Page 42 of Glow

“How about Elliott, who we have to thank for this?”

Scott had expected he would have to do most of the heavy lifting when it came to conversation. It appeared that Prin had no difficulties in that department.

Once again, I’ve got you wrong.

“Cheers.”

They clinked glasses and each took a sip. The wine was pretty dry. He didn’t care. Scott would have taken a large slug of anything at that point.

“Have you looked at the menu?” Scott asked.

Prin nodded. “There’s a banquet for two. I wondered if you fancied that? I’ve never had the chance to order it before. That sounds a bit sad, doesn’t it?”

“Not at all,” Scott replied. “I’ve never even heard of this place so you’re one up from me.”

Prin waved the waiter over. “Set meal for two, please.”

The waiter nodded and took their order to the kitchen.

“Alone at last,” Scott said. “I’m glad you didn’t choose somewhere in the Lanes again.”

“Not very discreet.”

“I bloody hate it there,” Scott confided. “But people seem to like it.”

“I’m sorry that I suggested we meet there the other day.”

Scott realised his big mouth had struck again. “I didn’t mean it like that. I prefer this place anyway.”

“Me too.”

The tension was palpable.

“Right then,” Scott said, unable to stand it any longer. “Let’s get to know each other. I’ll go first. You mentioned that there’s more to your story than wanting to work in the UK. Ready to spill yet? No worries if not.”

Prin seemed a little nonplussed. “Okay,” he said, carefully. “It’s not as scandalous as you’re probably thinking. Basically, when I found myself in Bangkok again after university, I freaked out. So, stupidly, I began an affair with one of my uncle’s business associates.”

Scott took another swig of his wine. “Probably not a wise move.”

“The worst,” Prin said. “He was married for a start. She found out and all hell broke loose. My uncle lost it. He told me, in no uncertain terms, that I had to leave the city. I didn’t know what else to do so I came back here.”

“That sounds pretty rough. Why did you choose Brighton?”

“Brighton chose me,” Prin explained. “I was staying with an old university friend in Leeds and applying for jobs everywhere. I decided to let fate play a hand.”

“Any regrets?”

Prin sighed. “Maybe. In some respects, I wish I’d stayed in Leeds. I have a few mates up there. I guess I needed to lick my wounds. It was pretty rough being sent away like that. When I need to think, I usually run away. Besides, I like my own company.”

Scott frowned. Prin seemed to have experienced a very different Brighton to him. Eddie and Tyler would say that Scott found the place very friendly indeed.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Scott said. “No crazy love affairs then?”

“Not yet.”

There was a loaded stare. Prin was most definitely growing in confidence. Scott found he quite liked it.

“And you?” Prin asked. “I’m sure you have a very chequered history.”