Page 35 of Glow
“Shut up,” Scott cried.
A giggling Eddie gently pulled Scott’s hands away.
“Do you like him?” he asked.
It was Sunday and they were wandering along the promenade. Scott had spent a full twenty-four hours pondering that question.
“You know what? I think I do.”
“He’s not your usual type,” Eddie remarked.
“That’s not a bad thing,” Tyler added. “A never-ending line of cheap suits and broken promises.”
There was something different about Prin that drew Scott to him. It was undeniable. Plus, that kiss. Prin had definitely returned it.
What would have happened if I hadn’t come over all professional? Fuck’s sake.
“Let’s sit,” Eddie said.
They found a bench and stared out at the sea. The shoreline was far away. Kids were playing on the soggy sand while parents took a moment for some peace.
“He’s handsome, I’ll give you that,” Tyler said. “A little quiet perhaps.”
“They do say opposites attract,” Eddie added.
Scott shoved him. “I guess that’s true, because Billy is a nice person.”
“I asked for that,” Eddie replied with a laugh. “How did you leave it?”
“Ugh,” Scott said, burying his face in his hands once more. “I apologised. He looked a little taken aback so I pretended nothing had happened. I started banging on about uploading the file. He did it and we went our separate ways.”
“Really?”
Scott stood up and walked over to the railing. “What is the matter with me?”
“Hey now,” Tyler said. “There’s nothing wrong with you. None of us act perfectly.”
The cry of gulls filled the air. They were doing their usual fly-bys of the beach. On the hunt for unattended food.
“I’ve had so many shitty dates and now I’m going to be seen as the sex pest of the office,” Scott said, clutching his chest. “He could put in a complaint, you know.”
Eddie stood and took hold of Scott, drawing him in for a bear hug. “You’re spinning,” Eddie said.
Scott loved his two friends so much. When he’d got home the night before, they’d both been staying out at their respective boyfriends’. In the end, he’d had to declare an emergency situation. Hence the walk along the prom.
“What do I do?” he wailed.
Tyler joined them in a group hug. “You apologise for letting your emotions take control but make it clear you don’t regret it,” he suggested. “Then see what he does.”
He might have been a late addition to the flat but Tyler was always on hand with sensible advice. Eddie was a film buff and often got carried away in his coaching of Scott.
They separated and carried on walking.
“He seems very nice,” Eddie said. “Not someone to mess about.”
“Do you mind?” Scott replied.
“Mr Innocence,” Eddie said with a snigger. “All I’m saying is, you should go steady. He’s more fragile than your usual prey.”
