Chapter 26

Scott let the air blow on his face as Prin drove the Jeep Cherokee down the uneven mountain road. Lush vegetation crowded them on both sides. It couldn't be more different from humid Bangkok.

"Uncle Decha was right," Scott said. "I am far more of an island boy."

Prin took his hand and kissed the back of it.

They'd spent a glorious week in the Lum villa deep inside this forest. Except for the maid's daily visit, they had the place to themselves. And what a place. Six bedrooms all overlooking the central pool area that led down to a private beach. Scott had never seen a house like it in real life.

"You've hardly seen any of the island," Prin said.

"Whose fault is that?"

The greenery was being replaced by buildings. Scott watched the people as they sped down toward the coastline.

"What are we picking up?" Scott asked. "You didn't say."

"It's a surprise," Prin replied.

Scott sighed. "I'm missing valuable pool time. I hope it's worth it."

"Don't pout," Prin replied.

Scott leant over and kissed Prin. "I'm only joking."

"I know. I can tell when you're serious now."

"You think you have me all figured out? Big mistake, my friend. Huge."

They made it to the ferry port just as it was coming into dock. After parking up, Prin led him to the pier. The gates opened and people began to spill out.

"This better not be a drug deal, Prin Lum," Scott said, folding his arms.

"Don't be ridiculous."

Locals mixed with backpackers were swarming onto the island. Then Scott saw four figures with wheelie suitcases and far better fashion.

"No you fucking didn't," he exclaimed.

He turned to Prin and flung his arms around you.

"I love you," Scott said, kissing him. "I love you so much."

Prin gently pushed him away. "There are other people who need your hugs right now."

Scott turned. Tyler, Eddie, Danny and Billy stood before him. He threw himself into the waiting arms of Tyler and Eddie.

"I don't know what to do with myself," he cried out.

The tears were in free flow and his heart was racing as though he'd swum the entire Gulf of Thailand. When he pulled back, he looked at his two friends' faces. It was almost unbelievable.

Still struggling to get his head together, he hugged Billy and then Danny.

"That boyfriend of mine is sneaky," he said. "So much plotting behind my back."

"We thought you deserved a nice surprise," Tyler replied.

"If there's room," Eddie added.

Scott burst out laughing. "Room? Just you wait. Come on, get in. We'll have some lunch, then an afternoon by the pool. Oh, I know what we can do tonight. Prin, we can light those torches and have a picnic on the beach."

Prin wrapped his arms around Scott's waist. "Someone has got themselves together."

"Now, Prin, we both know my recovery time is second to none."

Scott wandered out onto the terrace. His heart sprang when he saw five of his most favourite people in all the world together. This was the best surprise he'd ever had.

The pool was huge with black tiles. It was surrounded by grass and sheltered by palm trees that dominated the Lum villa's grounds.

Danny dove into the water.

"Oh no," Scott said. "Now he'll be dripping wet."

"Do you mind?" Tyler retorted. "You have your own boyfriend."

Scott sank down on the two-person sunbed that Prin was currently occupying. He kissed him.

"Sorry, I'll never stop looking. But you, my love, are the one I will be touching."

Prin shrugged. "Until we want to spice it up one day?"

Scott sprang back. "Prin Lum. You are a bad man. Danny!"

"Not with Danny," Tyler replied, laughing.

"Did I hear my name?" Danny shouted.

Eddie and Billy were in hysterics.

"I'd sit this one out," Eddie shouted.

Scott stretched. "This is the life though."

"How long are you guys planning on staying away?" Billy asked.

Weirdly, they hadn't even discussed it. Scott was squandering his savings. Plus his parents had sent him a tidy sum. He suspected they were hoping for wedding bells. None of their friends had had a gay wedding. Debbie was now laser focused on that prize.

Money had never seemed to be a problem for Prin. But there was plenty of time for all that sensible chat.

"When the rainy season arrives," Prin said. "Next spring?"

Scott raised an eyebrow. "I love it when you're masterful."

"Wow, that's a long time," Billy said.

"I'm sure you'll survive, Scotty," Eddie added. "Prin? You're a brave man."

Scott gave him a one-fingered response.

He couldn't come up with a scathing response as a sodden Danny walked across his eyeline and flopped down on the sunbed next to Tyler who was scowling at Scott.

"Pervert."

Scott lay back with his head against Prin's side. He shifted Prin's arm so it was across his chest.

"What shall we do for dinner?" he asked.

"Beach barbecue," Eddie said.

Billy and Danny cheered.

"That was easy to arrange," Scott said.

The sun was beating down on them as they all soaked it up.

"Okay, Danny and I have news," Tyler said. "I wasn't going to say anything until you got back but if it's going to be this long, I'll have to."

He glanced nervously at Danny. Scott had an uneasy feeling in his stomach.

"Go on."

"We've been working on our finances and we think we're in a position to put a deposit down on a place of our own."

"You are," Danny said.

Tyler reached across and squeezed his hand. "We are."

