any openings. I’ll be fast, I promise.” I shot him a guilty smile. I knew how rude it was to be on a cell phone in the middle of a restaurant, but I was not the only one. Several other guests seated at tables around us used their phones as well.
“Hello?”
I was startled by the simple greeting. “Is this the elephant place?”
“Yes. What time do you want to come?”
“Do you have any openings for today?”
“Just one—at ten.”
I glanced at the time. It was just past nine. “Can you hold that spot for me?”
“You just have to come in.”
“Okay. How long is the elephant ride?”
“Depends.”
“Depends on what?”
“On how much you want to pay. If you pay enough, you can ride the elephant all day.”
Something about his tone made me uneasy. “Wouldn’t that be hard on the elephant?”
“My elephants are tough. So you want the all day package?”
“Maybe we’ll discuss it when my husband and I get there.”
“Okay. See you then.” He hung up on the other end of the line.
I stared at my phone a moment, then looked across the table at Max. “I don’t know about this guy.”
“Excuse me, I don’t mean to interrupt, but I’m interrupting.”
I looked up to see a tall blonde woman with a tight smile.
“It’s okay.” I smiled at her. Maybe she was a fan too?
“I couldn’t help but overhear you on the phone.”
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to talk so loud.”
“No, it’s not that. Do you mind if I sit?”
“Sure.” I gestured to the empty chair beside me.
She sat down and offered that tight smile again.
“Is this your first time in Thailand?”
“Yes it is.”
“I see. That explains it.” She brushed her hair behind her shoulder.
I raised an eyebrow. “Explains what?”
“Listen, I know how exciting it can be to think of riding an elephant. It’s a very common thing to want to do when you visit Thailand. But you have no idea what these animals go through. The people that run these places—they don’t all care about the elephants. They will work them to death. They don’t care if the elephant is sick or injured—if it can walk then they put a tourist on its back.”
“Oh wow, I had no idea.” My cheeks burned at the thought of taking part in something so horrible.
“Not only that, but they’re often kept in confined spaces. It’s a terrible life for the elephants. Unfortunately, as long as there are people willing to pay to ride on their backs, they will continue to suffer.”
“That’s terrible. I’d never want to be part of that at all.”
“If you want to see the elephants, I don’t blame you. Elephants are my favorite animals. But there’s a better way to get a one-on-one experience with them.” She reached into her purse and pulled out a card. “Here you will be able to volunteer to work with elephants that have been rescued. You’ll get to know them and will be helping them at the same time.” She held out the card to me.
“Thank you so much. That sounds fantastic.” I took the card and looked it over. “This is pretty far, though, isn’t it?”
“You can take an overnight train there, or fly. It’s a bit of a journey, but it’s well worth it.”
“I’m so glad that you let me know about this.”
“Yes, thank you.” Max nodded.
“Good luck and have a great time.” She smiled as she walked away from the table.
Chapter 8
I scrunched up my nose as I turned toward Max. “Ugh, I feel awful for even thinking about going on an elephant ride.”
“Don’t. I had no idea they treated the animals like that.” Max frowned. “I guess I’m used to there being more rules and regulations in place.”
“Maybe, but if you think about it, many of the zoos and attractions in the US really push that line too.”
“I guess you’re right.” He held his hand out to me. “So now that our elephant ride is cancelled, how about I buy you a massage?”
“Oh, that sounds wonderful.” I shifted my shoulders around a little. “That mattress is a little soft. Are you going to join me?”
“I’m not sure. I think I might take some time to hunt us down a good wine for after the book signing.”
“Another great idea. See, Max, this is why I keep you.”
He grinned. “You keep me because you couldn’t get rid of me even if you tried.”
“I wouldn’t try.” I smiled at him. “Not ever.”
After breakfast Max checked with the hotel clerk for the best massage place nearby. He directed us to one that we were able to walk to. Max dropped me off inside, then headed off on his hunt.
I felt slightly nervous as I waited for my name to be called. When it came to letting other people touch my body it was always a little unnerving. I was relieved when I realized that the massage would be clothed.
That relief was slightly tainted the moment I stood up to follow my masseuse and she scrunched up her nose as she pointed toward my
stomach.
“Good and round.”
I smiled. “Yes, very.” I patted my stomach.
