A/N: I am extremely sorry about the late update. My computer crashed and then my dad's computer crashed. Good news now, I have a brand new tablet and he has a new computer. I also got a part time job in my field! Things are looking up. Let the writing begin! Leddie moments galore ahead. You have been warned!

Eddie sat on the stool watching in awe as Loren moved about the kitchen with a grace and confidence that he had not known she possessed. Eddie was quickly learning that the Tate women were full of surprises. He also wished that Loren was this comfortable with herself when she was interacting with the rest of the world. Then maybe the rest of the world could see how special and talented Loren was. When she was out in public, Loren always seemed so guarded like she was waiting to have to defend herself against the next thing that came out of their mouth. In the back of his mind, Eddie knew that probably had something to do with Loren's dad leaving and her having to grow up so quickly. The only people she seemed to let her guard down around were Mel, Adam and her mom. And apparently now me Eddie thought quietly to himself. Eddie quietly wondered to himself if Loren would stop learning things about Loren. He certainly hoped not. It was strange but even as Eddie found his love life disintegrating instead of being consumed with thoughts of despair and pain; Eddie found himself consumed with thoughts of one person – Loren.

Not soon after coming to that realization, Eddie found himself being pulled out of the safety of his own mind by the sound of a beautiful melodic sound. Eddie blinked mentally clearing out the cobwebs and emerged back into the present. He caught the sound again and he perked up – Eddie recognized the sound. It was Loren's beautiful voice sing the lyrics to one of MK's older and lesser known songs. Eddie was surprised not many people knew the song and it happened to be his favorite out of all the songs that his parents had recorded. It was a song that Eddie's mom used to sing to him when he was feeling down or heart.

A/N: lyrics are mine. I'm normally never brave enough to show these to anyone. But you guys make me feel brave. Your reviews, words of encouragement and constructive criticism give me courage!

Seems like you're is heart broken

And every word that's spoken only seems to cut deeper and deeper

You promise that you'll l never fall in love again

That you're done

And this isn't a lesson you'll need to learn again

But you're beautiful and I know

That with time, life will show

That love is worth the chance

Loren's voice dropped off and she began to hum again. Eddie was speechless. He had always been protective of his parent's music especially after his mother died. But Loren's rendition of his parent's song left his mind reeling and his heart soaring. And in that moment Eddie knew that he would be okay, with Loren by his side as his friend, he'd be alright. Eddie was once again brought of his thoughts by the sound of Loren's voice. Loren was singing this time but Eddie found that even her speaking voice had a melodic quality to it – rising and falling in a way that only Loren's voice could.

Eddie, Loren's voice called out to him again. She was starting to grow worried she had been trying to get Eddie's attention for the last five minutes. Just as she was about to shake him, Eddie seemed to come around.

"Sorry Lo, just got a lot on my mind I guess. You need help with anything for dinner? " answered Eddie hoping to wipe the look of concern off of Loren's face. He had to admit that she did look adorable like that with her nose scrunched up cutely and her hair arranged on top of her head in a messy bun. Loren's face went blank for a second before she told Eddie, "I already finished making dinner." Loren pointed to the table and made a wide sweeping motion her hand.

Eddie looked over at the table to find that Loren had indeed finished dinner. Loren had thrown together a beautiful but simple meal made up of chicken Alfredo with a homemade béchamel sauce, a simple salad made up of spinach, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella topped off with extra virgin olive oil, fresh cracked blacked pepper as well as sea salt. There was also garlic bread to go along with the meal as well as cinnamon gnocchi for dessert. Not only did Loren make a beautiful meal but she had managed to dig up a table setting for somewhere deep within the recesses of the kitchen. Eddie was amazed, Loren managed to throw all this together with the few things he picked up from the grocery store all while he was busy daydreaming.

Loren reached out and took Eddie by the hand leading him to the table. Eddie ever the gentleman pulled out the chair for Loren and pushed chair into the table before seating down himself. The two served themselves and then began a light conversation.

"So in addition to being a rock star in the making, you're also an Iron chef," Eddie quipped.

