Mysteries Unraveled: Rules Broken, Hearts Awoken

What the Fuck?

Eddie's POV

"Maybe I have superpowers." Sam jokes.

She may have some sort of power, it's like I can't leave.

She's joking with me, that's got to be a good sign.

"I miss talking to you." I tell her.

"Me too." She replies with a sad smile.

"Would you ever consider not."
I can't even finish the question and she's shaking her head.

"I know what people think of me, of stripping. It wouldn't change who you think I am, would it?" She asks sadly.

"I'm sorry I ever said those things that night."

"Sorry you said them, but you meant it, didn't you? Cause if you didn't mean it, we could be together right now. But we can't, can we?"
She looks so sad, defeated as she says it.

"It's not you. It's my own issue." I tell her.

"I know, but it doesn't change the fact that you can't be with me because of it."

I want to. I wish I could. I just can't stop the way I feel every time I think of her up there, practically naked, with all those men staring at her.

"Can we at least try being friends? I know I said I'd stay out of your life but, I. I just don't want to lose you completely." I tell her.

I need you.

"I don't either but I don't think that's a good idea." She replies.

"Why not?"

"Because I love you." She says with a sigh. "This. Us. Talking like this right now, it's nice but it's too much for me to be around you and not be us. Maybe that's selfish, but, I can't do it."

Come on, Eddie! Just get over it; tell her you love her and need her in your life!

"Sam, I."

"You guys good?" Steve asks from the top of the steps, interrupting, and I lose my nerve.

"Yeah, I was just leaving." I tell him.

"What were you going to say?" Sam asks.

"Um. Just, I." I can't say it. "Happy birthday. I'm sorry about today, everything. I really, I never meant to hurt you."

Damn it.

She looks sad again. No, disappointed, as she stares at me.

"Oh my god, just kiss her already!" Steve hollers from the top of the stairs.

Damn it, Steve.

"Thanks." She mutters quietly and starts back up the stairs when I just stare at her.

Fuck. That was my chance, why didn't I take it?

Steve shakes his head at me and heads down to me once Sam passes him.

"You missed it." He tells me.

"I know. I was going to, but. She's right, I can't be with her anymore. Not while she's doing stuff with other guys."

"She never cheated on you, man."

"I meant her work."

"I know but it's just work."

"She was your girlfriend, you'd really be ok with that? Her taking her clothes off for other men? Dancing for them?" I ask him.

"I don't know, but I'm not the one that's in love with her. You are still in love with her, aren't you?"