AN:Hey guys, thanks for being so patient with this next chapter. Hayley and I worked very hard on it, so we hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 4 -Getting to Know You Better
Mike smiled, as he pulled up in front of El's apartment building. El was so excited and pumped about seeing Mike's play. She had never really been to a play since high school, so this was going to be a treat.
"What me to go get Pamela and eggo?" She asked.
Mike looked worried, "I will go with you!" He got out opening her door for her. El looked up at him and took his hand. She knew he was concerned about her pervy neighbors. She felt safe with Mike, even though she was used to the Perverts that lived in the apartment building. But, she still hated them. Mike helped her out, walking her inside cautiously. El smiles at him, she thought it was sweet how he was being protective of her.
Pamela sits on the couch with Eggo watching "Mamas family " "Hey! what are you all doing back so soon?"
El walks in holding her flowers she sets them on the table. "Hey Pam, Mike has a ticket for you to go to the play and he said Eggo could tag along with us!"
Mike smiled, petting Eggo then looking up at them. "Yeah, you interested?"
umm, but I don't want to crowd your date." Pamela said.
"But, you won't be. A lot of people will be there, I'm sure and the ticket should go to someone." El explained.
"But what about your ticket?" Pamela asked.
Mike smiled, "She is my special guest! She doesn't need a ticket!" El blushed when he said that. Pamela smiles at them.
"Aww how nice for Eleanor." Pamela said. I would love to go, I'm not dressed up or anything though." Pamela frowned.
Mike smiled thinking about how they could get her there without him being late. "I have a friend that could probably give you a ride to your house, then to the play. What do you say?"
"oh, you do?" Pamela asked. are you sure they won't mind getting me?"
He smiled, "I will call him now. El could I use your phone?"
El nods. "there is one of the kitchen, you are welcome to use it." Mike walked into the kitchen dialing Steve the actor that was in the play he was the writer for. Steve was going over his lines in his apartment. When the phone rang he walked over to it.
"This this is so exciting girl I can't believe you're a special guest". He must really like you Eleanor." Pamela gushed.
El's checks immediately turned red. "I think he does... and I like him too."
Steve picked up the phone, "Hello?"
Mike smiled, "Hey, Steve"
"so, you are in like with him?" Pamela said. El nodded and giggled. She definitely liked Mike. It was crazy how fast she was developing feelings, for this man she just met.
"He's just so amazing, he took me to a nice restaurant and even paid for my meal. El beamed.
"Wow, last time I was on a date I had to pay for his meal. let's say I never went out with that fool again." Pamela chuckled. Mike seems like a real gentleman."
Steve smiled, "It's your Mr. Wheeler, need something?"
Mike smiled, "You up for a date with a nice girl?"
"He is... He he really is." El smiled.
"I am a little nervous, about this guy coming to pick me up." Pamela said.
"He is a friend of Mike's, if he's anything like him, I am sure it will be fine." El assured her.
Steve smiled, "Oh, I haven't dated anyone for a while... I will give it a shot, Mr. Wheeler! Where do I pick her up?"
Mike smiled, giving him the address.
Pamela nodded. "you are probably right. ok I gotta get out of these clothes and get into something a little nicer. Mind if I borrow a dress?"
"What's mine is yours?" El smiled. help yourself to anything."
Steve smiled, "On my way, thanks for this."
Mike nodded, "You're welcome."
"Thanks girl." Pamela smiled and rushes back to El's bedroom.
Mike smiled hanging up, walking in to the living room. "He is on his way!" Steve got in his car and headed that way.
El smiled. "alright, Pam is just freshening up."
Mike smiled, "He is a nice guy Steve, he is the male lead in my play!"
Steve he was almost there he turned on the radio, Mariah Carey came on he was jamming.
El nods. "That's nice, I know he will treat my girl right."
Pamela walks back in the living room wearing a black dress. "Does this look ok?'"
El nods. "You look beautiful."
Mike blushed feeling bad for looking at her when she came out he turned away. Steve knocked on the door.
Pamela smiled "Thanks." She blushed hearing the door knock.
"Oh, that must be your friend Mike." El said. "I'll get it." She walked over unlocking the door letting him in. "Hello there. please come in."
Mike nodded, "Yes, I am sure it is..."
Steve smiled, "Hello, you must be El!"
"Yes, I must be." El giggled. Mike must've told you about my nickname already. "
Steve smiled, "Yeah, this man won't stop talking about you!" He patted Mikes back. Mike smiled blushing.
El smiled blushing as well. "This is my friend Pamela. she will be your date for this evening."
Pamela smiled big at him, a little nervous. "Yeah! nice to meet you. what's your name?" She giggled.
