“Mum,” Scott warned.
Poor Scott had explained the situation over text. Prin really hoped Debbie wouldn’t bring it up. Things might be moving fast but he didn’t not feel ready to discuss that particular incident yet.
“Oh calm down,” she replied. “Since when did you shy away from spending your father’s money? Hey, Prin, what have you done with the real Scott Fitzgerald?”
“Did you name him after the author?” Prin asked.
Scott groaned. “If I had a pound for every time I’ve been asked this. Does she look like she’s a fan ofThe Great Gatsby?”
“Firstly, I do likeThe Great Gatsby, thank you very much,” Debbie interjected.
“The film.”
“Maybe. In answer to your question Prin, no I didn’t. I named him after Scott Robinson on a soap opera calledNeighbours.”
Prin frowned. “I don’t know who that is.”
“I’ll fill you in later,” Scott said.
“Ohreally…” Debbie replied. “No chat like that in front of your mother, please.”
“Mum!”
Debbie shot Prin a mischievous glance. Scott was obviously no match for her. Prin was going to enjoy this.
Scott and Prin were sitting on a wall. The tide was in. Prin gazed down at the dirty brown water.
“The sea in Thailand is not like this,” he said. “Have you ever been?”
“No,” Scott replied. “I’m not very well travelled. Eddie is. My mother got her taste for travel later in life. We would be in Spain most summers when I was little or Disney in Florida.”
They both glanced over at Debbie. She’d received a call and stomped off for some privacy. She was currently barking into her phone next to an ice-cream van.
“What is it like?” Scott asked. “Thailand, I mean.”
“Hot,” Prin replied. “Like you wouldn’t believe. So beautiful too. The islands are exquisite. You should go.”
Scott reached and took his hand. “Maybe I might find myself a local guide.”
Prin beamed. “Maybe.”
His conversation with Nanny flashed into his mind. He definitely needed to make a trip home. He’d give it a few more weeks. Then, if things were still good with Scott, he would suggest he joined him midway. Could he be that brave though?
“What are you smiling about?” Scott asked.
“It’s a secret,” Prin replied. “For now.”
Scott kissed him. “Intriguing.”
Yes, I can be that brave.
“Oi you two. Less of it.”
Debbie sat down next to Scott. She was holding three ice-creams. She handed one to Prin, one to Scott and gave hers a lick.
“I have a question for you, Prin,” Debbie said.
“Oh brilliant. Another one,” Scott replied drily.
