“How much more do you have to get?” I grumbled, setting a proprietary hand on our red cart when a fellow shopper bumped into it.
Mitch checked his list. And maybe it was wishful thinking, but he seemed to lean in a little closer than the average guy hangin’ out with a buddy would. He brushed his fingers against my forearm, sending a shiver along my spine.
“Three more things. Toilet paper, detergent, and toothpaste.”
“And candy. I’m in the mood for a jumbo pack of peanut M&Ms,” I declared.
“That’s not good for you.”
“I had an intense workout this afternoon. I gotta treat myself. What kind do you want? I’m buyin’.”
“Thanks, but I don’t want candy.”
“Do you want flowers?” I asked.
He glanced up at me in surprise and chuckled. “Well, not right this second, but I like flowers. Who doesn’t?”
“What’s your favorite kind?”
“Hmm. Tough question. Peonies. I like hydrangeas too.”
“Any particular color?”
“Pink.”
“Why pink?” I asked, moving our cart to make room for a passing shopper.
“I don’t know. I just like it. Light or dark. When I was a kid, my first-grade teacher went around the classroom asking everyone what their favorite color was. At first I couldn’t wait to answer. I held my hand up like everyone else, but she went by row and gave everyone a chance. There were all kinds of answers…red, blue, purple. But only the girls said they liked pink. When it was finally my turn, I lost my nerve.”
“What’d you say?”
“Blue, I think. Not a total lie but…it wasn’t my favorite. And I have no idea why I just told you that story,” he said with a laugh.
“ ’Cause you want me to buy you pink flowers.”
“No, I don’t,” he protested as he studied the stack of toilet paper.
“You know, I thought about buying you flowers tonight,” I admitted. “I should have.”
“Why?” he asked with a laugh. His eyes crinkled at the sides, and his cheeks turned red.
“We’re on a date. You’re supposed to bring flowers or candy or something, aren’t you? But flowers and Target…” I made a face and shrugged. “It’s a weird combo.”
“This isn’t a date, Evan. It’s a necessary shopping trip.” He corrected me before reaching for a jumbo package of toilet paper on the top shelf.
I pulled it down for him and held it above my head.
“What about candy? What’s your favorite kind? Come on,” I coaxed. “First one that pops into your head.”
“This may shock you, but I really don’t know,” he replied stubbornly.
“Then let’s go candy shopping.” I slipped my left hand into his and pushed the cart with my right one.
Mitch tugged at my fingers but gave in and let me lead the way, shaking his head in mock dismay when we reached our destination. “Really?”
“Oh yeah. What’s it gonna be, baby? King Size Reese’s, Junior Mints, Hershey’s Kisses…your wish is my command.”
His sweet grin grew to epic proportions until it covered his face in a megawatt smile that felt like sunshine and moonbeams. I wanted to offer so much more than a measly bag of candy in that moment, but I wasn’t sure where to begin.
“Do you have a suggestion?” he asked, biting his bottom lip.
“When in doubt, M&Ms. They never let you down,” I assured him in a serious tone as I picked up a packet of peanut ones.
“Okay. But I’ll get plain. Then we’ll have one of each.” He grabbed a small bag and tossed it into the cart.
“Good thinking, except…we go big.” I returned his bag to the shelf and replaced it with one four times the size.
Mitch chuckled indulgently and kissed my cheek. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. Oh hey!” I spied a display of Good & Plentys and hurried over to grab a box before presenting it to him like a rare and special prize. “Ta da! They’re pink.”
I didn’t think it was possible, but his smile widened. He giggled like a kid and nodded, tapping the box of licorice candies. “Yes, they’re very pink. And white.”
“We’re all about the pink ones today.” I shook the contents then ripped open the top.
“Evan! What are you doing? They’re going to kick us out!”
“Don’t worry. I’m buying these. Just…put your hands out,” I instructed.
Mitch gave me a quizzical look but obeyed. I dropped a few candies onto his palms and picked out the white ones, leaving the pink for him.
“Now what?”
“Eat ’em.”
He popped the pink candy-coated licorice in his mouth and grinned. “Thank you. Pink is definitely the best.”
I chomped on a white Good & Plenty and made a face. “These things suck.”
Mitch snickered. “You know, we can do a taste test on our next video. Plain or peanut M&Ms or—”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“ ’Cause this is just for us. I know this isn’t anything special but—”
“Yes, it is. It’s very special. No one’s ever bought me pink candy before. Thank you.”