The Thin Line Between Love and Lunch

The place is bright, the bright light shining through the windows is supplemented by the fluorescent lights flickering above. It's a bit dingy and has the feeling of an old diner, with dirty black and white tiles and cherry red leather booths. I approach the hosts table and tell them I have someone waiting for me. I glance at my watch: 12:30. I'm always late, but she waits for me anyway. It only takes me a second to find her, I can pick her out of any crowd. I lower myself into the booth without a word, looking at her with a weak smile. It doesn't work.

"Danny Franklin Matheus, what excuse do you have for me this time?" Her stare burns my soul out and I can't help but look down at my feet. She has me wrapped around her finger, there's no doubt about that. I do my best to answer her.

"Bad traffic babe, sorry. But do you have to use my full name like that?" Her scowl was more than enough to answer my question. We placed our order without incident to a shabby old man with a thin, greasy comb-over. I get the "Big Bang" burger and she settles for her usual, boring house salad. I sip on a cola for the next five minutes hoping that I don't do anything she finds a reason to pick at me for. But I should have known, I just can't ever get it right.

"What's the matter, don't have anything to say any more? It's no wonder you dropped out of college, no people skills whatsoever." She trailed off at the end of her sentence, as if her breathe was not worth the words she was speaking to me. I just stir my cola and don't reply. After damn near an eternity, our lunch arrives. The burger is bigger than anything I've ever laid eyes, stacked up to nearly a half of a foot with a quarter pound patty, melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon, and a succulent barbeque sauce. Fresh lettuce, sliced tomato, and golden crispy fries came on the side. The highlight of my week, I thought to myself.

We ate in complete and utter silence, and I enjoyed each and every gigantic bite while she forked around pieces of lettuce in her pathetic salad. I wanted to laugh right in her face, tease her about getting such a joke of lunch. Lighten up Dan, I scolded. She doesn't mean to snap, she's had a rough week. You both have." I put my thoughts aside and finished the burger and fries with vigor, finishing well before the salad was done. Several minutes later, lost in my thoughts, a stale white napkin presses against my face. I look at her in childish wonder.

"You had a bit left, just thought I'd get it for you," she says through a sheepish grin. I look into her eyes and find the courage to smile back.

"I love you babe," she says whole-heartedly, reaching for my hand. I let her take it.

"I love you too."

Like I said, the highlight of my week.