Steve smiled blushing looking at how beautiful Pamela was. "Woah! You are gorgeous! I am Steve!" Steve smiled. Mike smiled.
Pamela smiled, and giggled a little. "Aww so are you, Steve!"
"Well, we don't want to be late, is everyone ready to go?" El asked getting Eggo's leash.
Steve smiled blushing, "Oh sorry we better go, are you ready?"
Mike smiled, "I am..."
El puts the leash on Eggo. "Ok then, let's go to Mike's play!"
Mike walked out with her, holding her hand.
Steve reached out his hand to Pamela. "Can I hold your hand?"
El held Mike's hand and walked out with him as she walked Eggo out.
Pamela smiled, thinking he was. really sweet. "Sure!"
Mike smiled, "Awh, Eggo!" Steve smiled taking her hand and walking her outside.
Mike smiled, "That's good... Rosie... My old dog I told you about she didn't like them she would have panic attacks...
Steve smiled at her, "Chandler, the lead male role!"
El frowns. "Aww you must've really loved her. I bet she was a good dog."
"Ooh the leading man." Pamela smiled as she approached the car.
Mike frowned. " I did she was a good girl..."
Steve blushed smiled. "I can help you in if you would like?"
Pamela smiled and nods. "Such a gentleman. yes please." Steve smiled and helped her into his car passenger seat closing the door. Then getting in the driver's seat.
El frowned. "I am so sorry Mike, you must've really loved her. She was lucky to have a good friend like you."
Pamela smiled getting excited about the play and enjoying Steve's company so far.
Mike frowned tears in his eyes, "Thank you..."
El rubs his shoulder. "Its ok Mike."
Steve smiled, turning the radio on Mariah Carey was playing again. "Yes, another good song! You like?"
Pamela smiles big. "Yes! I adore her." She is mad talented.
Steve smiled, "Yes she is!"
Pamela smiles, she thought Steve seemed like a really genuine person.
Mike frowned, trying to get his mind of it. " We better just go..." He helped her and Eggo in the car before getting in himself.
El frowned feeling sad For Mike. She hated to see him in any type of pain.
Steve looked down, "I haven't been on a date for a very long time..."
Pamela was in shock a little, Steve was a very good looking man and seemed like a gentlemen. Any girl would be lucky to be his friend, or go on a date with him. "really?" She asked. "That's no big deal, dating can be hard at times."
Steve frowned, "Yeah... She cheated on me..."
"Damn, that is cold." Pamela sighed.
El looked out the window happily.
Mike smiled, "Eggo, is so cute watch her she really does love it!"
Steve pulled off the road, quickly taking of his jacket handing it to her before pulling back on the road. He turned the heat on low.
"Yeah these cold Chicago nights.' Pamela said, trying to think of ways to keep the conversation going.
Steve frowned still thinking about the dating thing. "Yeah, sorry my mind isn't where it should be... Its rude of me..."
El holds Eggo, smiling. "yes, she is my baby. She has helped me through some hard times."
Mike smiled, "I am sure she has..."
El pets her softly. "yes, when I first moved into my apartment I saw her running around outside of the building. She she was just a little puppy. someone abandoned the poor thing." she frowned.
Pamela shook her head. "nah, you are fine, it's not rude. So, you are an actor?"
Steve smiled thinking about acting, "Yes, I am the number one broadway actor in Chicago!"
"ooh that is really nice." Pamela said. I am just a diner girl and it's a thrill a minute." She hated her job personally but working with El made it somewhat bearable.
Mike frowned, "That is awful, but now she is with the person made for her!"
"Yes, we were meant to find each other. She is like my child." El smiles big. "My baby Eggo." She kissed her.
Steve frowned, "I am so sorry... That has to be a tiring job, huh?
Pamela nods. "yes it is. It sucks having to wait on people hand and foot and be cussed out."
Mike smiled as he approached the theatre. El smiled brightly looking at the outside of the theater.
Steve frowned, "That really happens?"
"Yes, daily." Pamela said. It really hurt my feelings at first, but now I am used to it. I still hate it though."
Mike smiled, "This the main street Broadway theatre, have you ever been her before?"
El shook her head. "No, but I have always wanted to."
Steve shook his head, "You shouldn't have to deal with that..."
"No one really should." Pamela sighed.
Mike smiled, "Today is your lucky day!"
El smiled excitedly. "I am so excited!"
Steve frowned, "Is there anyway I can help? He asked concerned.
"Aww that is sweet of you." Pamela smiled. But I will be alright."
Mike smiled getting out helping El and Eggo out. "It is exciting."
El smiled. "Yes it sure is."
Steve frowned, he wanted to help so much. Pamela really could tell he was a sweetheart, she couldn't wait to get to know him better.
