"Broads like that are up to no good! They'll just-""Why do you care? I cut Steve off by asking. Sylvia had just tried coming on to me and now Steve was lecturing me on girls.
I liked Steve, more than just buddies, and I wasn't ashamed to admit that I was getting my hopes a little high in thinking why he had gone off on Sylvia.
Okay, so I was very ashamed, but I was trying not to let that show. Apparently that questioned stumped Steve because he was silent for a second. "You're my buddy, Johnny, course I care." I nodded, probably looking more disappointed than I should. Of course that's why he cares. I'm just Johnny, Johnnycakes, the gangs pet; why would anyone like Steve even look at me?
"Why?" I looked up, confused as to what he meant. He noticed my look and elaborated, "Why do you like me?" I froze, how does he know? I looked up at him and he didn't look mad or disgusted, he looked genuinely curious.
"I see the way you look at me, Johnny, the lingering and longing stares; what did I do to make you like me?" I considered brushing it off for a few seconds, Steve would go along with it, I knew he would. But, maybe I should take this chance; he doesn't look like he's about to punch me.
"I don't know." I answered honestly. "I don't know why I love you, yes Steve, I love you! I don't know if it's the way your eyes practically dance when you're excited, I don't know if it's because you can spend hours on your hair but mess it up the first chance you get, I don't know if it's because even though you try to hide behind anger and hatred you are the most caring person I've ever met! I don't know Steve! I don't!" I dropped my voice down to a whisper; I didn't realize I had been shouting. I looked down at my feet, embarrassed by my outburst. I felt a hand under my chin and I looked up to see Steve's jade green eyes staring at me in astonishment.
"Golly, Johnny, I didn't know you cared so much." He whispered and I shrugged, why did it matter? He licked his lips nervously, "I've never thought about being with a guy before, and I've never thought about being with you before. But I think I'm willing to try."
My eyes widened, what was he saying? Steve sighed and ran a hand through his hair; he looked like he was choosing his words carefully.
"I don't know what I did to warrant your love, I mean I'm Steve Randle! How could someone as light and pure as you love me?" He put up a hand when I opened my mouth to protest, "No, let me finish. I don't know what I did. But if someone like you can love me, ME, I sure as hell know I can learn to love someone like you. I wanna be with you, Johnny."
I was speechless; Steve wanted to be with me? Slowly I nodded, "Okay." I whispered and his eyes danced, just like they did when he was excited.
"Okay, so, what do ya say Johnnycakes, wanna go to the Nightly Double with me tomorrow?" I grinned up at him and nodded, he smiled back and lowered his head towards mine; stopping an inch away from my lips, giving me time to pull away.
I did just the opposite, the kiss was sort; just a pressing of the lips. It was perfect. We walked back to the Curtis's with our hands interlocked between us and both of our eyes dancing.