TBC Publishing Pride Month Flash Fiction Challenge, 14 of 30

TBC Publishing Pride Month Flash Fiction Challenge, 14 of 30

Title: Tinder Profile, Anyone?

Author: R. Scott Tyler

Genre: Mystery

Word count (500 max): 499

Dwight was leaning against MJ’s shoulder, tears in his eyes.

“I was hoping he was the one. We were such a good match,” Dwight said.

“Which one was this again?” MJ asked.

“You remember. It’s been more than a week since we matched and met,” Dwight said, stifling a sob and wiping his teary eyes on MJ’s t-shirt. “His name was Giovanni, right?”

“Oh yeah, Giovanni. The guy you missed both our TV night and my day off for,” MJ said flatly.

“Yes, but you understand. We’ve been best friends for years. I’m trying to find a lover, not a friend,” Dwight replied. He did think MJ understood. They’d met on a hookup several years ago, and it had turned from a one-night stand into best friends.

“Yes, yes, the perfect man, thick dark hair, at least six feet tall, regular gym goer, tan, and swimsuit model preferred,” MJ made fun of Dwight’s Tinder profile by translating the gay lingo he had actually written there.

“Yeah, why do none of them stick around?” Dwight said, thinking MJ was commiserating with him. MJ was, in fact, being sarcastic, but Dwight didn’t pick up on it.

“Nobody sticks around,” Dwight continued.

“Now I’m nobody?” MJ retorted. “Cindy, James, Connor, Jeffrey? We’re all nobodies?”

“That’s not what I meant,” Dwight said. He sat up a little straighter and wiped his eyes on his sleeves. “You guys know that, right? I’ve been friends with you all for a long time. We see each other almost every week. Heck, I see you almost every day.”

“When you don’t have a better option out there, yeah,” MJ said, looking away. “I still feel like we are dating. I enjoy doing everything with you. Don’t you enjoy me?”

“MJ, can’t you see how much I enjoy you? I love that you always have time for me. That you eat whatever, whenever I need food therapy, I like that I feel tall and skinny when we’re together,” Dwight laughed at the last thing he said while MJ crossed his arms and looked farther away.

Without looking at him, MJ replied, “Dwight, I’ve found you attractive since we first hooked up. You know it. I’m not bothered by your lack of interest in anything remotely intellectual. I know I can count on you to know all the lyrics to the latest songs and probably even most of the dance moves. And the way you look at me with lust on your face when I eat a donut, that’s priceless.”

He turned to face Dwight again and continued, “Can’t you see the love I have in my heart for you?”

Dwight looked like he’d seen the ghost of his mother.

“MJ, honestly, I did not know that. I thought all you wanted was friendship,” Dwight finally said.

“And I thought all you wanted was a tall top you could worship every day,” MJ said.

“This is a mystery worth solving,” Dwight said, as he leaned in to kiss him.

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The Three of Cups. Often called the “besties” card.