To those brand new to my story, welcome. I hope you enjoy this story as much as others have.
Yes, it has been a while since I last posted chapter 6, but I wanted to make sure I kept up the quality and writer's block can be a bitch. If you want to start again from the beginning you'll find chapters 1-3 have been edited. Yes, all the spelling and grammar mistakes are gone and is now a much easier read.
"So, are you nervous about tomorrow night?" asks Andy before taking a big bite from his burger.
Keith swallows the bite he took from his burger before he answers, "You have no clue. I don't know the guy or anything about him. All Jackie has told me is that he is a nice guy and easy to get along with."
"And that has you worried why?"
Keith glares at Andy from across the table. "And since when do I have an easy time making friends with anyone I just meet?"
Andy thinks about the question and realizes Keith has a point. "Ok, so why did you agree to the double date?"
"Because Jackie really wanted to do it and I want to make her happy. Not to mention I get to stay in the good graces of Melissa."
"Smart, trying to kill two birds with one stone. I'm sure you won't say or do anything stupid."
"Thanks Andy. How have things been at the bar?"
"Going well. For the first time I haven't had to fire any of the bartenders or wait staff in over a month. We've actually seen an increase in revenue recently."
"That's good. Women still hit on you a lot?"
"Not as much but still get good amount of attractive ladies along with cougars."
Keith laughs at his friend. "What is it with cougars and you?"
Andy shakes his head not wanting to think about it. "I wish I knew why so I could appear unattractive to them but even the younger, more attractive women don't appeal to me as much anymore."
"Are you starting to realize there is more to women than their appearances?" Keith asks with smirk on his face.
Andy rolls his eyes. "Maybe I have. I can't help it if I've gone for the women with pretty faces and nice bodies."
"Maybe you'll find something like what Jackie and I have."
"You mean only kissing and nothing further? No thanks."
"Your loss on making the true connection before making the sexual one."
"Let me know when you and Jackie finally take that plunge and then you can judge on which is better."
Keith tries his best to play off what Andy says knowing full well that he and Jackie have already started making that sexual connection. Even if it was just one mild touching, everything just felt better because he was with someone he truly loved.
"Well you'd have to catch us to find out if we are or aren't."
"Or you could just tell me already. I know something happened between you two already, so just spill it."
"Fine, you really want to know what happened on Tuesday?"
Andy was excited to finally get an answer. "Yes! Please tell me!"
Keith lets out a deep breath and gathers himself. "Well, Jackie and I finally admitted something to each other."
The anticipation is killing Andy. "What did you admit?"
"It took us a while to finally be honest with each other and."
"Keith, just tell me already!"
Keith pauses one more time and looks Andy in the eyes. "We finally admitted that we love each other."
Andy leans back into his chair, disappointed. He was hoping to hear juicy details but that was just a complete let down. "Makes sense why you had such a big smile on your face."
"Yep. I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders."
Andy continues to eat his burger until there is nothing left of it. "You do know how to make things more dramatic than you need to, you know that?"
"Serves you right. You were hoping that Jackie and I had sex and didn't even think about what else it could be."
Andy hated to admit, but Keith was right. "You're right. I just know you've had bad experiences in the past and I do think you and Jackie would have great chemistry together."
"As I told you before, we're going to wait and make sure we are right for each other. Sex hasn't even come up between us."
"Ok, I'll drop it for now, but don't expect me to let it go forever."
"You let things go as well as I don't take things to extremes."
Andy has a good laugh. "That is very true. I'm actually shocked you've taken this change so well."
"What change?" Keith asks confused. To him, his life hasn't changed in any sort of drastic way that normally causes his Asperger's to give him great stress.
"You have a girlfriend dude. You're no longer a bachelor. Your life now includes making decisions about someone else, not just you."
Keith thinks about what his best friend is telling him. He has made sure to make time for Jackie. Since Tuesday, he always sent her an encouraging or loving text. They also video chat using Skype. He has indeed changed and didn't even realize it.
"Wow, I guess I made an easier transition then I realized. Maybe Asperger's really doesn't run my life."
"I've been trying to tell that for years. Asperger's may influence your thoughts and actions, but it will never run your life. You can make choices against those influences and you will."
"You can stop with the 'you're in control of your life' speeches. They get old fast but I do understand you're trying to help. You can't fight this battle for me. It is something I will be dealing with every day and get harder to hide the real extremes the closer I get to Jackie."
"Communication is key with that. You can't be afraid to talk with her about this and at least prepare her."
"I know, just scares me to have that conversation."
"All big conversations you are going to have with Jackie are going to scare you. Might as well start with this one sooner than later."
Keith finishes his second burger. Jimmy's always hits the spot for him and today is no exception. He slowly feels better with good food in his stomach. "Yeah, I'm sure you're right. Just have to get out of my own way."
"So what are you up to rest of the day?"
"Play some more COD and then video chat with Jackie."
"Nothing else?"
"No, just going to relax."
Andy shakes his head. "Sometimes I just don't get you."
********************
"Things seem to be getting really serious between you and Keith," Melissa says while trying to get the last bit of ice cream out of her bowl.
"Yeah, I guess telling each we love each other is pretty big."
"Wait, what?" Melissa drops her spoon into the bowl, surprised to just be hearing this for the first time. "When did you say you love each other?"
"On Tuesday after we had our dinner."
"Ok, what led to this revelation by both of you?"
