e - “ever wondered what it would be like if you stayed?” Elaine & John because now I'm kinda obsessed??
Honestly, the whole thing had begun as a one-time-thing. The yes had slipped out of John’s lips before he even realized he’d agreed to go to a wedding with Elaine Burrows, as her date. Sure, he was a stand-in for Ward Eastwood and sure, it wasn’t exactly a date-date… But, it didn’t stop him from speed dialing Sally the moment he hopped in his truck as he waved goodbye to Elaine.
Sally - of course - had a field day; while John repeatedly reminded her he did not have a crush on one of his clients. He was merely doing her a favor.
Now, almost two months and five stand-in weddings later, the two were on their way back to Elaine’s house after another happy celebration. Usually, the evening events would end with her reminding John how he needn’t walk her home, with him firmly disagreeing.
“What kind of stand-in date would I be if I didn’t walk you home?” He’d ask and Elaine would give in.
The proximity between them had lessened. Each wedding would have John draw Elaine even a little more closer to him as they danced. He’d gotten used to holding her, spinning her, and keeping her steady. Sometimes, he’d forget the only reason he was there was because some other dude couldn’t make it.
Tonight, Virginia Beach was quiet as they walked in the moonlight. Every so often John would reach out to steady Elaine or he’d feel her arm brush against his or she’d stop them in their tracks pointing at something in the sky. Her voice filled the air and perhaps, it was the alcohol running through his veins, but John could have sworn hers was the most beautiful voice he’d ever heard.
“Fucking spring in Virginia Beach,” he’d mumble under his breath and Elaine would giggle rolling her eyes.
They reached her home and climbed up the steps, John reaching to grab the screen door for her.
“Every time,” Elaine said sweetly, and he couldn’t see but he was sure she was smiling. She proceeded to fumble through her small purse looking for her keys, while John gave a light shrug.
“If you’d let me replace the lightbulb–” John began.
“I found them,” Elaine marveled and held her keys up for him to see.
“Mmhmm,” he let out quietly. They stood close to each other, he could smell the wine on her breath and the faint smell of her perfume. “Well,” he said and knocked on her door with his knuckles a couple times.
“Better let you get some sleep. See you Tuesday, for the gnomes you found?” He asked, but didn’t really wait for a confirmation. John slid past Elaine and began a quicker-than-he-meant descent down her porch steps.
“John?” Elaine’s voice pierced through his heavy steps.
His body reacted before he told it to do anything. He turned on his heels and glanced in her direction.
“Ever wondered what it would be like if you stayed?” She asked.
His gaze softened. He could see the moonlight against her slightly-over intoxicated features.
“Ah,” he let out.
Quietly, John walked back up the steps and neared her again. He reached out and tucked a few bits of her hair behind her ear.
“All the time,” he said eventually, before leaning in to kiss her cheek. “I’ll see you Tuesday, Laine.”
