August 4th

8: Date

As the rest of the summer passed it was happy and secretive. Well, it was only one secret- telling anyone who asked that they dating a No. We're just friends.

Actually it was easier to keep it a secret than you would think. Mainly because they already knew how to act like best friends and nothing more around people but when they could get any chance they could, they would hold hands. Nothing more. Jimmy didn't want to risk their relationship being ruined because of some homophobic creep.

Around the middle of September Ellen, Jo's mom and one of the lunch ladies who was actually nice to most people, told Jimmy and Dean one day at lunch that she had bought a restaurant and bar and she wanted them to come to the Grand Opening which was on the 25th of September.

Jimmy and Dean talked about it at lunch that day and they did realize that they had a football game that weekend but it was a close game and it was supposed to rain so it might get rained out but they might not make the Grand Opening but they would be there later. They told Ellen what they were going to do and she was happy they were even coming in general.

There was some more time left in lunch so Jimmy and Dean just talked about anything that seemed interesting.

"So, this would be considered our first date, right?" Dean said pretty quietly compared to the rest of the lunch room and his normal talking voice

"Yep. This will be exciting." Jimmy said looking down at his granola bar only to avoid any eye contact with Dean. It was still pretty awkward around each other even though they were together.

When the 25th of September came the boys packed up their stuff on the right buses to go to the game.

The game wasn't rained out but it was a good game for Dean according to him. Jimmy didn't have a clue on football or what to do no matter how many times Dean tried to explain it and Dean didn't have a clue when it came to marching band and it being hard. Dean did understand marching band more than Jimmy did with football.

As soon as they got back to the school to unpack they did as quickly as possible to go to the new restaurant.

When they got there they were given a booth and menus by Jo who was slightly surprised to see them there so late at night but after Dean explained it made sense. Jo had to help Ellen with something so she said that she'd be back. Kevin also had the idea of coming over right after the game. They exchanged a smile from across the dining area. Ellen came around shortly.

"Hi boys." Ellen said

"Hi Ellen. I like it here. It looks nice. You did a good job." Jimmy said.

"Thank you. Well have you had the food yet?" Ellen asked

Jimmy was about to say something when Dean chimed in.

"He can't decide what to get. So I'll just order first and to give him a little more time to think." Dean said. "I'm gonna get a hamburger, an order of fries and a large milkshake."

Ellen was about to write that down when she looked at him and put a hand on her hip.

"Relax, Jimmy and I are gonna share those."

"Jimmy what did you want?" Ellen said after she had written down the order.

"Oh... Um... I really don't know" Jimmy said blushing and looking back down at the menu

Dean sighed "He'll just have the same burger as me." He said as he picked up the two menus and handing them to Ellen, smiling at her.

There was some silence until Jimmy started talking hoping to break the awkward silence in the booth.