She laughed, I laughed, and I did my very best to let the slight sting of her words go.
As she escorted me into a private room I noticed that even the massage table was a bit smaller than I was used to—and lower. I sprawled out on the table and she started some music that was as exotic as it was soothing. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath as I waited for the sweet release of her hands working out the kinks in my muscles.
Soon I did feel her touch as it rolled across my shoulders. She was very strong despite being so petite. She spoke to me now and then as she worked but I didn’t understand much of what she said. I didn’t need to, as her tone was very soothing.
In a few minutes I began to drift to another place, a place where I wasn’t insecure or afraid. Then all at once she swung her body up onto the table with me. I gasped as she spread her legs across mine and began to dig deep into my back.
My eyes flew open and my body tensed. She just continued with the massage. It didn’t seem abnormal to her. I noticed a poster on the wall of the room that displayed a masseuse using a similar technique. Perhaps this was just a normal massage here in Thailand.
I willed myself to relax, even as she continued to crawl across my much larger body in order to find my most tense spots. After a few deep breaths I realized just how amazing the technique felt. Not only did she find every spot that needed relaxation, the leverage she had from being on top of me made the massage much deeper than any other I’d ever experienced.
My body adjusted to the pressure of her weight, and my mind adjusted to the discomfort of having a stranger so close to me. It was actually rather liberating. I wasn’t a body shape or size to her. I was just a person that needed to be relaxed.
When she finished the massage I was more relaxed than ever. I made my way off the table and sat up in time to look at the variety of products for sale on the shelves. My skin had become rather dry throughout my travels.
I gestured to one of the lotions on display.
“Could I have a bottle of that?”
“This?” She raised an eyebrow as she picked up the bottle of lotion. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, please.” I handed her the money for the lotion.
“Use just a little.” She patted the back of my hand. “Too much is not good.”
“Okay.” I nodded. “Thank you.” I added some money for a tip.
As I left the room I marveled at how much more relaxed and limber I felt. I was sure Max would have enjoyed a massage like that. I decided that I would try to give him one that night. It would be a good way to strengthen our intimacy, and I was sure that he would like it.
I wondered if he’d found the wine that he’d been searching for.
I didn’t have to wonder long, as just then Max approached me from across the street.
Chapter 9
I smiled at him as he walked up to me. It was clear that he had something hidden behind his back.
“Max, what are you up to?”
“Oh, nothing.” He smiled.
“Did you find the wine?”
“Yes, I already took it back to the hotel. But this is for you.” He held out a small white bag with bright red hearts on it.
“Max, you shouldn’t have done that.”
“Why not?” He searched my eyes. “I’m sure you’ll like it.”
I took the bag from him and grinned. When I peeked inside I could feel my cheeks heat up instantly. “Max, where in the world do you think I’m going to wear this?”
“Oh—well, that’s the other part of the surprise.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me close. “We’re going to have a little beach excursion.”
“Oh? I don’t think that’s on the itinerary.”
“It’s on mine.” He kissed me, then looked into my eyes again. “I thought that swimsuit would be perfect for you.”
“Max, there is no way I’m wearing a bathing suit in a place like this. People might pass out from the horror.”
“Stop it.” He gave my hand a light squeeze. “Don’t you even think twice about how beautiful you are. The beaches here are amazing, and we’re not going to miss out on that—just like I’m not going to miss out on seeing you in this suit.”
I sighed and looked back down in the bag. At least it was a one-piece, but it was skimpy at best. It was the perfect color and certainly something I would have longed to wear if I saw it in the store, but nothing that I was prepared to wear on a beach full of very thin and very judgmental women.
“I don’t know, Max, do we even have time to travel all the way to the beach? I think that must be a bit of a long trip.”
“We’ll fly, and we have an extra four days between the book signings. No reason not to use them.”
I bit into my bottom lip and remembered the last time Max and I were on a beach together. It had been a wonderful experience, and I was sure that this time could be too.
“Thanks, Max. It’s a great idea.”
“I’m glad you think so.” He gave me a warm hug, then wrapped his hand around mine. “So where do you want to go for lunch?”
“Actually, why don’t we just have it at the hotel? I have something that I want to give you too.”
After Max and I had lunch, I decided to give him his surprise.