Mike smiled, as they walked in the big doors to the right there was a stair case. "Up here is my office!"
El smiled big in total fascination. she thought it was so gorgeous inside. "Okay!"
Steve smiled, "So do you like to sing? I love to..."
Pamela nods. "Yes my friend El and I love to sing. I bought her a karaoke karaoke machine for her birthday, and we use it all the time."
Steve smiled, "Oh, really? That's interesting!"
"Yes, singing is my passion. Just call me the singing waitress." Pamela giggled.
Mike smiled, walking up the stairs unlocking his big office. El smiled looking around. Mike smiled at her, "Eggo, you can play in here..." He frowned going to the cabinet on the wall it was full of dog toys and other things. "These were Rosie's you can use them Eggo..."
El smiled and set Eggo down. "aww this is really nice Mike. Thanks, she is going to love it."
Steve blushed, loving getting to know her. Pamela smiled glancing over at Steve. "So, are you from here?"
Mike smiled, now seeing Eggo with the toys. Eggo happily plays with her toys. El giggled. "She sure is enjoying it Mike. She loves to be spoiled."
Steve looked down, "I am actually from Hawkins, Indiana it's a small little town on the big map... You probably haven't heard of it..."
Pamela thinks. "oh, isn't that where Mike is from. I think Eleanor mentioned something like that." So, did you like it there?"
Mike smiled, thinking of the good memories with Rosie his pup, "I am glad you like them, Eggo!"
El smiles at Mike. "thanks for being so kind to her. she is special to me."
Steve nodded, "Yeah, that's where I grew up and met Mike. It had its benefits unlike the city it was quiet."
"Yeah, I lived in California, but my family moved to Chicago when i was 15 and I met Eleanor in high school and we have been friends ever since? Pamela said. we're you two friends growing up?"
Mike smiled, "She is special! You're welcome!"
El hugs him. "you are so sweet."
Steve frowned thinking about it, "Actually, I dated his sister... She was the only girl, I ever dated I was so good to her... And she used me she was cheated on me with another guy... I met Mike when he was an adult, so we have been friends a good year."
Pamela frowns. "oh my god... that is so shitty to do someone like that. I am sorry Steve. It's good you are not with someone like that." She couldn't understand why someone would cheat on him.
Mike blushed brightly, El smiled and looked at him.
Steve frowned, "Thank you..."
"I dated a guy in high school, but it was like puppy love, it wasn't that serious." Pamela giggled. And I dated a guy, right out of school. I really loved him, but he fell out of love with me." She frowned.
Mike smiled, "Eggo, will be okay, we should go and see more of the theatre. What do you think?"
El nodded. "Yes, I would love to. See what it all looks like."
Steve frowned, "Awe... I hate that..." Then he smiled and looked at her locking eyes with her, "I know you will find someone who will never fall out of love. With your beautiful smile, your eyes bright and gorgeous!" He blushed realizing what he said.
Pamela blushed when he said that to her. "Aww you a doll, Steve. And the same goes for you... and your hair is gorgeous. Who does it?"
Mike smiled, "Alright!"
El petted Eggo. "You hang out in here, mommy will be back. Please don't think I am weird for talking to my dog." She giggled.
Mike frowned, "No, I would never... I always talked to Rosie... It's almost like she could understand me..."
Steve smiled blushing, "Me..."
"You do a good job, man." Pamela giggled.
El smiled loving that they there were a lot alike in Many ways, especially their love for animals. "I feel that way about Eggo."
Mike smiled, "Awh, I can tell."
Steve smiled, "Thank you... I gel it..."
"You gel it well." Pamela giggled at her own little joke.
El smiles at him. "Okay, I am ready for my theatre tour." She giggled.
Mike smiled, taking her hand. El smiled, holding his hand.
Steve smiled and giggled with her, as they pulled up to the theatre. Pamela smiled. "I actually have been here a few times. My dad and I love the plays here."
Mike walked her down to the main doors again before heading forward. El smiled holding his hand walking with him.
Steve smiled, "Really? We should bring him out for one sometime!"
Pamela smiled. "yeah he would like that."
Mike smiled. "This is the honor hall..." He pointed to the wall there was a big portrait of him. "There's me!"
El smiled, looking at it. "aww you look so cute. this is really nice "
Steve smiled parking and getting out. He walked to her side helping her out. "So, he is a Broadway fanatic huh?"
Pamela gets out. "yes, he is. When my mom died, he felt so alone... and we started going to these plays, he really enjoyed them "
Mike blushed bright red, "Oh really, you think so?"
El nodded, blushing a little.
Steve smiled, "That's sad, but plays have that effect on people! I would love to meet him sometime!"
