Page 88 of Glow

“Don’t go without saying goodbye to Scott,” Colin continued. “If he was genuine, and I think he was, that would be too cruel.”

Colin’s words swirled around in his head as he walked home. Did he really want to go to Bangkok and risk more of his uncle’s disapproval? He argued with himself that he would use the time to catch up with school friends and talk things out with his nanny. His uncle wasn’t the only person in the world.

Right on cue, Jeremy appeared on the landing.

“Hello,” he said. “Flying solo, this evening?”

Prin was not in the mood. “Jeremy, I’ve had a terrible day. Another time?”

Jeremy stood in his path. “I remember when you’d come over and I’d help you forget a bad day.”

“We discussed this. I just want to be friends.”

“Looks to me like you don’t have too many of those,” Jeremy said, with a scowl.

For once he had a point. “Perhaps,” Prin said. “I’ll be gone for a while. Can you keep an eye on things?”

This made Jeremy’s eyebrow shoot up. “Oh yes? Where are you going?”

“To Bangkok. Indefinitely.”

“Of course I will. You must do whatever you need.”

He could at least hide his glee.

Prin put his key in his door and let himself in. He walked through into the lounge. A room he’d spend so many nights inwishing he had friends and a lover to fill his life. Then he’d finally shared this space with someone. How had it all gone so wrong? He sank down on the sofa and pulled his phone out of his pocket.

Colin had been right about one thing. It would be cruel to leave without telling Scott what was going on.

Fuck, only a few hours ago we were stealing kisses in the toilets.

He dialled Scott and tried to ignore the blood rushing around his system from his heart going at a rate of knots.

“Prin? Oh thank God. I’ve been trying and trying you. Are you okay?”

He sounded so authentic. Every fibre of Prin’s being wanted to believe in it. To tell him that it would all be fine and he didn’t blame him.

Yet he couldn’t do that. Not truthfully.

“Scott. I’m going home for a bit.”

“Home? Do you mean Bangkok?”

“That’s right. I’m well overdue a visit.”

“What about work?”

“I’ll hand my notice in. I’ve enough leave to cover it.”

“Prin…”

“What?”

“Are you coming back?”

“I…I don’t know.”

There was silence on the other end. A solitary tear fell down Prin’s cheek.