Cupid's Curveball Chapter 3: The Dress
Word Count: 3k
Chapters 1-2.5
Sfw Previous Chapter 2.5 Next Chapter 4
Summary: The lingering memory of a kiss, a perfect dress, and seeing each other in a new light. Will the unspoken feelings of two best friends remain just that?
February 9th 1986; After School
Eddie gripped the steering wheel, tapping his thumb against it with the rhythm of the music. He hadn’t said anything to you about it yet, but he hoped Silas didn’t exist. The thought of you looking at other guys. Guys who weren’t him. It left a strange pit in his stomach. It wasn’t like you two had ever defined things or even made a move beyond friendship. Well, except that one time.
The memory hit him hard as he turned onto your street.
That kiss… it wasn’t just a kiss. It had started sweet and soft, your lips tasting like cherry chapstick. But it wasn’t just the kiss itself it was everything leading up to it. You had been sitting on his bed, joking around like you always did, when the conversation turned to kissing. Both of you admitted you’d never really had a serious kiss.
You had laughed, tossing your hair over your shoulder. “It’s ridiculous, right? We’re like the last people in the world who haven’t been kissed by this age.”
Eddie had raised an eyebrow, his voice playful but carrying an edge of challenge. “Well, we could always fix that,” he’d said, half-joking, half-curious, though neither of you had expected the suggestion to land so differently.
Your eyes had widened, and in that moment, something shifted. “You mean... we could kiss each other?” You said it casually, but Eddie could tell from the way your voice dropped that you were just as curious as he was.
He’d shrugged, trying to play it off, but inside, his chest had tightened. “Why not? We’ve never kissed anyone else, right? Could be fun.”
And so, it happened. You both leaned in slowly, unsure at first, but then it was just your soft lips meeting his gentle, sweet and then it deepened. You found yourself in his lap before either of you realized how close you had gotten. Your body pressed into his, his hands slipping under your shirt, your fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him deeper into the kiss. The room closed in around you.
It was perfect. Until it wasn’t.
Uncle Wayne had barged in, swinging the door open with a crash. Eddie’s heart had stopped. Wayne froze in the doorway, eyes wide. “Sorry!” he bellowed before slamming the door shut like he was fleeing for his life.
Eddie winced at the memory, but he could still hear your nervous laugh, the way you had pulled away in embarrassment. It was mortifying, mostly for you. You’d left town the next day to visit your grandparents, and by the time you came back, it felt like too much time had passed. That kiss had slipped into the realm of “a thing that happened once” a beautiful, complicated moment, but one that was now just part of the past. Too much time had passed for you both to pick up where you’d left off.
He pulled into your driveway, shaking the thoughts away just as you came bounding down the steps, your grin lighting up the whole yard. You climbed into the van, and in that moment, everything else seemed to fade away.
By the time you reached the mall, Diana was already waiting at the boutique, her arms crossed but smiling when she spotted you both.
“This is the place,” Diana said, ushering you inside.
The racks of dresses stretched in every direction, and you immediately felt overwhelmed. You had $100 enough for a dress and maybe some accessories if you played your cards right. You and Diana got to work picking out different dresses.
Eddie sat in the plush ornate chair, magazine in hand, feeling like the lone audience member at a private fashion show. He wasn’t sure how long he’d been there, but it felt like an eternity as he waited for you to emerge from the dressing room. The air around him was thick with the buzz of anticipation. This is ridiculous. It’s just a dress. I should’ve brought a book or something.
The first dress you stepped into was a pale yellow number, with over-the-top ruffles and bubble-like layers. You spun around, eyes locked on the mirror, and grimaced.
“I look like a wedding cake,” you muttered, clearly unimpressed.
Eddie laughed, his voice light. “A very pretty wedding cake?”
“Next!” Diana chimed, handing you a short green dress.
He perked up when you emerged in the green dress. “That one’s not bad,” he offered, though his smile faltered when you grimaced.
“It reminds me of baby puke,” you said, wrinkling your nose. Eddie couldn’t help but laugh at your bluntness.
You rolled your eyes. “Yeah, no. This is a ‘next.’” You disappeared behind the curtain, your voice already fading.
Diana, ever the supportive friend, handed you another dress, a deep navy one with a plunging neckline. As you stepped out, Eddie couldn’t help but notice how it clung to your body in all the right ways, accentuating your curves in a way that made his heart beat a little faster.
You looked at your reflection, shifting uncomfortably. The fabric clung too tightly to your sides, and the neckline felt like it screamed for attention you weren’t sure you wanted. Your smile faltered.
Does Eddie think I’m trying too hard?
“I don’t know,” you said, tugging at the fabric. “It’s just too much, isn’t it?”
Eddie leaned forward. “It’s bold,” he offered carefully, his eyes never leaving you. Why doesn’t she see it? She looks stunning.
You raised an eyebrow at him. “Bold? That’s your way of saying ‘too much,’ right?”