"aww I am sure. he's like to meet you too. " Pamela smiled.
Mike blushed more, smiling thinking about her compliment. El took a chance and kissed his cheek suddenly.
Steve smiled taking her hand and walking her inside, "Is this okay?"
"My hand is yours to hold." Pamela giggled.
Mike turned hot red as she kissed his cheek. El giggled at how cute he looked.
Steve smiled, and grasped it tightly looking into her eyes. Pamela holds his hand walking into the theatre with him.
Mike cleared his throat, "So, uhm, you want to take a look back stage?"
"Yes, I would love to." El beamed.
Steve smiled, "What do you think?"
Pamela smiled. "I love it here, it's always so pretty "
Mike smiled walking her up the aisle way to the stage.
El smiled at how big the theatre is. "whoa! this place is huge."
Steve smiled, "Yes, it is..."
Pamela giggled. "how many plays you be in?"
Mike smiled, "Yes, it is, and the feeling of the crowd clapping rocks this whole room. And I love the way my heart feels when I see that I have accomplished something as big as this..." He got into the moment he looked up.
El could tell how passionate he was about his work. "Must be an amazing feeling Mike."
Steve smiled. "10, it would be way more but when you get chosen for a play here. The same show plays 2 nights a week, for 8 weeks.
Pamela. "whoa, you must work really hard."
Steve smiled, "Yeah... I stay tired."
Mike smiled blushing, "It is very rewarding!"
El smiled listening to him. "It's nice that you found something in life that you are so passionate about."
"I would say so, when do you ever find the time to relax?" Pamela asked.
Steve smiled, "I have 3 days where I can take a break"
"I am sure it is a lot of hard work, it takes a special person to be able to put all this together." El complemented him.
"Hmm, well maybe on one of those days you are off, maybe we can chill." Pamela giggled.
Steve smiled, "I would love too!"
El smiled and looked around. "So, when is show-time?"
Mike smiled, "Soon!" He led her into the rooms. "These are the warm up rooms."
Pamela looks at him and smiles. "It's a date!"
Steve smiled, "Can't wait..."
"They are really nice, Mike." El smiled. How many stories have you actually written?"
Mike smiled, "A lot, but only finished 4."
Steve smiled. Pamela was drawing a blank. She had no idea what to conversate about. She looked down at the floor.
"That is good though, I can't imagine how hard it is to write a story. But, I have written songs. I actually have a full journal of song lyrics that I have wrote." El told him.
Mike smiled, "Could I read them sometime?" He beamed.
El couldn't believe he would actually want to read it, no one else really had before. She had wrote most of the songs during a very dark period in her life, when her adoptive mother died of cancer, when she was separated from her adoptive sister, and when she was adopted by Dr. Brenner. Living with him was a total nightmare, and many of the songs she wrote were during the time she lived with him. "That aren't really that good, Mike."
Mike frowned, "I am sure they are..."
Steve smiled, "Come and see the stage with me?"
Pamela looked up at him, smiling softly. "Sure."
El blushed a little. "Well thank-you, and you will have to let me read your stories."
Mike smiled, "Of course."
Steve walked her up the main aisle.
Pamela smiles walking down the aisle with him. "wow, it looks even bigger in here when it's empty."
El smiles softly at him. Mike smiled at her.
Steve smiled, "Yeah, I get why you would say that! It feels good when you are on stage looking at the crowd.
"Do you ever get nervous, or stage fright?" Pamela questioned. Man, I know I would. Every time I come here there is a big crowd of people."
El looks lovingly in his eyes. Mike blushed, "I uhm..."
El moved closer to him. "Yes?"
Steve smiled. "Yeah, sometimes..."
"But, that is a good thing, right?" Pamela asked.
Mike suddenly kissed her lips romantically.
El blushed as she kissed his lips back softly.
Steve nodded, "Not always... But yeah sometimes..."
"It means that you truly love what you do." Pamela said.
Mike smiled, backing up fast hoping he didn't slip up kissing her.
El blushed and smiled softly at him. "wow... that was nice. Thank-you." She blushed more, then thought she sounded stupid for saying thank-you to him for kissing her.
Steve smiled, "I do, one day I see you sing on this stage!" He giggled, "What do you think? Will that come true?"
Pamela giggled. "I don't know, Eleanor is a much better sing than I am."
Mike giggled, "You are so cute..." He blushed.
El blushed even more. "thanks. I don't really know why I keep thanking you." She giggled.
Steve smiled, "Want to sing something? Any song you want, I can play on this DJ sound system! There is the mic.." He pointed excited to hear her.
Pamela started to get nervous, and she shook her head. "No, I can't."
