Page 28 of Waiting for a Prince

Mark grinned. “I’ll second that.”

They ate slowly as the crowds gathered around them, everyone engaged in similar pursuits. Their meal was peppered with conversation about their favourite Spielberg films, and Mark was delighted to discover they shared yet more common ground.

Face it. You like everything about him.

That wasn’t true. There was one thing about Sam that didn’t make Mark smile.

He has a girlfriend.

Each time that thought came to him, it poured ice water on his growing crush, but that never lasted for too long. He only had to look at Sam, and it blossomed once more.

This is not good.

At last, the PA system announced the film was about to begin, and Mark did his best to concentrate on the huge screen. The opening bars of the music poured from the speakers, and next to him, Sam chuckled.

“That always gives me the shivers.”

Mark felt like such a girl when he jumped as the head rolled out from the boat. No matter how many times he saw Jaws, italwaysstartled him. He glanced at Sam, only to find him smirking. Mark rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, laugh it up.”

Sam snickered. “Really cute, Mark.”

At one point Mark forgot about the film and stared up at the night sky in awe. The sky was a beautiful expanse of purples and darkest blue, the stars scattered across it like dust. There was so little light pollution across the island that the view was staggering.

Then he realized Sam was doing the same thing.

“Sometimes it’s important to stop and take in what’s all around you. Beauty is everywhere—you just have to look for it.”

Sam’s words hit a nerve.

I don’t have to go far to find it. I’m looking at something beautiful right now.

When the film ended, everyone cheered and then came the task of packing up and putting any rubbish in the bins provided. They followed the trail of filmgoers back to the carpark, walking past the rope tunnels, climbing frames, and slides that had been abandoned for the evening.

They reached Mark’s car, Sam’s parked behind it, but neither of them made a move to get in them. Sam stared up at the night sky.

“I feel so insignificant. So small. It makes all the stuff that clutters up my mind seem so unimportant.”

It was on the tip of Mark’s tongue to ask what occupied Sam’s thoughts, but he didn’t dare. It was none of his business.

I don’t want this night to end.

Except he knew that was wrong.

Let it go.

That was the problem. He didn’twantto let it go.

Sam’s phone buzzed, and when he made no move to answer it, Mark frowned. “It might be important.”

Sam’s face tightened. “It can wait until I get home.” Then he gave a half smile. “Thanks for this evening. I had a great time.”

“Me too.”

Sam unlocked his car but didn’t open the door.

Mark couldn’t stay quiet a moment longer. “Is everything okay?”