Eddie Breland

“Yeah, I can understand that,” she nodded. Not being around her family had opened the world up to her in a way. “Connecticut, I…can’t say I know much about it,” she laughed. “But I hope the town has treated you well so far.”

“Are you on the same boat?” He asked curiously. “It’s not one of the popular states people talk about. It’s pretty though. There are some nice places to see with nice views...and I just realized how vague that sounded,” he laughed. “It hasn’t been too bad so far. It’s definitely a change.”

“Is that how hard you’re normally going? Hard enough to make a fool of everyone around?” She let a smile pull to her lips at his touch. “You didn’t mean to insult me, but it was exactly what you meant,” she teased, coupling it with a little glare. “Oh however man I want, hm? All on you? What’s your motive here, slick?”

“Oh no, definitely not. I want to be able to remember what I did or said tonight but now i know that if I do indeed say something stupid or do something stupid, you won’t judge me right?” He rose a brow, waiting for her answer. “No no no no, I would never insult you. How can I make it up to you?” He knew that sometimes he could put his foot in his mouth without trying to. “My motive? Well, my motive is to have a good time with good company. If you’re up for it.”

“Well, how do you party. Who cares what the rest of them are doing,” she shrugged, her eyes on him with a little smirk. “I think you’re the one judging me! Calling my drink choices non-classy,” she scoffed, shaking her head.

“I’m going to take that as a I’m not going to judge you if you make a fool out of yourself, which I appreciate.” He smiled and put a hand on top of hers. “I’m not! I didn’t mean it that way at all,” he laughed, shaking his head. “I just meant that I usually go for like a scotch or whiskey. I am willing to try it though and you get however many drinks you want on me.”

“I appreciate that you’re not hopping at the opportunity. I think this thing is still meant to be somewhat family friendly.” Adriana shrugged. “Oh no, that is… a secret. It’s not really a big deal, really.”

“Exactly. I wouldn’t want to be banned from future events and that’s one way to do it.” He nodded at her response. “I get it. Why talk about something you’re going to burn anyway right?”

“Does that mean I can expect you hanging around all night?” Harper asked with a little grin to her. “Maybe we should mix in some Red Bull vodkas, because if you’ll be around I don’t want to miss out.”

“I am planning on staying out, we’ll see. I’m still trying to see how this place parties being a newbie and all.” He was also trying to let himself have some fun and not keep to himself too much. “Don’t judge me but I’ve never had Red Bull vodkas. I usually go for the classy stuff but I’m down to try something new tonight.”

“I think…yeah. It’s a lot easier to think in a city like this. But what about you? Where are you from? And why pick this town of all towns?”

“Definitely, it’s a good change to also be somewhere people don’t know you.” Eddie wasn’t sure whether to lie or not, but people wouldn’t be able to really figure out who he was. It was not like he was waving his hands to have people searching him up and it wasn’t like he was that interesting. So he decided to not lie, for now. “I’m from Connecticut. This town just seemed to attract me for some reason, I don’t really know.”

“Are you sure you’re not just looking for an excuse to walk round without it? I’d loose the pants instead.”

“That is not what I’m going for,” he chuckled. “What are you burning? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“As long as some people are enjoying it, I guess,” she shrugged and gave a small smile. “I guess this isn’t a bad place for a fresh start, although people will definitely be talking about the new guy in town. I hope that doesn’t scare you… I’m from New York.”

“It’s not so far. People seem nice enough and it’s pretty lowkey. Definitely very different than New York. Do you like the quietness of this place in comparison?”

“I had heard that people were doing a lot to try to benefit from this whole password system. Maybe something for them to think about next time they throw a party,” she mused with a nod. “Oh, yeah. I guess so. I mean I moved here for her so it would be pretty sucky for me to not spend time with her,” she gave a little laugh. “Welcome to town? What brought you here?”

“They definitely should rethink it. I bet not even that many people know what the password is and they’re figuring out another way in,” he chuckled, shaking his head. “Just needed a fresh start. They’re really therapeutic.” Technically, he wasn’t lying. “Where are you from originally then? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“Unfortunately, I’ve only heard people go around giving fake passwords. I haven’t quite made my way around to looking for it myself. I’ve been spending time with my niece.” She gestured to the little girl. “They really made it hard this year, didn’t they?”

“That’s what I keep hearing too. And what’s up with people asking for money in order to get the password? Seems like cheating to me, right?” He looked over at the little girl. “That’s nice of you to spend time with her. But I wouldn’t know, this is my first time at one of these. I’m somewhat new to town.”

“If anything the gods are staring down at you with their arms crossed in disappointment. You might want to watch out for lightning incase they try to smite you.”

“I wasn’t even worried about that until you brought it up. I have no idea what I could throw in. Maybe this shirt? I don’t think it works with the whole purpose of what kind of items to burn.”

Harper didn’t hesitate longer to hook her arm in his, an invitation to lead her. “I think it means I’ll be staying until I get a better offer or I pass out from exhaustion.”

Eddie smiled when she hooked her arm with his. “Please don’t pass out here from exhaustion but if you do, I’ll be there to catch you.”

“You don’t happen to know the password to the speakeasy, do you? I know, I know, it’s kind of cheating to just get it like that but I have been trying and so far nothing has really worked.”

“Please lead me to the novelty drinks, the kids are with their dad for the weekend.”

“That I could do. Since you’re having a free night, does that mean you’ll be staying until this whole thing is over?”

“Anyone else have trouble trying to narrow it down to just one item that they want to burn? No? Just me?”

“I didn’t bring any. It seemed easier than deciding what to burn. I hope I’m not being a party pooper and breaking some century old tradition.”

“Not offended, but yet again, you’re insinuating that I can’t do my job,” she shot him a look. “And I’ve told you I can, but you’re second guessing me. So either trust me to do what you hired me to do or fire me. Don’t play this ‘if you can’t do it, that’s on you’ game with me. Frankly it’s tiring.”

“I’m sorry. I know the way I say things sometimes don’t come off... in a nice way.” Eddie understood that he could be a little odd sometimes with his words and the way things came out. He was working on it, but most of his life he was conditioned to speak a certain way. “Alright, fine. You’re right. I won’t question your ability to do the job anymore. I’m sorry.” He said again. 

“Yeahhh… sorry but I don’t do pep. Not really my thing at all.” Vera found herself scowling at the suggestion. “Not married? Ah, well good for you, hun. At least you’re sparing yourself from a life of desperation and misery.” A shrug rolled off her shoulders. Clearly, Vera was ever the optimist. “Who said there has to be a story? Maybe I just don’t want to go. You’re kind of nosy, aren’t you?”

“Let me guess, you’re not a kiss-ass? Good for you honestly.” He didn’t like kiss asses, he could smell the fakeness from less than a mile away. “Wow you must really hate marriage,” he laughed, bringing the glass up to his lips to take a sip of his drink. “I’m not that nosy. I don’t like when people ask me too many questions either. Apologies if I overstepped. I just got a bit of a curious mind sometimes.”