Mike smiled, "You're welcome... It's okay, I love seeing you blush."
El smiled softly. "It's that noticeable huh? I blushed so much, my cheeks feel like they are in fire." She giggled.
Steve smiled, "Come on, it's just me and the microphone!"
Pamela thought it was a sweet gesture, she was just too nervous. "Sorry Steve, I just can't "
Mike giggled,"Mmhmm, I can't get enough..." He shook his head.
"I've never met someone like you Mike. Never, you are so kind." El smiled, complimenting him.
Steve smiled, "What about a duet?"
"A Duet?" Pamela giggled. Do you sing?"
Mike froze looking at her lips, "Huh?" He blushed nervously.
El giggled. "I said, I've never met someone like you. You are a very special person."
Steve smiled and clapped his hands, "Sure do! So, what do you say?"
Pamela blushed and chuckled. "oh, what the hell, let's sing!"
Mike looked at her again, "Awh, wow, I feel the same way... Sorry, I was just thinking about the kiss..."
El smiled softly. "It was nice, I really liked it." When Mike kissed her, it was like fireworks went off and all the butterflies in the world were flapping around in her stomach.
Steve smiled, "Come on!" He set the sound board to play (Hero, by, Mariah Carey)
Pamela turned red grabbing the mic. "oh gosh." She giggled more.
Mike smiled blushing, and spontaneously got close wrapping his arms around his waist pulling her in kissing deeply. El blushed uncontrollably, kissing him back. She absolutely loved the feeling of his lips pressed against hers.
Steve smiled at her. Grabbing his mic and began singing with her. Pamela started singing with him, still red in the face.
Mike blushed deepening the kiss a little longer before pulling himself back. "Sorry... to uhmm.. Over step..."
El shook her head. "No, don't be sorry. I-I know we just met, but I feel like I've known you all my life."
Steve sang and danced around her. Pamela giggled at him, having a good time as she continued to sing. He was so fun, and care-free. She really liked that about him.
Mike smiled, "That's funny, I do too!"
"I just feel this sense of maybe we knew each other in a past life." El smiled softly.
Steve giggled as he danced pretending he was pulling a rope and reeling her in to him playfully. Pamela giggled uncontrollably, she was getting absolutely tickled.
Mike smiled, "I believe that is very possible... Or in another dimension or something..." He giggled. "I bet, and I bet Mike was very happy to have met you..."
El nods. "Out of all the people I could have waited on the other day at the diner and I'm glad it was you."
Steve pulled her up and wrapped his arms around her waist. Not thinking he kissed her cheek. Pamela blushed, and she kissed him suddenly.
Mike blushed, "Me too, I couldn't be happier... You are so beautiful!"
El blushed and reached for his hand. "You are very beautiful too."
Steve backed up having flash backs of Nancy and had tears in his eyes. He stopped the music. "Uhm... Sorry... I need to go to the restroom..." He ran to the backstage restroom.
Pamela looked down and frowned. She felt she did something wrong. She was having such a great time with Steve.
Mike smiled, "I feel like you are sent from God himself to make me happy again..." El teared up a bit and hugged him tightly not wanting to let go of him.
Steve cried walking into the bathroom looking into the mirror. Pamela sat down, feeling terrible. She was concerned about Steve.
Mike hugged her loving being lost in the moment with her. El smiled feeling so safe and secure in his arms.
Steve wiped his tears and tried to calm himself down. "What are you doing, Steve?" Pamela started crying, not really wanting to be there anymore.
Mike kissed her cheek, "I really like you, El."
El blushed. "Y-you do?" She liked him too but was shocked to hear him say that he liked her back. Her ex-boyfriend Brad told her the exact same thing before they started dating, and it was all an act, but she could tell Mike was sincere.
Steve walked out with his eyes and nose all red. "Sorry, Pam..." He rubbed his neck nervously.
Pamela looked up at him. "what happened to you?"
Mike looked down, "Yes... You okay?" He noticed something off about her. Like she had alot on her mind he frowned.
El did have a lot of her mind, but she nodded. "Yes, I am fine Mike. I like you too." She giggled and blushed.
Steve frowned, "I was just..." He cried uncontrollably trying to lie to her.
Pamela had a look of concern on her face. "Did I do something wrong?"
Mike smiled again, "Awh!" He kissed her nose.
El giggled and kissed his nose back, noticing his freckles. "aww how cute."
Steve shook his head, "It's not you... It's me..."
Pamela looked down. "I-I don't understand."
Mike smiled blushing, "You are cuter!"
El blushed more and leaned in close to his face. "Are you real? I just keep feeling like I am in this magical dream."