He shrugged, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “I’m just here for moral support. If it’s not the one, then yeah, maybe it’s not the one.”
“Right,” you said, disappearing behind the curtain again.
Diana, undeterred, passed you a sparkly red dress next. The dress shimmered, all sequins and elegance, and when you stepped out of the dressing room, Eddie was speechless for a moment. The dress hugged you like it was made for you, with a daring slit up the side. You looked like you belonged at the Oscars.
You twisted in the mirror, frowning. “I can’t wear this. I look like I’m trying to win a beauty pageant.”
He’s staring. Is that a good thing? Say something, Eddie. Please.
“Or like you already won,” Eddie muttered under his breath, eyes still locked on you.
“What?” You glanced over your shoulder at him.
“Nothing,” he said quickly, clearing his throat. God, she’s gorgeous.
You gave him a skeptical look. “It’s not working for me,” you said, pushing behind the curtain and reaching for something else.
Diana gave an exaggerated sigh but helped you out of the red dress and into a lavender tulle number. “This one’s cute,” she said, adjusting the straps.
You stepped out, looking at yourself in the mirror with a sense of uncertainty. “It’s too… princessy. Like I’m about to star in a Disney movie or something.”
Eddie grinned. “You’d make a great Disney princess.”
You rolled your eyes. “Not what I’m going for.”
Finally, Diana pulled out the last dress, a powder blue number with an iridescent overlay and a flowy skirt. The fabric caught the light in all the right ways, giving it an almost ethereal glow. You stepped into it, looking at yourself in the mirror with wide eyes.
“Wow,” you said softly, a little breathless as you spun to see yourself from all angles.
Eddie was so caught off guard that he didn’t even register the words you were saying. His jaw went slack as you stepped out of the dressing room. The moment you emerged, he couldn’t take his eyes off you. The blue dress shimmered under the lights, and the iridescent overlay made you look almost like a dream. You looked... perfect. The kind of perfect that took his breath away.
He didn’t even realize he was standing until Diana said something. “Looks like we’ve found the one.”
Eddie barely even processed it. He was too busy staring, still unable to wrap his head around how beautiful you looked. You turned this way and that, the skirt swishing with each move, and he could barely think straight. His mouth had gone dry.
“Wow,” he whispered, more to himself than anyone else. “You look… perfect.”
Your eyes flicked to him, a hint of doubt still in your voice. “You think so?”
Without hesitation, he nodded, his gaze never leaving you. “Yeah. Definitely.”
You seemed to soften at his words, but Diana’s grin was unmistakable. “I think we’ve found the winner.”
You glanced at your reflection one more time, fingers nervously brushing the fabric. “I feel like a princess in this,” you said, voice barely above a whisper.
Eddie didn’t even try to hide his awe as you turned to face him again. She’s incredible. Why doesn’t she see it? He wanted to tell you how perfect you were, how beautiful, but the words stuck in his throat. Instead, he just stood there, unable to take his eyes off you, silently wishing you could see yourself the way he saw you.
Diana clapped her hands together. “Alright, I’m having them hold this at the front while we look for accessories.”
Eddie got up, deciding to help out. The walk to the counter was filled with racks of necklaces, tiaras, and earrings just everything you could imagine for a formal look. You were browsing, your fingers running over everything.
You noticed the price tag on the dress. “It’s $65,” you remarked, a relieved smile crossing your face. “That leaves me with $35 for accessories.”
They scanned the jewelry options. You stopped in front of a silver locket, admiring the tiny diamond in the center. The details were intricate, the chain delicate. You showed Eddie, your eyes lighting up.
“It’s so pretty,” you looked at Eddie, smiling.
You ran your hand up the chain, then noticed the price tag. “$55,” you whispered, your smile faltering. You put it back in its case with a soft sigh.
Eddie’s chest tightened. He couldn’t stand seeing that flicker of disappointment in your eyes. You’d told him once, months ago, how you’d always wanted a locket—how you used to imagine putting a picture of your family or your future inside one. The memory had seemed so small at the time, just another thing you’d casually shared, but now, seeing your fingers linger on the silver chain, it felt like the most important thing in the world.
He glanced down at his wallet, already knowing what he had in it. The cash from the party he’d sold at the week before. His easy, careless hustle that had put a few hundred bucks in his pocket. It felt heavier in his hands now. The thought of it unsettled him, but not for the reason most would think. It wasn’t the weed sales or the shady business. it was the idea of you wearing that locket, holding something he’d given you, something that would mean more than money could explain.
I’ve got the cash for this, he thought, the sudden sense of purpose hitting him hard. She deserves this.
You and Diana walked toward the shoes, your conversation fading as Eddie watched you. He didn’t waste any more time. With a quick glance over his shoulder, he darted to the counter, reaching for the locket. The cashier, a girl who had seen enough shady dealings by now to know what was going on, didn’t ask questions. She just nodded, understanding what he needed, and quietly rang up the purchase.
