"But she's a Cheerleader" (gxg)

44: making plans

"You heading out soon?" my mom called from the living room.

I rounded the kitchen counter and made my way toward her. She was stretched out on the couch, half-buried under a throw blanket, she looked half asleep. The TV was on in front of her—one of the Harry Potter movies playing.

"Yeah, in a few," I replied, leaning against the back of the couch. I glanced at the screen and smiled. "Didn't know you were a Harry Potter fan."

"She cracked a small smile, her eyes opening a bit more. "I'm not, really. There just wasn't anything else good on."

I laughed and nodded.

She shifted slightly, adjusting the blanket. "What time are you working till?"

Mmm, around four-ish," I said, pulling my phone from my pocket and checking the time- 8:22.

"Okay," she said, stifling a yawn. "I'll probably be gone by the time you get back. I'll make some dinner and leave it in the fridge for you."

I paused, glancing down at her. I hadn't mentioned the date yet—wasn't exactly sure how to bring it up without making it a big thing.

"Oh, that's okay," I said, a little too quickly. "I'm actually gonna go out with my friends for dinner. Won't be back too late." I said, not completely lying...

"Oh okay. That sounds fun" she nodded.

"Yeah should be.....okay I gotta get going." I said.

My mom reached her arm up and rubbed my hand. "Okay have a good day. I'll text you later to check in."

"Sounds good" I smiled and I walked back into the kitchen. I grabbed my bag and my keys and walked out to my car.

The first part of my drive to work was quiet. It was a Saturday morning so most families were still inside, although it was already really nice out. Sunlight beamed through the windshield, already warming the air. It was gonna be a busy day at work.

But my brain wasn't on the schedule, or the shift.

It was on Maddie.

Last night had been... really good. I was really worried I messed things up with her, but I was really happy with the way things went. And I still can't believe that I am going on a date with her tonight.

The thing was, I had no idea where to take her.

I pulled into the lot behind the restaurant and parked in my usual spot. Seagulls squawked overhead and I walked fast to the door, I wasn't taking any chances with bird crap.

When I walked in through the front doors, Kacey was already at the host stand, tying her apron. She looked up as I came in.

"Look who finally decided to show up," Kacey called as I stepped inside.

I gave her a look as I walked by. "I'm literally five minutes early."

"Sure," she grinned. "Five minutes earlier than your usual ten minutes late."

I rolled my eyes as she followed me through the kitchen and to the back offices. I set my back down and grabbed my apron from off the hook. Kacey watched me as I tied my apron around my waist and pulled back my hair. She tilted her head at me.

"So... are you gonna tell me what happened last night or what? You didn't text any of us back."

"You guys were literally blowing up my phone...and some of those texts were very perverted by the way-" I said, giving her a weird look.

"Hey that was all Valerie" she said, putting her hands up in defense.

"Uh huh." I said. I tightened my pony tail and pulled a few strands of hair out in front.