The waitress came over with our bill but as I reached into my wallet, Steve held up his hand saying, "on me, don't worry about it". We fell back into his car, our bellies full and bloated, and listened to the radio for a few moments. "How did you screw it up - with Eddie?" Steve asked as he began driving out the parking lot. I described in detail the events of last night and what I had said to Eddie, my head turned to look out of the passenger's side window. I heard Steve clear his throat when I stopped talking and glanced over at him. "I think what you said was justified. Irrational...but justified." He spoke slowly. "How so?" I asked quietly and Steve exhaled loudly. "You haven't actually dated anyone since...y'know. You've had a few one night stands sure," Steve began, focusing on the road as she spoke, "But the last relationship you were in was super fucked up; he was a monster and left you with more than just physical scars. Obviously that's gonna affect you trusting people - hell it took you long enough to trust me!" I laid my head back against the headrest and closed my eyes as he spoke - Steve was right of course. We didn't talk for the rest of the journey but when Steve parked outside my house I turned in my seat to face him. "What should I do to make things better with Eddie?" I asked. Steve was probably the best person to go to for advice on dating - despite him not being able to stick a relationship since Nancy - he'd been the king of Hawkins High, and middle school, and elementary.
The expression on Steve's face changed and I couldn't tell what he was thinking, "Look, I'm not exactly a fan of you and Eddie dating." This confused me, I tried to ask why but the words wouldn't come out, Steve gave me a sideways glance and continued talking. "Sure, he's not what I used to think he was. I don't dislike Eddie at all. I just don't trust him." Steve's hands were still on the steering wheel, gripping it very tightly. Finally my voice came back, "I get it. You don't know him that well." I began and Steve immediately snorted, as if he thought differently, but he and Eddie had never spent time together - ever. "I know him - I want to know him. Just help me, please Steve. You don't have to trust Eddie, but trust me." I whispered, hoping Steve would come round. After a few breaths Steve removed his hands from the wheel and tilted his body towards me, "If it were me who you'd pissed off like that, I probably wouldn't ask you out again." My heart sunk and my face fell. "That's why you need to ask him. Take control. You got this." Steve nudged me with his elbow and I slapped his arm playfully. "Thanks for Dinner Steve." I winked as I got out of the car, Steve lifted his hand to wave me off before driving away...in the opposite direction to his house.