Steve frowned, "While we were singing... I was thinking about Nancy... The girl who cheated on me... She is the only girl I have ever dated... I am still having trouble... I am so sorry..." He cried putting his hand over his eyes not looking at her embarrassed.
Pamela frowned and comforted him rubbing his shoulder. "I didn't mean to make you feel that way Steve. I'll just call a cab home."
Mike giggled, "Of course, beautiful, you are so adorable!" He kissed her cheek gently.
El giggled more. "So, what time does the show start? I can't wait to see the action!"
Steve shook his head, "Please... No, could you give me another chance... I have been through a lot, but I really like you... Sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable..."
Pamela smiled at him. "No need to apologize to me, I was just concerned about you. of course, I will give you a chance."
Mike smiled, "An hour! But it's about 10 minutes until dress rehearsal!"
El smiled, getting more excited. "I'm sure people will start piling in her soon."
Steve smiled, "Thank you..." Pamela gave him a warm smile.
Mike nodded. "Soon enough..." He was so nervous thinking about it. It was opening night for his new play. The critics will either love it or hate it.
El nodded. "I want to go check on eggo."
Steve hugged her. Pamela hugged him back, smiling.
Mike smiled, "We can!" He took her hand gently.
El took his hand. "I just want to make sure she is ok, before the show starts."
Steve pulled back, "I want to apologize again."
Pamela shook her head. "Stop all that apologizing now, it's totally fine."
Mike smiled, leading her the back way to his office. El followed him holding on to his hand.
Steve looked down. "Oh, Okay."
Pamela reached for his hand. "Hey it's really ok."
Mike lead her up the other set of stairs and to his office door. El smiled as they walked in. Eggo was happily playing with her dog toys. "aww hi Eggo girl!"
Steve slipped his hands into her hands. "I am okay. I just couldn't let such a smart, gorgeous, and talented singer get out of my grasp. Thank you for not leaving. I have been hurt before, so I have trust issues... I hope you can look over that."
Pamela blushed and nodded. "Yes, you have been nothing but nice to me Steve. I want to get to know you better."
Mike knelt down petting her softly. El sat down on the couch. "so how many actors are in this play?"
Steve smiled, "This show tonight, should help that!"
Pamela nodded. "I am sure it will."
Mike smiled, "6, it's a one- shot location, It's a concert!"
El gets even more excited. "It's like a concert?! wow"
Steve smiled, "Michael, wrote my character just like me..."
Pamela smiled. "aww you two must really be close."
Mike smiled, "I hope you like it!"
"You wrote it and you seem pretty passionate about it, so I am sure I will." El smiled.
Steve smiled, "He is my best friend!"
Pamela smiled. "Aww and Eleanor is mine."
Mike kissed her cheek, before getting into his desk drawer. Grabbing out some dog treats and got some small bones out. Kneeling down feeding them to Eggo. "I can't wait to introduce my special guest..."
"You mean in front of the crowd." El asked feeling very nervous suddenly.
Steve smiled, "We should double date next time!"
Pamela nodded. "yeah I would like that. we have never really done that... except for that one time in high school."
Mike nodded. "umm, I-I don't know about that Mike." El looked down.
Steve looked at her, "Oh, it will be fun!"
Pamela smiled. "There's a lot to do here."
Mike smiled, "I will hold your hand..."
"That's nice of you, but I don't think I can. I would be nervous in front of a big crowd." El frowned. She didn't want to let him down though, it seemed very important to him.
"Call me crazy, but I think a mall date would be fun." Pamela giggled
Steve smiled, "Let's ask them! I love that idea!"
Mike frowned. "That is okay... I can just put the spotlight on you, and you won't have to move at all!"
"Is that ok with you?" El asked.
Pamela nods. "sure!" Steve smiled.
Mike smiled, "Of course! I just want you to feel comfortable!"
"I do feel comfortable with you, Mike." El said.
Pamela smiled softly at him. Steve was lost in her eyes.
Mike smiled, "Good!" El nodded as Eggo jumped in her lap. She giggled and petted her.
Steve was lost in her eyes. Pamela blushed when he looked at her that way.
Mike leaned down petting Eggo. El smiles as Eggo wags her small tail. "She really likes you Mike."
Steve leaned in kissing her romantically suddenly. Pamela kissed him back, smiling a little through the kiss
Mike smiled, "I'm glad! I really like her!"
El petted her. "Mike, I really want to thank you for tonight. I know the nights not over, and we still have the play to look forward to, but this has meant so much to me. I have never had a kind me so sweet and nice to me." Thinks back about her ex Brad and how he lied to her and acted like he cared. Mike was the complete opposite.
Steve pulled away, "I am sorry for that... I know it is early in our relationship... You have the most beautiful eyes... I have ever seen..."
