More to Life ✔

Chapter 33 Wang Lang Market

When they reached the Wang Lang market stop, it seemed too fancy for a local hidden gem. A large three-storey building sat alongside the pier. Its second-floor patio brimmed with people enjoying lunch. Established stores with true walls and roofs lined the alleys, making her question if it was an expensive tourist trap, but Mitch assured her it would get grittier and more authentic. They passed a store that sold both sandals and iced coffee, which Maria didn't need as the scent and sizzle of fried pork and chicken drove her to match Mitch's pace.

At a small food cart with saucy meat lying in a metal tray, they joined the line as a woman filled up plastic bags with pork. After Mitch spoke in Thai, the vendor looked Maria over, then glanced at him. The price she quoted put a smile on Mitch's face. Before Maria could grab her money, he took out his wallet.

Soon the woman handed him heavy bags of pork and black sticky rice, which he extended to Maria. She reached for it then hesitated, pushing her palms against her hips. "Don't pretend you're not hungry."

Maria frowned. "I could have gotten my own."

"With so many amazing foods here, you can't fill up on one. Although if you were to pick one, this is it."

As she brought a saucy piece to her lips, she sighed. The savoury marinade had tenderized the meat, while the deep-fried nature made the exterior crispy. After Mitch clumped a ball of sticky rice with his fingers, she followed suit.

Down more tarp and umbrella-shaded halls filled with barbecued meat and various treats, they settled into a restaurant with white tile walls and yellow tables. The fresh, steaming dishes emerging from the kitchen caused Maria's mouth to water. Onion, garlic, and fish sauce scents filled that air. Several nurses stopped to eat at the overcrowded tables, chatting in Thai.

"How did you find this place?" Maria asked.

Mitch smiled. "From a lovely Thai woman I was trying to impress when I first moved here."

Maria couldn't imagine him putting in a genuine effort to pursue a date. Although if he wanted to impress her with this outing, he was succeeding. She pushed away the thought. "How'd it work out?"

"It was fun while it lasted. But we're here to eat, so what are you craving: green papaya salad, fried meat, or spicy soup with ant eggs?"

Maria wrinkled her nose. "I'll pass on the last one."

Mitch laughed. "The smoked catfish is supposed to be amazing."

"As long as you don't order ant eggs, I'll trust your culinary judgement."

"A high compliment coming from you, though I thought you might be more adventurous. How's the competition going?"

"I've created two of my dishes already and have two left. Honestly, I've received so much support, I'll be happy to win or lose. Having people celebrate my success helped drown out the drama with my ex. With him gone, cooking and sharing my work at my pace would be nicer."

"It's impressive you survived October while cooking every day. The beauty of Thailand is having other people cook for you."

As if on cue, a waitress arrived to take their order. The meal would be a surprise as Mitch ordered in Thai. She wouldn't put it past him to get the insect soup.

Her lips curved into a smile when a plate appeared with shredded unripe papaya and carrot, peanuts, green beans and tomatoes. The first bites made her eyebrows rise as the salad's sweet, spicy and fishy sauce was unlike any she'd ever consumed. The waitress placed the smoked catfish on the table, prepared like tuna salad with seasoning and herbs on top. For a while, they ate in silence, focused on the delicious food.