Welcome To Hawkins

16

"I like him," Gam Gam pushes the chopped lettuce off the cutting board and into the glass salad bowl, "He's a real keeper."

"You think so?" I'm determined to keep my expression neutral, eyes trained on the cucumber Gam Gam had instructed me to chop. My curiosity is peaked by her warm enthusiasm.

Gam Gam loved a lot of things, she was kind and sweet, and she never lied. She must actually like Eddie. The thought terrifies me. What if I break my family's hearts when the inevitable "break up" happens? If he wasn't so... charming and sweet-- and kind of perfect in every way I could possibly want...

"Yes. What does he do for a living, dear?"

Panic sinks icy cold in my stomach. We hadn't decided on a cover story for what fake Eddie did for a living.

"Uhm--" I can't just say he's in a band and makes up the difference by bartending! No chance in hell my family would be sympathetic to his musical endeavors or even consider playing guitar in a band a job. Even if he spends the same energy and dedication on Corroded Coffin as anyone in a 9-5 office job. And he's talented and passionate about music--

"Well, Eddie bartends, Gam Gam. At a restaurant." It's the first thing I can think of. And, really, it's not a lie. More of a fabrication of the truth. The bar serves some food sometimes. It's sort of a restaurant.

"Oh..." Gam Gam smiles to herself.

Suddenly, I'm compelled to defend the lack of pizazz his part-time job offers, "Really, he makes good money. People are always very generous when tipping and-- well, he's also a musician. But don't tell my dad that. Eddie's really good. He has gigs almost every weekend..." I take a deep breath.

"A musician?" This seems to have piqued Gam Gam's interest.

I nod, "Guitar. And vocals-- and sometimes writing. He's very talented, but it's a hard business, you know?"

Gam Gam nods, "You know your grandfather played guitar when he was young. He wrote me a song while attempting to get me to go out with him. Oh, (y/n). He had such a crush on me," Gam Gam laughs, her eyes flooded with memories, "So doting. And the jealousy when another boy asked me to the prom. It was endearing how he got all flustered over this boy... I'd gone on one date with him, and Grandpa acted like I'd accepted a proposal from this other boy."

"You know I love that story," I smile.

"And someday, you'll have your own story to tell. Maybe even this one about this Eddie."

The idea that the moment I met Eddie would be something I tell my grandchildren sounds nice... except that won't happen. I have to stop living in this fantasy as if it's real.

"Maybe it will be," I turn away from my grandmother, embarrassed for many reasons. Some I can't wrap my head around, if I'm being honest.

***

Eddie's talking to one of my uncles when I return to the backyard, the fresh salad bowl in my hands.

"Hi, baby," I set the bowl down on the picnic table, coming to stand at Eddie's side.

"(y/n)!" Uncle Rob side hugs me, "How have you been?"

"I've been good! How about you? Still running Muncie Mechanics?"

Uncle Rob grins, "Naturally. I'll be running that old shop till my final breath, most likely. How's the city? You're still living with that roommate-- what's her name? Cindy? Linda?"

I shake my head no, "No, Amy moved out a year ago. She got married, remember?"

My uncle nods, pretending he remembers the forgettable Amy. She'd only visited Hawkins once with me when we were too broke to afford a real vacation.

"But you're still in the same apartment?" He questions further, "Alone?"

"Oh!" I glance at Eddie, "Yes, I live alone now."

Uncle Rob's eyes flick to Eddie like he doesn't quite believe me. He doesn't ask the questions he's obviously thinking, thank god.

"I was just talking to your fella. Real nice boy," Uncle Rob whispers the last part to me, emphasizing his approval with a wink.

I laugh, pulling Eddie closer to my body. His warm brown eyes meet mine as I say, "He is, isn't he?"

Something about this shared look is so... intimate. He looks so handsome, curls framing his face angelically.

"So," Uncle Rob clears his throat, "How long have you been together?"

I blink, looking back at my uncle. Eddie beats me to the answer, "Eight months."

Uncle Rob nods, "I'm not going to be like your aunt and ask all those... well, you know, questions. But, it was nice to meet you. Hopefully," he looks at me, "we'll see you around again soon."

He pats Eddie on the shoulder and walks toward another group with a smile.

I turn my body toward Eddie, wrapping my arms around his neck. I grin, "So, you're sure making good impressions with everyone."

His hands find my waist, settling comfortably, "Much to my surprise."

Rolling my eyes playfully, I reply, "It's no surprise to me."