That One Marching Band Romance: Movement One

Don't Count Your Kisses Before the Date

Jackson:

"Dude, you're hair is fine. It is just a lunch date," Chase said, pulling the comb out of my right hand.

"No Chase! It's not just a lunch date, it's a lunch date with Danny, and I really, really like her and I don't wanna blow it!"

"Yikes. You're really going crazy. Better call the psych ward," Chase teased and I shoved my wallet into my left pocket.

"I'm not crazy," I mumbled and picked up my phone.

"You're related to me, it's in your blood," Chase said through a laugh.

Eventually, we made it out of the house and got into the car. After a few minutes, I was saying goodbye to my brother, and facing Danny's door. I lifted my hand and then let it fall to my side. I lift it again and then jump when the door opens.

"Nervous lover boy?" Mikey welcomed me into the house and I wiped my hands off on my jeans, "I'll go get her," he said and walked upstairs. I heard some commotion and Danny walked into view.

"Hi," I said, my voice shaking. Can they hear how nervous I am? I sure hope not.

"Hi," Danny answered back and I shoved my hands in my pockets.

"Hi," I said back and she bit her bottom lip.

"Are you guys ever going to get past hi?" Mike made his presence known and Danny looked up at him.

"Yes, we were just about to leave," Danny snapped at him and grabbed my hand.

"Don't talk to strangers!" Mikey shouted, before closing the door. Danny and I began to walk out of her neighborhood and onto one of those forest paths we have all over the city. It was a perfect California day! The sun was shining through the trees, and it wasn't too hot like it usually is in the early fall.

"So, where were you thinking of eating lunch, Jackson?" Danny broke the silence.

"There's a diner around the corner and they have some of the best grilled cheese and tomato soup," I wrapped my arm around her shoulder and hers went around my waist. Her eyes lit up at the mention of grilled cheese, "You like grilled cheese?"

"Is that even a question? That's just my favorite food in the whole world!" I laughed at her response and we kept walking. We arrived at the front of the restaurant and I could smell the fresh tomato soup in the air, "It smells AMAZING! I'm so excited, I can't wait!" Danny squealed with excitement. I held open the door for her and she walked up to the host.

"Hi, how many?" I looked up before Danny.

"Carlos? From Islands?" I looked at him with confusion.

"Oh hey, guys! Long time no see!" he smiled.

"I didn't know you worked at Gil's Diner," I said and he shrugged.

"Life is rough out here. I need two jobs to support my family and attend college," I nodded and he seats us by a window with a view of the forest path we came on.

"Your server will be with you shortly," he said while placing menus in front of us, "It was good to see you guys again!

"

"Thanks, Carlos!" we said in unison. The server came by and took our orders and of course, we got the aforementioned grilled cheese and tomato soup!

"Have a great rest of your day!" our server said, as he clears away our dishes. We walked back up to the front and hand Carlos our check. We said goodbye to Carlos and walked back to Danny's. The whole way back, she couldn't stop raving about how delicious lunch was. How adorable. We still had about three hours until the movies tonight, so we decided to watch a few episodes of Friends. Once we watched Friends to the point where we forgot which episode was about what problem Joey had this time, Danny pulled out some video game controllers and turned on Mario Kart.