Teaching | Eddie Munson

The Offer

"All I'm saying is that you could really use some distraction from work, home, work, work, home, Max's mom treating you like shit, more work... I can do this all day, so unless you want me to go on, just finally say yes" Robin rambled, her voice animated as she strolled beside Victoria.

Victoria, unfazed, kept her gaze forward, her long strides purposeful as she walked towards her car. "And I'm telling you that you can keep talking until you're out of breath, and I still won't agree." Her voice was flat, but there was a hint of a smirk playing on her lips, as if she found Robin's persistence almost endearing.

Robin huffed, her lips curving into a playful pout. "Come on, it's Steve! You know how much he loves you, he'd even ditch one of his dates for you and you're actually debating whether to go or not? It's not even a party, just a small social gathering."

"Exactly. It's Steve." Victoria replied with a knowing laugh, finally glancing at her friend. "If he claims it's a small gathering, it means he's invited the entire town. He probably dropped his address to every person who stepped into Family Video the second they walked through the door."

Robin rolled her eyes, throwing her hands up in mock exasperation. "But I'll be there too! You're breaking my heart, Vic." she whined, her face contorting into a sad puppy expression, complete with wide eyes and a pitiful pout.

Victoria couldn't suppress the chuckle that slipped out. "I'll think about it." she sighed, finally giving in, though her tone was reluctant. "But I really have to go now." She pulled her keys from her bag and got into her car, offering Robin a quick wave before driving away.

It had been two weeks since Victoria visited Billy's grave, and though she'd never admit it aloud, that visit marked a turning point. The nightmares that used to grip her night after night had lessened, their suffocating weight lifting from her subconscious. Even her social life seemed to be improving—she had actually started enjoying her time with her friends, a stark contrast to her usual reclusive habits. It felt oddly comforting to gather without the impending doom of some otherworldly creature threatening their lives.

Despite the positive shift, Victoria's life still remained largely tethered to her work. While others her age were likely spending their evenings hanging out or attending parties, she found herself in the cozy, dimly-lit aisles of a local bookstore. The shop had an old-world charm, its air thick with the scent of worn paper and leather-bound books. As an assistant, her tasks were humble—stacking books, organizing shelves, and occasionally helping clueless customers who wandered in aimlessly. It wasn't glamorous, but it was a quiet refuge she appreciated.

Two hours into her shift, Victoria stood by a lopsided sales container, methodically filling it with books that had long been gathering dust, when a familiar voice interrupted her concentration.

"Is there any place in this town that you don't work at?" Eddie's voice rang out from behind her, laced with amusement.

Victoria spun around, her eyes narrowing at the sight of him. He leaned against a nearby shelf, his signature smirk firmly in place, clearly enjoying the surprise he'd sparked.

"Not everyone can make their money dealing drugs, you know?" she shot back, her voice laced with mock irritation. "Some of us, mere mortals, actually have regular jobs. Some of us even work multiple jobs, so here I am. Guilty as charged." She raised her hands in a gesture of sarcastic surrender before folding them tightly across her chest, her eyes narrowing as she gave him a judgmental once-over.

Eddie's grin only widened, his eyes gleaming with mischief, clearly unfazed.

"And what's your excuse?" she continued, arching an eyebrow. "Is there anywhere in this town you wouldn't go just to stalk me?"