Eddie slid the cash across the counter, his fingers trembling as the transaction went through. He could feel the weight of the locket in his hand, but he didn’t let it show. The last thing he wanted was for you to catch on before he was ready. He stuffed the small box into his pocket, making sure it was safe before taking a deep breath.
He walked over to join you and Diana, his mind already on how he was going to give it to you he just didn’t know when.
On his walk over to you and Diana a store across the way caught his eye. Men’s Suit OutletI could go to the ball. No big deal. Would she want me to? I have to see her then. I’m going.
“Hey girls, Watching you have so much fun getting ready changed my mind,” he said, his voice warm.
“Since it took less time than we expected to pick out your dress, how about we go across the hall and get fitted for a suit?”
Your heart skipped a beat, nerves, and excitement crashing through you all at once. “A suit?”
you asked, barely able to keep the surprise out of your voice.
Diana, already in full support mode, grinned. “You need one anyway!”
As Eddie stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the black suit, he couldn’t help but notice the difference it made. It wasn’t just the tailored fit or the sharp look it was the feeling of confidence he was starting to embrace. He looked... different. Better. And when he turned to face you, he saw your expression change. Your eyes widened as you took him in.
Your gaze didn’t leave him, and for a second, it felt like time had slowed down. You looked at him with that same awe that he had when he first saw you in the dress like you were trying to figure out how to describe what you were seeing.
Say something. Compliment him. Tell him he looks amazing. Don’t just stand here like an idiot.
“Wow,” you whispered, your voice barely audible. You took a few steps closer, your eyes scanning him from head to toe. Your lips parted slightly, and Eddie couldn’t help but smile at the way you were looking at him.
He adjusted his tie, trying to play it cool. “You think so?”
You nodded, still in a little bit of shock, but your smile was bright. “You look... amazing, Eddie. I didn’t even know you could look like this.”
Your words hit him harder than he expected, making him feel even more self-conscious, but in a good way. He had no idea why he felt this level of warmth of pride just by hearing you say those things.
"Yeah?" he asked, trying to keep it light. "Guess I clean up good, huh?"
You laughed softly, your eyes never leaving him. “You really do.”
He leaned against the counter, smiling at you, but there was a strange twist in his gut. This feels different. This is more than just a suit. This is... us.
Diana, watching from the side, rolled her eyes with a grin. “Seriously, you two are giving me a sugar rush just by being in the same room.”
Eddie chuckled. He could feel the energy between you two shift like there was some unspoken understanding now. He wasn’t just your friend anymore. There was something more there, and it was starting to feel like it was just a matter of time before it was undeniable.
He turned to the attendant and nodded. “I’ll take it. Let’s do this.”
As they went through the motions of getting the suit ready for pickup, Eddie couldn’t stop thinking about your reaction. He’d never worn anything like this before, and the idea of you seeing him in it was enough to make his heart race. He couldn’t wait for the ball. It felt like an eternity away, but now that he had the suit, the anticipation was somehow even more intense.
He glanced at you, and your eyes met his.
Your smile grew wider as you realized that this was really happening. “Five days,” you said softly, almost like you couldn’t believe it. “The ball’s in five days…”
Eddie couldn’t help but grin. “Yeah. And I can’t wait for you to see me in this.”
Your smile faltered for a split second, a nervous energy flickering across your face. But then it was back, brighter than ever. “You better be just as good as you look right now,” you teased, your eyes dancing.
Eddie's heart skipped a beat, but he managed to keep his cool. “Oh, I’m planning on looking even better!”
You walked out of the store together, both of you lost in the thought of what was to come. Eddie was already imagining the moment you saw him in the suit at the ball and holding you in a slow dance. This is all he could do because he would not be the guy taking you, and that hurt in a deep part of his chest.
After the mall, the three of you stopped at a small diner for a quick dinner. The place was cozy, with red vinyl booths and a jukebox humming in the corner. Over burgers and milkshakes, the conversation stayed light. Diana chatted about the ball while Eddie chimed in with his usual sarcastic humor that had you both laughing. At one point, Diana leaned over with a teasing grin, nudging you as she joked, “You two really are like an old married couple.” Eddie raised an eyebrow at that, but you couldn’t bring yourself to look at him, pretending to focus on your drink instead.
Eddie offered to drive Diana home, the van rumbling softly as you sat up front and Diana sprawled out in the backseat, humming along to the radio. She teased you again, saying the night felt like something out of a movie, but her voice faded into the background as you glanced at Eddie’s profile in the dim light. The winding road around Lovers Lake was quiet, almost peaceful, and you couldn’t help wondering if he felt the same undercurrent of something shifting between you. When you reached Diana’s place, she climbed out with a cheerful goodbye, leaving you and Eddie alone in the van. The air felt heavier now, charged with unsaid words as he turned the van back toward the lake.
To be continued at.......
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