"Haha Duran. I'm no chef. You're just too easily impressed. Just because unlike you, I can move around in the kitchen without burning water that does not mean I'm ready to take on Iron Chef Bobby Flay," Loren replied in kind making Eddie chuckle. He had to admit the girl could give as good as she got.

"Ouch Lo that hurts," Eddie replied laying it on thick by putting on his best puppy dog face to try and make Loren feel guilty. But Loren was having none of it. "Sorry rockstar but I call it like a see it," Loren said while giggling. She wasn't a giggler but Loren was quickly finding that when she was with Eddie none of the normal rules seemed to apply. With Eddie, she didn't feel the pressure to live up the role of model straight-A honor student holding down a full time job. She could just be herself – the girl no woman she had always wanted to be. No expectations, no pressure. And Loren had to admit, it was a really good feeling.

"But seriously, where did you learn how to cook like this," Eddie asked with wonder in his voice. Loren blushed and looked down, "I'm a foodie. I love to eat as you can no doubt tell. "Loren said as a lifetime of insecurities built up thanks to mean girls like Adriana. Even though, she knew that there was no way that Eddie would ever see her as more than his silly little high-school friend. She couldn't help but think that maybe she might have more of a chance if she looked more like Chloe. Loren cringed at the thought she knew how much Chloe had hurt Eddie and immediately began berating herself. Tonight was about helping Eddie on the long road to healing not about getting Eddie to fall for her – the way that she was falling for him.

Eddie looked at Loren and his eyes instantly softened. Eddie sometimes forgot that Loren didn't see herself the way that he saw her. Loren was absolutely gorgeous. She was the kind of girl that pulled people in with her looks and kept them there with her words. She was honest, kind-hearted, and always looking at for other's people's feelings even at the risk of her own. The best part was that Loren seemed totally unaware of the effect that she had on other people. She had even managed to charm his father Mr. Duran with her sweet nature and beautiful smile. Eddie wracked his brain for a way to show Loren just a glimpse of how other people saw her. Eddie smiled at Loren in that way that never failed to make her heart speed up and rose from his seat. He made his way round to Loren's side of the table and held out his hand. Loren placed her hand in Eddie's hand and allowed him to pull her up from the couch. Eddie lead Loren over to a beautiful ornate oval shaped mirror that sat in the entry way. The cream colored mirror sat over a table that the Duran boys used to set their keys down on. Eddie turned Loren so that she was facing the mirror and he was behind her. He then wrapped his arms around her middle, placed his chin on her should and placed his mouth near her ears so that he could talk to her more easily. He reached up and undid the bun on her head and began trying to explain Loren how he saw her.

"You're beautiful Lo, Eddie began whispering into her ear, "You've got big beautiful brown eyes that let people see exactly what you're thinking if they look hard enough. You've got a cute little nose." Eddie tapped Loren's nose making her giggle despite herself. Eddie was glad to hear Loren laughing but Eddie wasn't done yet. "Beautiful full lips that form a smile that puts the sun to shame and gorgeous thick brown hair that forms beautiful curls whenever you don't have time to straighten it," Eddie finished and squeezed Loren's tiny waist trying to get her to understand that his words were truth. Loren turned in Eddie's arms and buried her face into his neck hugging him tightly. Loren was trying to find the words to thank Eddie but they wouldn't come. No one had ever made her feel like this – she felt beautiful and secure. Sure, she heard the words from Mel, her mom and occasionally Adam but Loren dismissed them. They were obligated to say those things because they were her family and they cared. Somehow when Eddie said the words Loren believed them. Eddie's hands once again stayed silent and the two held on to each other.

A/N: I hope that this somewhat longer chapter makes up for my absence. I really do appreciate all of ya'lls support. I know I promised that they would talk about Chloe and that will be the focus of next chapter. But I'm exhausted Ya'll.

Also to anyone affected by the bombings in the Boston marathon or the plant explosion in Texas, my thoughts and prayers are with you. You are on my mind and in my heart. Until the next time, stay safe everyone!

P.S. If you have any suggestions for the direction that you would like to story to go in or places where you would like them to go or activities for them to do. Please let me know. You can PM me or let me know through reviews.