I don’t normally like going to the mall. Don’t get me wrong, I love shopping and spending, even when I don’t really have it in the budget to spend. It’s the crowds that I hate.
Being here with Alex helps. He needs a new suitcase, but we’re currently in a clothing store. He’s in one of the dressing rooms trying on a few shirts, while I lazily flip through a rack. I’m not really sure if I’m looking for something for him or me.
“Can I help you find anything?”
I jump, not having heard him come up. “I think I’m just looking.”
He’s gorgeous. Emerald green eyes and cute little freckles, I could never resist a redhead. He flips through the rack with me for a moment before pulling out a white teeshirt with royal blue splatters across the front. “I think this would look great on you,” he says with a grin.
I take it from him with a sigh. “You’re a good salesman.”
He shrugs, that cute smile never wavering. “I’m better at other things.”
I could feel my eyes widen. “Are you hitting on me?”
“Only if you’re not going to be upset about it.”
“Ballsy move. You saw me come in with someone.”
He takes a half step backwards. “Oh, I didn’t think you two were together like that.”
My turn to grin. “He’s straight, so we’re not. I’m Jay.”
His smile somehow grew bigger. “Caleb.” He touches the shirt in my hand. “Now go try this on. I want to see if it looks as good as I’m imagining.”
We walk back to the dressing rooms.
Alex calls from behind one of the doors. “Marco?”
“Polo,” comes my immediate response.
Alex’s dressing room door opens and he’s suddenly in front of us wearing a grey button down and bulging, lime green boxer briefs. “What do you—” He slams the door shut again when he sees I’m not alone. “Sorry.”
I look over to Caleb, barely able to contain my laughter. He definitely had been looking at the bulge. “I swear to god he’s straight.”
Caleb shakes his head in response, shivering from trying not to laugh. I turn my attention back to the now-closed door. “So this is Caleb. Are you even trying on pants in there?”
“Um.” There’s a long hesitation. “Let’s just say I am. Nice to meet you, Caleb. I’m Alex.” The door swings open again, his legs now covered by pants. “Are you going to be hanging around more often?”
“I think I’d like to hang around more often.” He’s answering Alex, but talking directly to me.
Alex subtly nods at me, hopefully a sign that he approves. He tugs at his shirt. “Can I wear this out?”
“Sure! I’ll go get the gun for the security tag.”
As Caleb disappears around the corner, Alex leans in close to me. “I have a good feeling about this one.”
My grin is involuntary. “Me too.”
We make our way to the counter where Caleb is waiting. He hands me a punch card before using the gun shaped contraption on the plastic piece on the sleeve of the shirt.
Alex takes my new shirt and puts it on the counter with his things. I haven’t even tried it on. I think to myself as Caleb rings up each item. The total at the end doesn’t sound correct.
“The card gives you 10% off after 5 purchases. It’s all explained,” he looks me directly in the eye, “on the back.”
Alex laughs as he looks back and forth between us. “You two are cute as hell.” He pays and we head to the next store to find a suitcase.
I flip the punch card over to see a phone number written in pencil over the printed information.
About the Creator
Jay Villin
I write things. Just like life, sometimes those things are good, and sometimes they're bad.
Twitter: @VillinJay
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