Pamela blushed immediately. "aww so do you, very beautiful eyes. Steve, I really like you and the kiss was really nice."
Mike frowned, then smiled. "Now you have one..." El smiled at him and continued to pet Eggo.
Steve smiled, and leaned in kissing her again suddenly. Pamela blushed kissing him back.
Mike smiled, petted Eggo. Eggo waged her tail and licked Mike's face. "Eggo, don't do that " El scolded her a little.
Steve playfully did two small kisses before letting off her lips. Pamela blushed and giggled playfully.
Mike smiled, "She is so precious! Aren't you Eggo? What a good girl?"
El smiled as Mike interacted with her. "yep, she is my special girl."
Steve smiled, "You know, I just love your laugh!"
Pamela laughed more. "Aww thanks."
Mike smiled. El continued to smile, not being able to stop herself. She had never smiled so much, the last time she felt this happy was when she was with her sister and adoptive mom.
Steve smiled, "Of course!" Pamela winked at him.
Mike leaned over her shoulder and kissed her cheek. "You glow when you smile, it's truly beautiful!" He beamed.
El smiled softly at him. "Thanks."
Steve giggled, "I really like you, Pamela."
"And I really like you too." Pamela said.
Mike smiled, "You're welcome!"
"So, is this a sold-out show?" El asked curiously.
Steve blushed bright red, Pamela smiled at how adorable he looked when he blushed.
Mike blushed a lot, "Yes..."
"That's awesome. I can't wait to see it! I am so ready." El smiled at him.
Steve walked over turning on "Like a prayer" and walked over dancing. Pamela giggled at him and began to dance with him.
Mike smiled, looking at his watch. "Welp, it's time for dress rehearsal!"
El gets excited. "oh? Well, I guess you better get back down there."
The director of the show, Kevin parked outside walking and looking around the entrance.
Steve smiled dancing with her until he seen Kevin outside in the lobby, he walked over to the sound board turning the music off. "It must be time for dress rehearsal..."
"Oh, yeah I guess so." Pamela said.
Mike nodded walking to the door, "Bye, Eggo have fun!"
El kissed Eggo. "Be a good girl, we will be back in a little while." She walks over to the door with Mike. "Well shall we go?"
Steve smiled, and took her hand. "I will walk you to your seat!" Pamela took his hand and smiled warmly.
Kevin walked in to the theatre. "Steve Harrington, how are you feeling about your big night?" He called across the theatre.
Mike nodded. "We shall!" He walked her out closing the door and walked down the steps to the entry hall. El giggled and held to his hand feeling all giddy inside.
Steve gulped helping her to her seat, "I am a bit worried, but I think I got this!" He said to Kevin.
Kevin smiled, "You are a very talented actor. A piece of advice, never doubt yourself!"
Pamela nods. "I agree. Steve you definitely got this!"
Mike walked her down into the main part of the theatre and to her seat next to Pam.
El sat down and looked over at Pamela smiling. "Isn't this so exciting?"
Pamela nodded. "It really is, it sure beats being at work and being treated like hell."
Steve blushed looking at Pam and back up at Kevin, "You're right! Thank you, Mr. Smith!"
Kevin smiled, "It's my job, to get you motivated!"
Mike smiled, "I am excited, its opening night." El nodded feeling like she was on cloud none. She loved seeing Mike smile, and she knew that the play would be wonderful.
Kevin smiled, "Yes, to show case your works Michael! I am so proud of you!"
Steve smiled. Pamela smiled. "well, we have heard great things. We can't wait to see his play."
Kevin smiled, "It's really good!"
Mike blushed uncontrollably.
Steve walked up on stage and then back stage to change into his play clothes. El and Pamela sat in their seats excited for the show.
Mike sat down in the writer's chair beside Kevin's director's chair. Kevin sat down in his chair.
Steve got dressed walking out. Philly the lead female actress, walked in and up on stage.
El looked over at Pamela. "So, are you and Steve like a couple?" She asked curiously.
"Yeah, I think we are." Pamela replied. "oh Eleanor, he is so nice. Earlier we were singing and dancing up on the stage. He really has a sense a humor."
Kevin smiled, "Take one!" Philly walked out on stage. Dressed now as Sunshine her character. Steve walked out dressed as his character, Jack. Mike smiled.
El smiled. "Aww he sounds great, I am really happy for you." She says quietly.
Pamela looked over at her. "Thanks girl." She said lowly.
Sunshine was in bed when her alarm went off. She threw her alarm clock. The set spun and now you see Steve in his messy room sleeping. The alarm went off he tried to turn it off, but he hit the radio button. It was loud, he jumped up and shut it off. Pamela and El watched the play smiling, interested in what they were seeing.
