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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The Next Day
Oh sweet daddy of morning wood. It’s a perfectly natural occurrence for men that feels so amazing. It’s also been quite some time since I’ve experienced it pressed into my back. At some point in the night, Alex and I apparently switched positions. He has one arm draped over my side, his hand pressed against my chest. I’m using his other arm as a pillow. I don’t think I’ve ever been more comfortable.
By Jay Villin3 years ago in Filthy
5 Quick and Easy Chicken Recipes for Busy Weeknights
As our lives get busier and busier, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal can often feel like a daunting task. That's why having a few quick and easy chicken recipes on hand can be a game-changer for busy weeknights. Chicken is a versatile protein that cooks quickly and can be paired with a wide variety of flavors and ingredients to create an endless array of dishes. In this article, we will explore five quick and easy chicken recipes that are perfect for those hectic nights when you need to get dinner on the table fast. 1. Lemon Garlic Chicken Ingredients: •- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts •- 2 cloves of garlic, minced •- 1 lemon, juiced •- 2 tablespoons of olive oil •- Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: 1. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. 2. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. 3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until fully cooked through. 4. Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad. This lemon garlic chicken is a light and flavorful dish that can be ready in under 30 minutes. The acidity of the lemon juice pairs perfectly with the savory garlic, creating a delicious marinade for the chicken. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor, making it a great go-to for busy nights. 2. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Ingredients: •- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced •- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced •- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced •- 1 onion, thinly sliced •- 2 tablespoons of olive oil •- 1 tablespoon of cumin •- 1 tablespoon of chili powder •- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder •- Salt and pepper to taste •- Tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for serving •- Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated. 3. Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture out on a baking sheet in a single layer. 4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. 5. Serve the chicken fajitas in warm tortillas with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. Sheet pan meals are a lifesaver on busy weeknights because they require minimal prep and yield maximum flavor. These chicken fajitas are no exception – they come together quickly and cook all at once on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. The combination of spices adds a bold and zesty flavor to the dish, while the colorful bell peppers and onions provide a pop of freshness. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal that the whole family will love. 3. Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry Ingredients: •- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips •- 2 tablespoons of honey •- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce •- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil •- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch •- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced •- 1 cup of broccoli florets •- 1 carrot, thinly sliced •- 2 cloves of garlic, minced •- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
By Amily Brown 6 days ago in Filthy
The River's Due
The river in our village was everything. Giver of life, bringer of death. It provided you with good fortune or stole your future. It was where the priests baptized us and the grandmothers blessed us afterward, in between the washing. The river’s spirit whispered to us all, every day of our lives. When someone was lost to the river, those same traveling priests claimed God had called them home. We nodded to make them feel better, but we knew it was the river that had come calling for its due. We may have come to accept Jesus as our savior, but had our doubts he would have tried to walk our river.
By Shaun Walters4 days ago in Fiction
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