“Stretch out on the bed.”
“Oh?” He grinned. “Okay.”
“On your stomach.” I pointed a finger at him.
“Alright.” He followed my order.
I crawled up onto the bed beside him. “Since you missed your chance at a Thai massage, I thought I’d give you one myself.”
“Oh, Sammy, you don’t have to do that. I don’t want you to get worn out before the book signing tonight.”
“I’ll be fine. It’s your turn to be pampered.” I began to rub his shoulders.
After he started to relax I spread my body out over his. Using my knees, my elbows, and my hands, I worked the tension out of his body.
“Wow, Sammy, you learned a lot.” His voice was muffled against his pillow.
His words encouraged me and I got a little more daring. However, as I tried to get more leverage to work out his kinks, I planted my foot down on what I thought would be the side of the bed. It turned out to be nothing but air.
Instinctively I grabbed Max, which only succeeded in pulling him down to the floor with me. I landed hard, and he got the luxury of tumbling down on top of me.
“Ugh.”
“Sorry!” Max scrambled off me but fell to the floor laughing beside me. “Are you okay?” His eyes met mine.
“I think so.” I sighed. “I guess that massage wasn’t quite the same thing that I’d experienced.”
“Maybe not, but it was good—and fun.” He kissed my cheek. “And very thoughtful. Maybe a little acrobatic.”
“Acrobatic—I like that.”
“Are you sure that you’re okay?” He sat up and offered me his hand.
I took it and let him pull me up.
“Yes, I’m okay. Just a little mortified.”
“Don’t be.” He wrapped his arms around me. “It was a great massage. I’m looking forward to another one.”
“Maybe when we visit the beach?”
“Absolutely when we visit the beach. We leave tomorrow morning.” He gave me a quick kiss. “Now what about the book signing? Do we need to prepare anything for that?”
“I have no idea what to do or say, to be honest. All I really want is to be able to find a way to hide.”
“Hide? Why?”
“You’ve seen the way people are here. They’re not going to want to hear me speak. They’ll be too busy looking at my belly.”
“You have a beautiful belly.” He gave it a light pat. “So you’re just going to let them get to you like that?”
“It’s easy for you to say, isn’t it?” I frowned. “You’re gorgeous. You never have to worry about people looking
at you funny, or judging you.”
“You’re kidding, right?” He shook his head. “Just because you think I’m pretty doesn’t mean anyone else does.” He fluttered his eyes at me. “You’re blinded by your love for me.”
“Stop. Max, you’re fit, you’re handsome, you’ve got everything going for you.”
“So that makes you think I’ve never felt nervous, or judged, or looked down on?” He studied me for a moment. “Sammy, you’re not the only one who has ever experienced things like that. I know you’ve had your insecurities about your weight, but weight isn’t the only issue that inspires judgment from others. There are lots of flaws in the world, and each one gets its own attention. I don’t know where it comes from in the human mind, what it is that nags at people to judge others, but none of us are immune to it. If we were all to run and hide from it, then who would be left? I’ve yet to meet a perfect person, even if they think they are. That’s a flaw in itself, isn’t it?”
“Maybe.” I smiled at the thought. “I guess I never really considered how many people most feel insecure about something.”
“So don’t let it get to you. If you get up there and someone heckles you, or someone gives you a strange look, just think of the two of us on the beach together. Ignore it and speak to the people who are there because you’ve touched their hearts.”
“Thanks, Max. You’re so good at motivating me.”
“Speaking of motivation, we need to get going soon. We can grab dinner after the book signing.”
“That sounds good to me. I’m just going to hop in the shower.”
I grabbed the lotion I’d just purchased and headed into the bathroom.
Chapter 10
The hot water of the shower soothed the sore spots left behind by my attempt at Thai massage.
Once I was able to relax a little bit, my mind settled on the book signing. No matter what, I had to be who I was, instead of trying to become the one I thought they wanted to see.
After I stepped out of the shower I took the time to cover my skin with the lotion that I’d bought. It wasn’t until after I’d spread it rather liberally all over my body that I recalled what the masseuse had said. I was only supposed to use a little bit. But what could it hurt? So I would have super-hydrated skin. It would help offset my visit to the beach.
Sammy in Thailand (Single Wide Female Travels #6) Page 3