Origins of Us

5

Eddie eased the truck to a stop in front of his building, a modest structure nestled among a row of similarly unassuming apartments. The building was simple, with weathered brick and a narrow staircase leading up to the entrance. A few potted plants lined the steps, giving the place a touch of homely warmth, though it was clear that its charm lay in its simplicity. Eiry leaned forward slightly, her eyes scanning the building with curiosity. She noticed the faded paint on the window frames, and the worn path that led to the door. As Eddie turned off the engine, he glanced over at Eiry, his gaze lingering on her as she took in her surroundings. There was a quiet intensity in his eyes, a blend of expectation and fondness as he watched her. The moment felt suspended in time. She mesmerized him in so many ways, he could not even find the words yet to explain. Sensing his gaze, Eiry slowly turned her head, meeting his eyes with a soft, knowing smile.

"Spying on me again, Vedder?" Eiry smiled at him. He flushed faintly but smiled cheekily. His dimples prominent on his cheeks. The most adorable smile she could remember.

"I can't help it." He answered in his deep quiet tone that sent shivers all over her.

"I'm beginning to think you might have a crush on me." It was her turn to redden slightly. She knew she would, but she wanted to taunt him.

The words hung in the air, creating a moment of suspended stillness. Eddie's heart tightened, a blend of surprise and warmth flooding through him as he met her gaze. She, too, felt a sudden flutter, the weight of her own words making her pulse quicken. They stared at each other in the intimate quiet of the truck, a thousand thoughts passing between them, the silence binding them together in a way that felt undeniable.

"I might..." He finally responded.

A wave of warmth unfurled within her, a mix of excitement and disbelief that made her chest tighten. His words, simple yet profound, stirred something deep inside, leaving her both exhilarated and unsettled by the notion that the delicate line between fantasy and reality had just blurred.

"People say you're shy..." Eiry ended up smiling though her pulse was racing. "You're not, are you, Ed?"

"Come..." He replied instead.

Eddie stepped out of the truck, the midday sun casting warm shadows on the pavement. Eiry, not waiting for him to come around, opened her own door and stepped out into the light. As she straightened, Eddie was already beside her, and without a word, his fingers gently intertwined with hers. Eiry's smile was small but genuine, and she didn't pull away. The warmth of his hand against hers sent a gentle thrill through her, a quiet rush of connection that grounded her and made her heart flutter all at once. It felt like the beginning of something she hadn't expected but was eager to explore.

"Don't expect nothing fancy." He told her. Fingers still enlaced as he pushed the door of the building open.

"Ed..." She stopped on her tracks, and he stopped too, looking at her. "I don't care."

"It's just that..." Eiry glued the tip of two fingers to his lips and looked into his eyes.

"You don't have to explain anything. I don't care about what your place looks like. I know how much you work to keep it. That's so much more valuable." She gently pulled her fingers away and he nodded, guiding her to the stairs.

"It's the second floor, the elevator doesn't work." He blushed a little while telling her that, but Eiry smiled.

"So, the security of a fancy hotel can't fix it?" She looked at Eddie by the corner of her eyes and saw him smile.

"I'm a security guy..." He then replied while they quietly climbed the stairs. Hand in hand still. Her heart still racing.

"So, you help the ladies... I bet you get a lot of tips..." She kept teasing him. He giggled and looked at her.