My theme for 2021 is a Young Adult short story. A double-date in the 1990s. An established teen couple sets up their best friends with each other, but it doesn't go well.
Today's word count is approximately: 445 words
P is for Phar-Mor
I point the shampoo bottle at Yohann. "I was yelling at Mike. Just because of one stupid night… Does Lance know?"
Yohann shrugs. "You told Mike that you wish you hooked up with me instead of him. Is that why you're trying to set me up with Madelyn? So I'm less available?"
No. No, no, no. Dammit! "Yohann, don't do this."
"You've broken up with Lance a dozen times. Every time, you still called me, still hung out with me. I thought it was to keep tabs on him. Were you really waiting for me to be single too? All this time?"
I pinch the bridge of my nose. "What I yelled at Mike has nothing to do with you. It's not what you think."
He pulls my hand from my face. "For you, I'll always be available."
"Shit. This is not how this conversation is meant to go." I hug my shampoo.
"No?" He runs his fingers through my hair. "What did you want to talk to me about without the two of them?"
I pull away from him. Tears well up in my eyes and my voice cracks. "Kissing Madelyn."
He crosses his arms.
"I wanted to find out if you were going to."
"Do you really want me to kiss her?"
I rub my eyes. "Yes. Maybe."
He presses his forehead against mine. "Maybe?"
I pull back. "Because I don't want her to use you. Which isn't the same as what you're implying. Shit."
He shakes his head. "Yeah. She'd be the one using me. Right."
I slug his arm. He doesn't even flinch. My hand, however, pulsates with pain.
"Dammit, Yohann! I can't believe you're saying this. You're ruining this aisle of Phar-Mor."
"How's that?" The leather sleeves creak as he crosses his arms.
"Because now every time I'm in this aisle, I'm going to remember that my boyfriend's best friend just hit on me while being on a date with my best friend."
"Yeah, just refer to me as his friend again. You can't even call me your friend here when it's only us."
I close my eyes. "How am I supposed to call you my friend when you're doing this right now?"
He touches my face. "Fine. I won't bring it up again. Just know you have options."
"I don't want options. I want Madelyn to be happy."
"So I can make you happy by giving her what she wants?"
"Yes. No. I don't know. Why is this so complicated? Do you like her?"
"I think I've been pretty clear about who I like."
I throw my arms up in defeat and storm off.
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