Teaching | Eddie Munson

The Dance

The Hideout was emptier than usual, an echoing reminder of how life sometimes pulled its patrons away from the bar's comforting embrace. The familiar faces that typically filled the space were absent, as if the regulars had collectively decided to take charge of their lives instead of drowning in weekday drinks. She couldn't decide whether the absence of people made her feel more at ease—free from the prying eyes of strangers—or more unsettled, knowing that the few men who had chosen to show up were likely lost souls, far removed from reality.

What did ease her nerves, however, was the fact that she didn't see Kate behind the bar. That alone was a small relief. Victoria took a seat at a table closest to the band, the hum of their music already weaving a comforting tapestry around her. She exchanged a fleeting glance with the long-haired boy strumming the guitar, a small smile appearing on both of their faces when they eyes met. They must have been halfway through their set, judging by the time on the wall, giving her plenty of songs to lose herself in.

Once the last notes faded, Eddie approached her, a genuine look of surprise lighting up his features. "You didn't say you were coming tonight!" he exclaimed, his voice slightly raised over the lingering echoes of the music as he pulled her in into embrace.

" It would be a sin not to show off my number one fan T-shirt." Victoria replied, her smile wide as she pointed to the shirt Eddie had gifted her for Christmas.

"Number one fan, huh?" Eddie chuckled, glancing around the nearly empty bar with a smirk. "I'd say more like the only fan." he added, his amusement shadowed by a trace of melancholy.

"The only fan?!" Victoria gasped dramatically, her eyes widening in exaggerated shock. "Do you even know what I went through to score front-row tickets to this show?" Her voice dripped with mock indignation. "I had to fight off hordes of your rabid groupies—let me tell you, it was brutal. A little gratitude wouldn't hurt." she teased, crossing her arms and sticking out her bottom lip in a playful pout.

Eddie's soft laughter rumbled as he shook his head. "You're ridiculous, you know that? Such a dork." His eyes lingered on her, the amusement in his expression giving way to something deeper, more intense. "But seriously... you look so cute."

The unexpected tenderness in his voice made her heart skip a beat, and despite herself, Victoria's cheeks flushed. She frowned slightly, trying to downplay the compliment, but as she caught the awestruck look on his face, her resolve crumbled, replaced by a soft smile.

"Cute?" she replied, raising a skeptical eyebrow as she gestured around the dim, rundown bar. "Here? In The Hideout, surrounded by drunks and bad lighting? That's what you call cute?"

Eddie nodded, unfazed. "Yup. You heard me." he said, his grin widening as he took a step closer, his presence warm and reassuring. "Though I'll admit," he added with a shrug, "the scenery could use some improvement." His gaze shifted toward the door before settling back on her. "Wanna get out of here? Change the surroundings?"

Victoria's heart raced as he extended his hand toward her—a silent invitation, simple yet full of promise. She didn't hesitate. Slipping her hand into his, she felt the warmth of his palm close around hers as he gently pulled her toward the exit.

As they stepped into the cool night air of the trailer park, Victoria hesitated before speaking, a soft vulnerability creeping into her voice. "Would you stay with me for a while?" She glanced at him, her heart pounding. It was late, and he must be exhausted, but the thought of being alone in the quiet darkness felt overwhelming. Max was away in California, and Susan was working a night shift, leaving her with an unsettling emptiness. She desperately hoped Eddie would agree to her request, even if just for a little while.