Whatever It Takes

Charming

I tried to focus on the TV screen as Eddie tromped to the kitchen. He picked the phone off the receiver and set it to his ear, dialing a number.

I studied him as he turned away from me, his back to me – had his back always looked that good? It was broad and sinewy, and I could see his muscles through his tight undershirt as he gestured while he spoke. I remember Dustin saying that Eddie had started a new job at a mechanic's shop, I guess it had helped with his muscles. I don't remember his arms looking as toned as they did now, either, how the hell —

I snapped my head back to the TV when Eddie looked over at me. I felt my face heat – why the hell was I thinking about Eddie Munson like that? I cleared my throat, determined to rid myself of those awful thoughts, God, I needed to get laid or something if I was noticing Eddie's new muscles.

I looked over at him once more, cocking my head to the side and trying to glean what he was saying. When was the last time I had seen Eddie? I think it had to have been Thanksgiving – he had crashed our family dinner and needled at me with pointed questions and sniping at me whenever I told a story. He was still spindly and dorky then, so in just a couple months he had built himself up. I would be impressed if we didn't despise each other so much.

"Great news, Bird!" Eddie called out, hanging the phone up and bounding towards me. I rolled my eyes and looked back at the television. He crashed down next to me, and I curled my legs up close to me, trying to create distance between the two of us.

"Jonathan removed you as a groomsman?" I asked, my tone withering.

"You'd never be so lucky," he quipped, poking my side. I glared at him, hoping to set him on fire with my stare. He grinned at me. "We're going over to help make centerpieces today."

"What do you mean 'we'?" I snarked. He propped his feet up on the table and settled back into the couch, somehow getting closer to me. I tried to scoot away from him.

"Well, you wouldn't be a good maid of honor if you made the bride and groom do all the work," he sniped. I glared at him.

"I was going to go shopping with the bride today, you ass—"

"And now we are helping them!" he interrupted. I sighed, closing my eyes and trying to calm down.

"You are a meddling piece of—" I started before Dustin plodded into the room. I was seething silently as he grinned nervously.

"You guys are up early," Dustin greeted. Eddie set a hand on my knee, and I smacked it away unsuccessfully.

"Birdie and I were just talking about what we were going to do today," he chirped, patting my knee. I finally got his presumably grimy hand off my knee and glared at him.

"Your friend is attempting to ruin my plans with my best friend," I snapped. Eddie scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"Bird, we're both supposed to help our friends for their big day, but if you want to just bail on them, I'll go call Jonathan and tell him that you're refusing to assist," Eddie said patronizingly. I bristled, ready to lay into him, but Dustin held his hands up.

"Jesus Christ, Eddie, please stop provoking Dovey, you absolute buffoon," Dustin sighed. I turned to Eddie and grinned wickedly.

"Yeah, you buffoon," I seethed. I stood up, looking directly at Dustin. "I'm going to get cleaned up – your pet better be ready to go to the Wheeler's in an hour."

"Heard you loud and clear, Birdie," Eddie said brightly. I tensed my shoulders and stormed back to my room, slamming my door behind me.

I threw my suitcase around, rummaging through it angrily. I have no idea why Eddie insisted on torturing me. I don't know why he would stay here while I would be here. I don't understand why Dustin insists on still being friends with him. I pulled a sundress out of my bag, gathering my things to go shower.