Scott was taken aback. They'd only lived with together a matter of months but he'd grown attached to Tyler. He made the perfect addition to Scott and Eddie's double act.

"Wow," Scott said.

"We'll still be in Brighton," Danny said. "I'm not stealing him away. Unlike Prin Lum."

"Hey," Prin said. "Don't drag me into it."

Danny winked but Scott was too preoccupied to even register how sexy he looked.

"Okay, this isn't something we've discussed. But when we do come back, there's no way we won't be living together."

He glanced across at Eddie who looked a little winded. Billy sprang onto Eddie's sun lounger and put his arm around him.

"Fuck," Eddie said. "I wasn't expecting that."

Scott got up and sat at Eddie's feet. He took hold of his hand.

"I'm sorry, babe. But we need to face facts."

"What am I supposed to do?" Eddie wailed.

Billy hugged him tightly. "You move in with me, dummy. Then we'll make a plan."

"Really?"

"Of course."

Billy kissed Eddie's temple.

Eddie dropped Scott's hand. "You can fuck off now. I've got a better offer."

"Come here, you big doofus," Scott said with a giggle.

He leapt forward and gave Eddie a huge kiss.

"Oi," Eddie shouted, wrestling himself free.

"You know what this calls for?" Scott said.

Eddie grinned. "Cocktails."

A few hours later and the sea was flickering from the light of the torches they'd lit on the beach. Scott was transfixed. As he sipped from his glass of champagne, he knew he was really happy. Possibly for the first time in his life.

"You having a moment?" Eddie asked, appearing next to him.

"Well I was," Scott replied.

"Can we share?" Tyler asked on the other side.

Scott huffed.

"Oh stop being crabby," Eddie said. "You know you're on cloud fucking nine."

They all watched the dancing waves for a second.

"Billy and I were talking when we went for a siesta," Eddie began.

"Ha," Scott interjected. "Me and Prin weren't."

"We heard," Tyler added.

Scott chuckled.

"Anyway," Eddie continued. "We think we're going to take a leaf out of your book and go on a big trip."

"Eddie. You've just started your new role," Tyler cut in.

"Not right now," Eddie said. "After Christmas. I'll take it unpaid. Bloody hell, what's the point in being the boss if I can't sod off for a bit?"

Tyler shook his head. "Honestly, you are a nightmare. I hope Danny doesn't get any ideas. I'm way too sensible for that."

Scott put his arm around Tyler. "But look what happened when you weren't. You got it all."

"That's true. Maybe we'll join a commune then."

Eddie wrapped his arm around Scott's waist and rested his head on his shoulder. "It feels big, doesn't it?"

"Yeah," Tyler said. "I'm a bit scared."

"Same," Eddie replied.

"I'm not," Scott added. "Because I've got you two."

Tyler squeezed him. "And the man of your dreams."

"Yeah," Scott said. "Him too. In fact, I should go and check on him."

"Aww they can't bear to be apart," Eddie said.

In one fluid motion, Scott pulled Eddie's shorts down, making him cry out.

"Don't get too complacent, Edward. I'm still me."

Eddie made a grab for him but Scott dodged out of his way. The others were in fits of laughter as he dashed up the beach and into the house.

Scott found Prin tidying up in the kitchen. He stood in the doorway and watched him for a second. For most of his life, Scott had longed for love. But he'd got it all wrong. The job, the house, the car, the future didn't all have to be mapped out. His single mindedness could have ruined everything for him.

But now he had love, he found it exhilarated and terrified him in equal measures. He was fearful of letting Prin down again yet so determined to find new ways to make him happy every day.

"Take a picture. It lasts longer," Prin said.

"How did you see me?"

Prin pointed to the cooker with the impossibly clean glass door.

"Gosh," Scott said, crossing the room. "You are highly trained."

He wrapped his arms around Prin.

"I've got wet hands," Prin said.

"I don't care."

Scott kissed him. A long, slow kiss that made his insides quiver.

"I'm really happy," Scott said, gazing into Prin's eyes. "I just wanted you to know."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

Scott rested his chin on Prin's shoulder and they swayed together to imaginary music. He had found his place and it was in the arms of this wonderful man.

"So you want to live together?" Prin said. "When we go back?"

"Of course. I wouldn't have said it if I didn't. That's if Brighton is where you want to live. I guess we could choose anywhere now we're both free."

Prin stroked Scott's back. His light touch sending tingles throughout Scott's body. He would never get used to that thrill. Or at least, he hoped he wouldn't.

"I think we should."

"Yeah," Scott said. "I haven't had a decent plate of chips since we've been here."

They both burst into laughter.

"We should go to the others," Prin said but Scott stayed him.

"Just a second longer," Scott replied. "I don't care if it's Brighton or Bangkok. As long as I have you, I'll be happy."

They continued to hold each other.

"Thank you," Scott murmured.

"What for?"

"Completing me."

It was totally clear to Scott now. The future was theirs for the taking.

Thank you for reading Glow