He didn't have to be ( eddie munson )

6. Living after midnight

Cara

It had been a long time since I had been able to go out and act my age. And needless to say when Eddie had called to remind me of his next show three days ago I was very unsure. But when he said he had already called "red" to ask if she would baby sit and she agreed to. I was still unsure. But next thing I know Max showed up on my door step to "talk me into it"

"Come on Cara! I'm almost fifteen! I've baby sat him before for an hour. I think I'll be fine for three. Every body needs some time off"

"Yea Max. Those people don't have the responsibility I have. Or the whole town looking down at them for getting pregnant while in high school."

"All parents have nights off. Hence the word babysitting." Fifteen more minutes she had worn me down. But I wasn't sure if it was her arguments or the fact that I would like to see Eddie again. He was so easy to be around, with his infectious smile and dark expressive eyes that gave me butterflies. Also would love to see him perform.

Before I knew it I had my hair flat iron and make up applied. It had been what seemed like ages since i wore makeup. Dressed in a pair of dark cut off jeans and a Kiss tour t-shirt. I was ready to go. Walking into the living room to see max already rocking Will to sleep her only response was "bitchin"

"Ya?" I asked nervously.
"Ya. Why so nervous? It's just Eddie's band" She asked with her eyebrow raised. I could feel a blush creeping on my cheeks.

The whole drive over my stomach was doing flips. It didn't help when I got to the bar it was packed. They had even hired a bouncer. After my hand was stamped "underage" I headed in looking around hopefully for some one I knew. Feeling a hand on my back I turned around to see a vaguely familiar brown haired girl.

"Cara! Hey."
"Oh um... Nancy right?" She nodded her head.
"Yea! Eddie said you were coming and to keep an eye out for you. We have a booth over here if you want to sit with us. It's me, Jonathan and Steve"
"Ok" i said as she lead the way. As we approached the table they all took turns greeting me.

"Is this the first time seeing Eddie's band?" Jonathan asked. And I nodded with nervous smile.

"Well your in for a treat then" Steve said with a mischievous smile. "Switch me seats so you get a clear view of stage."

"Um...ok" just ask I was getting settled and pouring a pop from the pitcher in the center of the table I heard the first cord sound off and the "crowd" went wild. Looking up my jaw dropped. There was Eddie jumping over a speaker sounding another power cord. He was in his same ripped jeans. But what was different was he was wearing his leather jacket and no shirt underneath. Shaking his hair off his face he started into the first verse of hot for teacher by Van Halen.
"T-t-teacher stop that screaming
Teacher don't you see?
Don't wanna be no uptown fool" the temperature of the building seemed to rise at an alarming rate.

"You ok Cara?" Steve asked his mischievous smile never leaving his lips. I am sure my face was bright red and I know my heart was beating as fast as the drums.

"Ya I'm fine." I say as I tuck my hair behind my ear. My eyes never leaving the charismatic performer. He blew my mind watching his finger fly over the frets. Just as the song was ending, he scanned the crowd and our eyes met. His smile became a mile wide.

"This next song is an original. If you have seen previous performances you might know it. If you know the words I encourage you to sing along" he said speaking into the mic cradling it with one had the pick still pinched between his fingers, rings gleaming.
I didn't know the words but it was incapable not to move with the beat.

"So what do you think for far?" Nancy asked leaning over talking close to your ear so you could hear over the music.

"Mind blowing" was the only thing I could say.
"You know Eddie was really nervous before going on. I don't think I ever saw him that nervous"
my stomach flipped.

Was it because I was coming? I hoped. hearing the change of song and looked up as a familiar guitar riff started. Holy diver by Dio.

Which I had come to learn from our conversations was a shared favorite song.
Catching his eye again, he sent a wink my way. I could have sworn my heart stopped. From the lights and him running across the stage from one mic to another, jumping off speakers he had started to sweat. He glistened. He was shining. He was meant to be on the stage.

Over the next hour and half, the alternated between popular songs they covered, like living after midnight by Judas Priest, a few metallica songs, and even Black Sabbath, and their own original songs which were just as interesting. But sadly it had to end and before I knew it the set was done and from across the room a very sweaty rocker was making his way to the table. Jumping up to meet him.

"Cara!" He went in for a hug yet hesitated.
"Sorry I'm sweaty." His arms dropped to his sides.

"I don't care" you said wrapping your hand around his waist under his jacket, cheek pressed to his chest. Underneath my hand I could feel his skin get goosebumps. Drawing away quickly before it became awkward. Looking over my shoulder the table eyes were met with raised eyebrows and smirks. Feeling a blush creeping, raising eyes to look up at Eddie. His eyes never left my face. His eyes dark and a soft smile on his face.

"Did you enjoy it?" He asked just loud enough to hear over the hum of the crowd.
"It was incredible."
"I'm glad you loved it. Made sure to put holy diver on the set list. The moment Red said she would baby sit. Do you want a drink? I'm going to grab a something to drink?"

"No I'm fine." Sitting down once he left for the bar and instantly met with Nancy in my ear.
"So you and Eddie. You guys like a thing?" Sliding a glance at bar where he stood.
"I'm not sure. We have only been talking."
"Well the way he looks at you. I would say he is crazy about you."

"I don't know. It's kind of complicated. I'm kind of complicated." I replied mumbling. Feeling a hand on between my shoulders I look and see Eddie had come back from the bar. Instead of scooting over to give him room, I stand.
"I should get going. Can't stay out to late with Max watching Will." He nods understanding.
"I'll walk you to your car" he sets down the beer he had just bought following you outside.

"I am so happy I came. I haven't had that much fun in a long time" making conversation walking to the car.

"I'm happy you could. Made it my favorite performance to date." He said as I unlock the car.
"Cara." He said barely above a whisper. Turning to him.

"I-" he started to talk but trailed off. The next Things happened so fast. His hand cradling my face sliding into my hair. Soft lips gently caressing my own. Just as my eyes start to drift close it was over. Opening my eyes to see a gently smile.

"I'm sorry I've been thinking about that for the last week." My heart hammered in my chest.
"Is it alright? That I-" before he could finish his sentence I wrapped my hands around the leather jacket and pulled him down for another kiss. This once lasting longer.

"I've been thinking about it too." I say as I pull away, his thumb gently running over my bottom lip.
"I need to go"
he leaned down for another kiss. Coming up for air he rested his forehead again mine.
"Good night" a soft whisper.
"Good night Eddie"