The Drive-In

21

It's Tuesday night, and Eddie hasn't heard a peep from Steve since he yelled at him down the phone. He hasn't seen Steve since he threw those guitar picks at him, which Eddie had initially thought were special editions due to the big S and E on them, one of which he'd been playing with tonight and was currently twiddling around his fingers. In fact, Eddie's had no indication of Steve since the rose and module mid-last week.

Maybe he'd finally given up? The prospect of which made Eddie a little sad, but ultimately perhaps it was for the best.

Eddie knows he could call, but he isn't ready. He was scared. Scared because he wasn't good at hiding his big feelings. Which meant either he didn't pursue this and forget it happened, which he was loathed to admit was eating him alive, or call Steve, apologise, and hide it from and lie to his friends, which Eddie knew was nearly impossible.

Something was going to give soon because it was too much for Eddie to shoulder. He had enough on his mind.

"You alright, dude? Still thinking about last week?" Gareth asks

Eddie doesn't waste any energy denying it, "I'll be ok, just you know, it gets in my head every now and then. It will pass."

Gareth looks Eddie up and down, looks around and asks kindly, "You sure you don't wanna talk about it, dude? That chick turning out to be a stalker must have been a headache, "

Eddie tries to get back to be usual self and out of his thoughts again. "Well, who could blame her, right? Look at me, carved by the gods, charisma at max modifier, master guitarist. She didn't stand a chance, right?" Eddie laughs and gives Gareth a huge grin.

"Wait, is this the same girl that caused the ice cream therapy?" Jeff asks, confused, and gets a sharp elbow in the ribs from Gareth

"What I mean is, I feel like it's weighing on you, even in your playing tonight and last week. You still killed it out there, but it wasn't...Eddie...Like someone turned down your volume, you know?" Gareth says with genuine concern.

"Nah, man, I'm good. Maybe I need to practice a bit more?"

All three of the band turn and raise their eyebrows at Eddie in disbelief. He knew it was a stupid excuse. He practised harder than anyone. Eddie sighs in defeat.

"Just I really liked her, but it turned out all wrong...Look, It's all too weird. I wish I could explain, but I can't. " Eddie replies

"What do you mean, dude? You feel like you can't tell us something?" Paul asks

Eddie just looks awkwardly at him.

"Aw, man. That's on us. There ain't anything you couldn't tell us, Ed. We're not just friends or a band. We're brothers. That you, Eddie, collected and protected. We got you. For life." Jeff says, throwing an arm around Eddie.

Eddie swallows the lump in his throat, "Nah, man, you guys are the best friends anyone could ask for. I will tell you, I promise, but I just need a little time. I'm still working through things myself. It's a real mind fuck."

"Hey man, no pressure. Just know we're here for you when you're ready." Jeff says, patting Eddie on the back.

Eddie nods, "Yeah, totally...Drinks?" He suggests, mainly to change the subject, and they head through to the bar, Eddie buys a round of cokes, and they sit in a booth together.

"I can't believe our set was cut short for a new open mic night!" Gareth complains

"You just know it's gonna be some folk, bullshit", Paul adds.

Eddie looks around, and there certainly are a few more people. A few small groups of girls, a few extra pairs that he assumed were duos and a few ancient bearded guys with guitars.