Chapter 16 - One Step Closer

Jon found himself nervous. He was going out on a date, and it's been a while. Him and Liz went out all the time, but she's really the only one he's dated for years.  

Driving home from a long day at the studio, Jon was trying to figure out what he was going to wear. He didn't want to over due it, or under do it.  He wanted to impress her, but he didn't want it to look like he's trying too hard.

Showered and looking through his closet, he decides he'll wear a blue button up, Levi's and his leather jacket.  He went back and forth about his hair, and ultimately decided on big hair. I'm going to be a rock star, I should look the part.  Some days Aqua Net was his best friend.

He ready and hops down the stairs, looking for his mom.  Matt is at the table doing homework, "Where's mom?" Jon asks his little brother. 

"Doing laundry." Is all Matt would say.  Jon walked passed him and messed with his hair.  Matt pushes his brother away.  

Jon trots down the basement stairs, just to say goodbye to his mom.  "Bye mom. I'm going out. Don't wait up." And he kisses her on the forehead.

"Are you going out with that new girl?" She asks, with her fingers mentally crossed.

Jon shakes his head yes, and says, "Her name is Monica, ma."  And turns to leave.

"Have fun son and please be careful." She hollers after him. She knows he'll be safe and he always has fun.  She really wants him to move on from Liz.  She's never liked her and didn't think she ever would.

South Side put on a great show, like always.  Jon loved to watch the Jukes play their 'hits' and the lessor heard songs.  The trip down the shore is always nice too.  The ride down was quiet.  Jon and Monica really didn't know what to say.  With the radio on, he was able to point out the song that was his, that was getting national air play now.  Monica thought that was awesome.  She was on a date with a guy that had a song on the radio.

On the way back up the shore they stopped at the Fast Lane, a local bar and had a few drinks.  Sitting at the bar, Jon asks Monica, "So, what do you do?  For work I mean?"

Thankful that he had started the conversation, she was all too happy to answer his questions.  "I work at Bloomingdale's.  I design the window displays."  and she says it with a little bit of embarrassment in her voice.

Jon notices that and says, "Those window displays are pretty cool.  Specially at Christmas time.  That's a cool job.  How long have you been there?"

"I started right out of high school, so about 5 years.  It's a good place to work.  I enjoy it.  What do you do?"  She asks him, and he's surprised Richie didn't tell her.  That's okay, he like to talk about himself anyway.

Taking a drink of his beer, he tells her, "I work at the Power Station in the city.  My cousin owns it.  A couple of days ago I recorded with David Bowie, that was pretty cool.  But my job is gopher.  I am supposed to cater to the celebrities that record there and keep things clean."

"Now that's cool.  Who have you met?" she asks.

He laughs, "I've met the Stones, Bowie, Springsteen, Blondie, Scandal - just to name a few.  My cousin records several big name celebrities."

"Is that how you got on the radio?  Did you record at the Power Station?"

He nods, as he takes a drink again.  "yeah, I can use the studio when there isn't anyone else in there.  My song got on the radio from a contest of homegrown talent."  He explains to her, hoping she understands.

Monica has to ask, because she has heard that he just broke up with a girl.  "Jon, didn't you just break up with a girl?"

Shocked and feeling a little caught off guard, he said, "Yes, I just broke up with my high school sweetheart, after she cheated on me with my best friend.  I won't tolerate it.  I tried, but I kept seeing him every time I was with her.  I had to let her go."

"I'm sorry.  I know break ups are hard.  How are you doing with it?"

He starts to tell her about the band, and the songs they had written and plan to record.  Monica is just as excited as Jon is, and he likes that.  Liz could care less what he was doing with his musical career, or dream as she would call it.  Monica was seriously interested and she could see the star quality in Jon.  "well, not that you need it, but you have my support.  I would love to see you and the guys play sometime."  She feeds his ego, she knew what she was doing.

"We start practicing tomorrow, wanna come and watch?  It's at Richie's house."

Monica smiles and said, "I would love too.  Richie mom and dad are awesome." 

That last statement makes Jon pause, how does she know Richie's parents?  Whoa, how does she know Richie?  He has to know, "How do you know Richie and his parents."

She giggles and says, "I live a few houses away from them. I grew up with Richie.  We are pretty good friends.  He said you needed a distraction from the break up and thought that you and I would get along.  I think he was right."

Jon ordered them both another drink and they sat there and kept talking about whatever came to mind, when it suddenly hit Jon, "Do you have a boyfriend?  I never asked, I'm sorry.  I am not all about people cheating."

"No, no boyfriend.  Didn't have time, really.  But one day I looked at my life and seen that something was missing - ME.  I was all work and no play and I decided I was unhappy.  So, I have been making myself try new things and meet new people.  So far, it's working great." she confesses more than she should have, but Jon was easy to talk to.  He seemed to have listened and she liked that.

They finished their drinks and Jon said, "I really should get you home.  I have to work tomorrow and then practice at Richie's, are you ready?"

Monica downs the rest of her beer and says, "All set, let's blow this joint."

They leave and Jon takes her home.  He was even gentleman enough to walk her to her door.  Monica shyly asks, "Want a nightcap?"

Jon smiles and leans in to give her a kiss good night, "Can I have a rain check? It's late and I have a busy day. Will I see you at Richie's tomorrow?"

She shakes her head with a smile on her face and says, "I'll be there with bells on.  Good night Jon, I had a really great time."

"We'll do it again sometime, soon.  But I look forward to seeing you tomorrow."  He kisses her goodnight and leaves.

He goes home and goes to bed.  He had his first non Liz date and he felt good about it.  Things were starting to look up for him and tomorrow - he gets to see the amazing band that he put together.  They will play and write tomorrow.