Page 90 of Glow

Scott snuggled into Eddie’s side, who wrapped his arm around him. It was a comfort but nothing compared to when Prin held him.

Something I’ll never have again.

“I’m too tired,” Scott said. “I can’t face Brammin day in day out. Maybe Prin has the right idea.”

“What do you mean?” Tyler asked. “Leave Pleasure Seekers?”

Scott laughed sadly to himself. “And go where?”

“Call him, Scott. Prin, I mean,” Eddie said.

Scott shook his head. “He made it clear how he wants to deal with this. On his own, it appears. I’ll have to respect his wishes. It’s over and I can’t blame anyone but myself.”

When he walked into the office the following morning, it was business as usual. Eddie had been right. The majority of people had no idea what had gone on. Those that did wanted nothing to do with it.

Carla had made a point of sitting across from him. At least he’d been able to avoid questions from the rest of the team. Sheila looked like she would gladly interrogate him. Even Charlotte hadn’t asked him anything when he’d walked through reception. She’d settled for a kind smile and a wink.

Of course, Richard gave him evils at every opportunity.

I suppose I’ll get that forever now.

He didn’t have the energy to even care. Richard could shove it up his arse.

Trying to take his mind off things, Scott had set about a mundane task of updating the HR system with all the new starter information. It wasn’t usually a job he relished. Today, it was a godsend.

“How you doing?” Eddie asked, pulling a chair up.

“Surviving,” Scott replied. “Although if Richard follows me into the bathroom, come and check on me. I can’t decide if he’d rather stick my head down the toilet or strangle me.”

Eddie stared across. “I don’t know why he’s taking it out on you. This is your bloody job.”

Scott shrugged. “The absence of Prin, I guess.”

Carla glanced at Eddie before leaning forward. “Listen to me, Scott. You have two days of wallowing,” she whispered. “Then I’m done. Consider yourself pre-warned.”

She was trying to boost him. At that moment, Scott didn’t think he would ever get himself out of the hole he’d dug for himself. Maybe he deserved it.

“Did you need me?” Scott said to Eddie. “Or did you come to pick over the person who used to be Scott Fitzgerald?”

“Kind of,” Eddie replied. “Did you see the email I sent you? I’m after volunteers. Tyler has signed up.”

Scott shook his head. “I’m sorry, Eddie. I have bigger things on my mind than if someone can say a safe word with a ball gag in. You’re going to have to find someone else.”

Eddie held his hands up. “Okay. I thought it might perk you up a bit. That’s all.”

“Come on, Scott,” Tyler said, approaching them. “It’ll be fun and you can have a break from that knobhead throwing his glares around.”

He stared pointedly toward Richard.

“You noticed then?” Scott asked.

Tyler nodded. “Hard not to. It’s like heartbreak central round here. Amanda is biting everyone’s head off too.”

“Have they not made up yet either?” Scott asked.

Tyler shook his head. “They didn’t speak all weekend apparently. She told me he wasn’t the man she thought he was.”

“After all these years of working with him?” Eddie asked. “What did she expect? Tom Cruise?”