Steve got up and walked to the closet picking out and outfit. The set spurn and Sunshine also was picking an outfit. It spurns back to Steve had changed into a leather jacket, white tee, a black pair of jeans, and biker boots. He was dancing in front of the mirror combing his hair back. Pamela and El continued to watch the play.
It spurns around back to Sunshine she was dressed in black dress and combat boots. She turned her radio on and Madonna's "Like a prayer". She danced around as she tied a red bandana in her hair. She pretended to sing to the song with her hairbrush. Pamela and El both sang along quietly.
It spurns back to Steve and he had his radio on it played "Dancing in the dark- Bruce Springsteen. Pamela and El smiled enjoyed the music.
Steve was playing an invisible guitar, lip-syncing. When he walked out of his bedroom, and the set sprung to Sunshine who danced her way out of her room too. Pamela and El continued to watch the play, really enjoying it.
Steve was outside, and there was a line of people and at the other end of a ticket booth. Sunshine was outside too. She got in the line behind him.
Sunshine smiled looking at Steve's outfit. She poked his left shoulder. She then jumped to the right. Steve felt the poke he turned to his left. No one was there so he shrugged turning back toward the booth. She frowned noticing he didn't notice her. So, she poked his right shoulder, and she jumped to the left. He turned around not seeing anyone to his right he tapped his foot. The belts on his boots clacking as he did.
Music played in the background a song Mike wrote. El listened to the music really enjoying it.
She stomped her feet to the beat. Steve continued tapping his foot turning all the way around. El and Pamela smiled stomping their feet as well.
Steve smiled singing. "When you meet a fine young broad and you wanna ask her to dance!" Sunshine smiled singing, "I see fine strapping gent, across the way he is eyeing me. All I wanna do is dance! dance!"
El and Pamela bopped their head to the music.
Steve smiled, speaking "Darling, can I have this dance?"
Sunshine smiled, "Oh wow, you are asking me?"
El and Pamela continued to watch smiling.
They slow dance, then the music sped up and they were dancing at fast speed. El and Pamela smiled big. They both loved music and dancing.
The music died down, Steve smiled at her, "You from around here?" Sunshine smiled, "Yes, I like on Oak Avenue. Are you?" They continued to watch, really enjoying it.
Kevin clapped, "Steve, when you say that don't smile. Your character in that moment is curious." Mike nodded, "You want to know about her you are intrigued by her."
El looked over at Mike, loving to see him in full on work mode.
Mike stood up and walked over to Steve dancing then to a stop. Showing Steve how to do the scene. Sunshine nodded and smiled.
Steve smiled, "Alright! I got this!" El and Pamela started to clap.
Mike giggled looking at El and Pam. "I'm not that good!"
Steve smiled, "You do have the sick moves!" He said playfully. Sunshine smiled nodding.
Kevin chuckled at Mike, "You are the writer give yourself some credit!"
El smiled at Pamela, giggling.
"Girl, I think we might have hit the jackpot with these men." Pamela giggled
Mike blushed bright red, "Nah! Nah!" He giggled, "You all go backstage and do some breathing exercises its almost time for the show!" Steve smiled at him before walking Sunshine backstage. He and Sunshine practiced a bit.
Kevin smiled, clapping for Mike. "Soon!" Both of the girls clapped.
"Yeah, I second that Pam." El smiled looking at Mike.
Mike looked to Kevin but then immediately his eyes locked on El. "Will you marry me?" He whispered from the stage she couldn't hear him thank god what was he thinking.
Kevin looked at him, "You okay, Mike?" Steve was singing with Sunshine as they practiced.
"You look so happy girl, it's been a long time since I've seen you this way." Pamela said.
"I am happy. So, happy." El smiled. She was having one of the best days she had ever had in a long while.
Mike turned to him suddenly, "Yeah... Just thinking..."
Kevin smiled, "Whew, you scared me... " Steve and Sunshine continued practicing.
"Well I am happy for you, Mike is a great guy. I know you just met him, but I can tell he has a heart unlike your Ex." Pamela said.
"Yeah, he does " El smiled.
Mike smiled, "No, I am okay!"
Kevin smiled, "Alright!" Steve and sunshine practiced their dancing.
"You deserve it, you deserve a good man." Pamela smiled at her.
"I have definitely found one." El beamed.
Mike looked down, "We are definitely ready! That was a good rehearsal!"
Kevin smiled, "We have good actors!" Steve and Sunshine talked laughing backstage.
"If the play is as good as the rehearsal, we are in for a real treat." Pamela said excitedly.
"I agree." El replied.
AN: And that concludes this chapter. We hope you guys enjoyed it. We'll get started on the next chapter soon!