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“I can’t believe you’d bring that up! I thought you had forgotten.”
“I have an excellent memory.” He pressed the button for the ground floor, and we descended.
I fixed him an exasperated glare. He chuckled, his face lighting up in a way that made me melt. I’d happily be the butt of his jokes just to hear him laugh like that.
“I could also make a joke about the time your fly was undone, you know.”
“And how exactly did you notice that again?”
My embarrassment metre spiked, threatening to burst. “I don’t know! Probably because you always look perfect, so it jumped out at me.”
“Perfect? Thank you.”
“You know what I mean.”
The door opened into the lobby.
Well, that had certainly broken the ice. Was that Neil’s plan all along? I side-eyed him with interest. He had revealed yet a new facet of himself to me, and I wondered what else I might discover about him.
“So, where are we going?” I asked.
“There’s a hawker centre nearby. I used to go there often when I worked here. I’m sure you’ll be able to find something to eat that suits your tastes.”
“Hawkers? That sounds fun!”
“Well, like you said, it’s our last night here. You should at least get to experience some local cuisine.”
“I’m sure it will be amazing.”
We exited the hotel. As we took our first steps side by side along the pavement, I began to feel very conscious that it was just the two of us out in public.
“Do you still think Daniel could be spying on us?” I asked, scanning our surroundings.
“Maybe. But he has already revealed his hand to you. I don’t think he’ll bug you again before we leave.”
“But do you think it’s okay if we’re seen together? After what Daniel said about us?—”
“That is inconsequential. Besides, the crowds will offer us a sense of anonymity. I doubt anyone could keep a close watch on us, even if they tried.”
“Hmm. I guess so.”
Neil slowed his walking pace to match mine. “You’ll be safe with me.”
I perked up, his reassurance putting a spring back in my step. “Which way are we going?”
“This way.”
He led me through winding streets and back alleys, the sounds of laughter, sizzling food, and clinking utensils growing louder with each step. The smell of frying food wafted through the air, drawing us closer. We turned a corner, and a bustling open-air food court came into view. I scanned the stalls around the perimeter as we weaved through crowds speaking multiple languages. The clattering sounds of woks and the rhythmic chopping of ingredients filled the atmosphere.
“Anything catch your eye?” Neil asked.
“How about that one?” I gestured to a stall with pictures of noodle and rice dishes on its signage. The fragrance of spices drifted from its open kitchen, beckoning us closer.
“What would you like?”
“I don’t know the first thing about Singaporean cuisine. I’ll just get whatever you’re having.”
“Are you sure?”
