Unwritten Chemistry

Lollipop

TRIGGER WARNING - Teasing.

Malia's POV

When we head downstairs, the smell of something slightly burned hits me first, and then I see the kitchen. Pots are scattered on the counter, a frying pan looks like it's seen better days, and flour dusts the kitchen island like it's been through a minor snowstorm.

I can't help but laugh, but there's a bit of worry laced in it as I ask,

- Mom! What happened here?

My mom, standing near the sink with a slightly frazzled expression, looks up and shrugs, a lighthearted grin breaking through her tiredness.

- Well, the stove decided to give up on us, and the repair guy can only come tomorrow. So... how about we all go out for dinner instead?

Kylie, who's standing next to me, immediately chimes in with excitement,

- That sounds like fun! - Her eyes brighten as she says it, and I can tell she's more than happy to get out of the house for a bit.

I glance at my mom, then back at the kitchen, taking in the mess again.

- Alright. - I say, laughing softly. - I think that's a good idea.

Soon, the four of us—Mom, Ivory, Kylie, and I—are in the car, heading toward one of the nicer restaurants in town. It's not too fancy, but I can tell my mom picked it because Kylie's with us. It's her way of wanting to make a good impression, even though she already likes Kylie a lot.

When we walk in, the place has an upscale feel to it—dark wood panels, dim lighting, and soft jazz music playing in the background. The hostess greets us warmly and leads us to a cozy booth by the window. I notice my mom scanning the menu, looking slightly flustered by the prices, but she's trying to play it cool.

- Are we celebrating something? - Ivory jokes as she flips through the menu, clearly impressed by the place.

I smile at her, shaking my head.

- Just surviving a broken stove, I guess.

Mom chuckles.

- Well, I figured if we're going out, we might as well make it worth it. Plus, I wanted Kylie to experience a nice dinner with us.

Kylie smiles, giving my mom a grateful look.

- This place is perfect, thank you. - She's always so genuine, and I can tell my mom appreciates that.

As we settle into the booth, Kylie slides in next to me, her thigh pressing lightly against mine, and I feel a warm sense of comfort with her so close. The waitress comes over, a friendly smile on her face, and she's about our age, maybe a little older. She hands out menus, but when she reaches Kylie, there's a bit of a pause, her smile lingering just a little too long.

- Hey. - The waitress says, her voice light as she hands Kylie her menu. - You look familiar... you ever been here before?

Kylie shakes her head, smiling politely.

- Nope, first time.

- Well, I'm glad you came by tonight. Let me know if you need anything special. - She says, her tone flirty as she tucks her hair behind her ear and gives Kylie a once-over that makes my stomach twist a little.

I glance at Kylie, waiting for her reaction, but she just nods, oblivious.

- Will do. Thanks.

The waitress flashes her another smile before turning to take my mom's order, and I can feel my jaw tighten. It's not like Kylie is doing anything wrong, but something about the way the waitress was looking at her, like she was interested in more than just bringing out food, makes my skin prickle with jealousy.