Page 101 of Glow

The greenery was being replaced by buildings. Scott watched the people as they sped down toward the coastline.

“What are we picking up?” Scott asked. “You didn’t say.”

“It’s a surprise,” Prin replied.

Scott sighed. “I’m missing valuable pool time. I hope it’s worth it.”

“Don’t pout,” Prin replied.

Scott leant over and kissed Prin. “I’m only joking.”

“I know. I can tell when you’re serious now.”

“You think you have me all figured out? Big mistake, my friend. Huge.”

They made it to the ferry port just as it was coming into dock. After parking up, Prin led him to the pier. The gates opened and people began to spill out.

“This better not be a drug deal, Prin Lum,” Scott said, folding his arms.

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

Locals mixed with backpackers were swarming onto the island. Then Scott saw four figures with wheelie suitcases and far better fashion.

“No you fucking didn’t,” he exclaimed.

He turned to Prin and flung his arms around you.

“I love you,” Scott said, kissing him. “I love you so much.”

Prin gently pushed him away. “There are other people who need your hugs right now.”

Scott turned. Tyler, Eddie, Danny and Billy stood before him. He threw himself into the waiting arms of Tyler and Eddie.

“I don’t know what to do with myself,” he cried out.

The tears were in free flow and his heart was racing as though he’d swum the entire Gulf of Thailand. When he pulled back, he looked at his two friends’ faces. It was almost unbelievable.

Still struggling to get his head together, he hugged Billy and then Danny.

“That boyfriend of mine is sneaky,” he said. “So much plotting behind my back.”

“We thought you deserved a nice surprise,” Tyler replied.

“If there’s room,” Eddie added.

Scott burst out laughing. “Room? Just you wait. Come on, get in. We’ll have some lunch, then an afternoon by the pool. Oh, Iknow what we can do tonight. Prin, we can light those torches and have a picnic on the beach.”

Prin wrapped his arms around Scott’s waist. “Someone has got themselves together.”

“Now, Prin, we both know my recovery time is second to none.”

Scott wandered out onto the terrace. His heart sprang when he saw five of his most favourite people in all the world together. This was the best surprise he’d ever had.

The pool was huge with black tiles. It was surrounded by grass and sheltered by palm trees that dominated the Lum villa’s grounds.

Danny dove into the water.

“Oh no,” Scott said. “Now he’ll be dripping wet.”