Shocked to see Steve had appeared out of nowhere, Eddie didn't know what to say.
"Uh Steve.
This...uh isn't what it looks like," Eddie stammered.
"Oh, so you're not just going through the private property of my sweet dew drop?" said Steve, using on of the nicknames he has for Laura, despite the fact that she had no interest in dating him, let alone being in the same room with him.
Eddie let out a sigh and said, "OK Steve, you've got me.
My parents gave both Laura and I credit cards, to teach us about money.
And even though my folks told us to use the credit cards for either emergencies or school, but I ended up using mine on a new pair of sneakers and a jacket."
"Edd-o, how much was the limit on those cards?"
"One hundred dollars each."
"And you spent the entire amount?"
"Yeah, your point?"
"The point is not only did you spend all that money on your card, but now you're about to do the same thing with Laura's card.
Eddie, you've done a lot of hair-brained schemes, but stealing from my lady really boils my blood.
And I have to tell her."
Steve, I need the card.
I have a date tonight with Julie Duncan.
I'm taking her out to dinner, and I want to impress her.
I'll pay Laura back. every cent.
I promise."
"No, Eddie, somebody has to tell her what you're up to.
And that person is me!"

Just as Steve was about to head upstairs, Eddie stopped him.
"Hold on Steve!
If you promise not to blab a word to her, I'll try to convince Laura into going to the movies with you," Eddie called out.
The comment made Steve turn around.
He raced back to his Eddie and asked, "You really mean it Eddie?"
"I sure do Steve," said Eddie.
A huge smile came across Steve's face.
"You mean we can go to the theater?" he asked.
"Yes," Eddie replied.
"The same movie?"
"Yes."
The same showtime?"
"Yes."
Sit in the same row, maybe together?"
"Don't push your luck."
While Steve had to tell his "true love" what was going on, he also didn't want to pass up Eddie's deal.
Finally, Steve let out a sigh and said, "OK Eddie, you've got a deal."
"Hey thanks Steve buddy.
You're the best," said Eddie, as he quickly took the wallet out of Laura's purse, switched out the credit cards, and placed the purse back on the couch.
And just in the nick of the time, as Laura and Maxine came back downstairs.
"Hey guys, what's up?" said Maxine.
"Oh nothing.
Just chillin and waiting on some sandwiches from Waldo," Eddie replied.
"Yes, it wasn't like any of us were doing anything wrong, or maybe they were," said Steve, as he gave a slight glare to Eddie.
"Forgive Steve, he's been watching too many of those old time detective movies," Eddie gave a chuckled as he talked.
"Eddie, I think hanging around Steve is making you almost as weird as him," Laura pointed out.
At that moment, Waldo entered the living room, carrying a tray of sandwiches.
"Come and get 'em," he called out.
"Thank Walipop, but Laura and I are about to run out to the mall," said Maxine.
"Oh cool.
I'll save you some sandwiches for dinner tonight, said Waldo, as Maxine gave him a kiss and said, "Oh second thought, I'll make us a candlelight dinner for two."
"You're right.
That stuff really does work," Laura said with a laugh, referring to the side effects of her friend's perfume, before the two girls left.

Awhile later, Laura and Maxine found what they were looking for at the mall.
"Thanks again for helping me find that gift for my cousin Laura," said Maxine, as she got into the driver's seat.
"Anytime Max.
Alicia's going to love the earrings," said Laura, taking a seat in the front passenger's side.
"I noticed you kept eyeing that jacket.
You should've gotten it."
"Because, as I mentioned before, that credit card is for emergencies and school only."
Once the two got settled in the car, Maxine turned the ignition key.
However, the car wouldn't start up.
Even after several attempts, nothing happened.
The car simply sat in one place.
It was then Laura spotted something flashing on the dashboard.
"Your check engine light's on," she said, pointing to the flashing sign.
"That must have something to do with clanging sound I've been hearing the last few days.
But Waldo said it was sound of his insides doing belly flips over my beauty," said Maxine.
Girl, how much of that perfume have you been using?"
"Never mind that, we've got a big problem with my car."
"Take it easy Max.
There's a pay phone by the movie theater, we'll just call for a tow truck to take us to the gas station."
"That's a good idea."

Laura and Maxine got out of the car and made their way to the pay phone.
After a quick call, the two headed back to Maxine's car and wait for the tow truck.
While they waited a police car pulled up next to Laura and her friend.
The driver's side window lowered and a familiar face showed.
It was Carl.
Laura was a bit surprised to see her father.
"Hi Dad," said Laura.
"Hi Mr. Winslow," added Maxine.
"Hi girls.
Everything OK?" Carl asked.
"Max's car is having issues, so we called for a tow truck to meet us here, "Laura replied.
You did the right thing.
And once the truck arrives, I'll give you a ride to the gas station."
"Thank dad, but you don't have to do that," said Laura.
"I insist.
I want to make sure you get there safe."
"Thank you Mr. Winslow," said Maxine.
"Thanks dad," added Laura.
Once the tow truck arrived, Laura and Maxine got into the back of Carl's police car, as he drove them to the gas station, following the truck.

When they arrived at the gas station, the mechanic began to look over Maxine's car before getting back to her, Laura and Carl.
"OK from what I've looked over, the engine appears to be overheated, caused by a too much oil.
Other than that, nothing major," said the mechanic, who was a man, that looked to be the same age as Carl.
"Thank you sir," said Maxine.
The mechanic wrote something down on a sheet of paper and handed it to Maxine.
"Forty five dollars.
Not too bad," she said.
"Will that be cash, check or credit card?" the mechanic asked.
"None of the above.
I don't have either," answered Maxine, with a hint of panic in her voice.
During that moment, Laura turned to Carl and said, "Dad, I know you told me to save it for emergencies and for school, but.."
She didn't finish as Carl turned to her and said, "I'll count this as an emergency."
"Thanks dad."
Laura took the credit card out of her wallet and handed it to the mechanic.