Page 20 of Waiting for a Prince
“Yeah.”
Her brow furrowed. “Did you talk about me?”
He knew what she wanted to hear. “He thinks I’m good for you. That you seem happy.”
Her eyes shone. “Well,that’sbrightened my night.” She hooked her arm through his. “Why don’t we go inside? I’ll introduce you to some more of my friends.” She glanced at the swelling throng below, her nose wrinkling again. “It’ll be quieter in there. And let’s face it, anywhere’s better than being down there. That music…” She shuddered.
Sam would have given anything to be caught up in the crowd of people listening to the Hamsters.
What was nearer the truth was that he wanted to be with Mark, someone who liked his company.
Someone he could trust.
Chapter Seven
Tuesday, August 6
“You neglectedto mention when you invited me to go bowling, that you were absolutelyfantasticat it,” Mark grumbled. He glanced up at the screen where his pitiful scores glared out for all to see. Pitiful when placed next to Sam’s, that was. Sam’s was a line of strikes and half-strikes.
Sam smirked. “Are we not having fun?” He adjusted his hold on the sparkly blue bowling ball and peered determinedly at the skittles. For one brief moment Mark was tempted to nudge him—accidentally, of course—but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. And hewashaving fun, despite being on a losing streak. This was their fourth game and Sam showed no signs of giving up his impressive lead.
“Another beer?” Mark suggested hopefully. Maybe alcohol would slow Sam down.
“Ooh, by all means.” Sam’s white teeth gleamed in the lights of the bowling alley. “I play even better when I’ve had a few.” He laughed as Mark groaned loudly. “You really don’t like losing, do you, Mark? And you’re not above playing dirty, either.” His eyes twinkled.
Mark pouted. “I don’t know what you mean.”
Sam snorted. “What do you call coughing loudly just as I’m about to bowl? Or yelling ‘Ooh, look at that’, when there’s nothing to see?”
“I’m not sure I like these insinuations.” He gave Sam a mock glare.
Not that he could keep up the act for long. It had been ages since Mark had had so enjoyable a night out. Sam’s jokes had his sides aching with laughter.
“Shall we have a beer—and a break?” Sam suggested. “Maybe some chips too?”
Mark grinned. “Yeah. Alcohol and food might help me break my losing streak.”
“I’ll get them.” Sam’s eyes gleamed. “You stay here and practice.”
“Cheeky sod.”
Sam laughed and walked off in the direction of the food counter.
Normally Mark didn’t go out during the week, but Sam’s phone call out of the blue as he’d got in from work had been a pleasant surprise. Sam had made no mention of the aborted fireworks evening, but the suggestion of a night of bowling had come across as an apology of sorts, one which Mark was only too ready to accept.
As much as Mark needed a friend, he got the feeling Sam’s need was just as great.
He watched the guy on the next lane as he approached the foul line, noting how he launched the bowling ball down the lane. When all the skittles fell, Mark sighed.
Everyone’s a better bowler than me.
And maybe if he and Sam did this on a regular basis, he’d improve.
The thought provided a silver lining. More time with Sam?
Bring it on.
“I didn’t know if you wanted ketchup or mayo on your chips.” Sam set the tray down on the console.
