Page 27 of Glow

Over by the canteen, he spied Barry vigorously pruning an innocent fern. Scott made his way across. He hadn’t spoken to Barry since the cinema incident. According to Tyler, Amanda had remained tight-lipped.

Now Scott was juggling objectives.

“Hey, Barry. We pay professionals to do that, you know.”

Barry stood back. “I do. However, they only come once a quarter and this thing gets unruly. So I keep a pair of secateurs in my locker. For emergency purposes.”

“How wise.”

“And what can I do for you?”

“Maybe I’m simply paying a colleague the time of day?”

Barry snickered so loudly some people looked up. “Get it over with, Scott. I’m busy.”

“Jeez. Mr Touchy. Not getting enough sleep?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

Scott had no intention of embarrassing him. Usually, his big mouth did that anyway.

“I’m sorry, Barry. I didn’t mean anything. If you ever want to talk. Well, I’m here.”

“I don’t know what you think you know…”

Scott placed his hand on his arm. “I know.”

“How?” Barry asked, his nostrils flaring. He glanced this way and that.

“Me and the other two saw you at the cinema the other night. Chill though. We won’t say anything. You have no idea how excited we are.”

Barry reddened around the neck. “I do. You were the last people we wanted to find out.”

“Don’t be like that,” Scott said, nudging him. “How did it happen? Give me all the gory details.”

Scott was so giddy. He forced it down. He didn’t want to scare Barry off.

“I asked her on a date, of course. How else?”

“Where did you go?”

Barry reddened. “I took her for afternoon tea and a walk along the promenade.”

“Oh my God, Barry, that is so romantic. I might take the piss from time to time but I’m genuinely happy for you.”

Barry’s shoulders dropped. “Thank you. You promise you won’t say anything?”

“Of course. Are you okay?”

“It’s a bit scary if the truth be told.”

Scott frowned. “Scary? How come?”

Tears welled in Barry’s eyes. “She’s magnificent. I don’t want to let her down.”

“Oh, Barry. How could you do that?” Scott said, squeezing his arm. “You’re one of the nicest people I know.”

“Am I?”