Page 41 of Glow

“What makes you think Scott won’t?”

“I have no idea. I don’t want anything spreading around the office, that’s all. I’m already in enough hot water with the investigation.”

Colin bent forward. “Scott has protected you completely in that. I would say that’s the best sign that he’s someone to betrusted. Prin, sometimes in life, you have to go for it. You’ll kick yourself if you don’t.”

Prin stared back at him. Colin was right. It was time to jump and see what happened.

ELEVEN

SCOTT

The Olivewas a Mediterranean restaurant behind the station in the centre of Brighton. It appeared to be one of those places that had passed Scott by. This annoyed him a little as he prided himself on trying all the hot spots.

Eddie had joked that he would be in bed with food poisoning by the end of the night. Tyler had added that Scott would more likely be tucked up with Prin.

Scott did not believe either of these theories. Firstly, the restaurant had been established since the nineties, so they must be doing something right. Secondly, he doubted very much that Prin was the type to jump into bed with anyone.

Not that Scott did that either these days. Another thing his flatmates found annoyingly hilarious.

I’ll show them.

He walked into the small restaurant with purpose. For a Wednesday night, it was busy. He spotted Prin immediately and made a beeline for him.

“Good evening,” Scott said, beaming.

“Hello,” Prin replied.

He appeared as nervous as Scott. He had no idea why the butterflies were being quite so rampant in his stomach. Scotthad been on more dates than this restaurant had dishes on the menu. This seemed different. For one thing, he knew Prin and it wasn’t an option to simply ghost him if things didn’t work out.

Don’t overthink. Just relax.

Scott sat down. The waiter was already hovering.

“Can I have a large house white please?” Scott said.

“Do you want a bottle?” the waiter replied.

Scott noticed that Prin already had a glass of white wine in front of him. That was a decent sign, they liked the same wine.

“Why not?” Scott said.

“For the nerves,” Prin said once the waiter had gone.

“So you’re terrified too then?”

Prin frowned. “I’m surprised anything scares you.”

“Oh, Prin, you have a lot to learn, my friend.”

“Sounds good.”

Two words and they made Scott tingle. It had been a very long time since a man had had this effect on him whilst still fully clothed. It boded well.

The waiter returned with a bottle of wine and a glass for Scott. He made a big deal of pouring it. Scott caught Prin’s eye and grinned. His nerves were falling away.

Once their glasses were full, the waiter retreated.

“What shall we drink to?” Scott asked.