Show Me That You're Human

“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.”

She shrugged. “Sometimes it’s nice to go somewhere where people don’t have expectations for you.” Where you could be what and who you wanted to be, hard as it was. “I’m sure it is. And it’s pretty here too.” She smiled and nodded, “A lot of places do have views. Um, I’m glad you like it here though.”

“Do you– honey– did you forget how stupid some girls are?”

“I...I think I just had higher expectations for them?”

“Well, my cousin hasn’t been entertaining me, I needed to find something else, clearly.”

“I’m not very good at entertainment. I think you chose the wrong person to watch.”

“It really wouldn’t be all that petty. But being petty can be fun.”

“I think it would be a little petty, wouldn’t it?” she rose her brows in question. “And what are you being petty about?”

“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.”

“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.”

@willow-deighton​

“What are the chances you’ll let me steal you for an hour to get some real food?”

“To get some real food? Are restaurants even open right now? Everyone is here.”

“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 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?”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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?”

“These two have broken up and gotten back together three times tonight– I bet the sex tonight is going to be unbelievable.”

“I’m not even surprised you came just for the sake of people watching.”

“I’m sure there are a bunch of people trying it. I bet at least one guy is using a fake password to try and get laid,” Rowan looked out into the crowd as if trying to find them.

“A fake password to...?” her brow furrowed. “How would a fake password help him out? Surely someone wouldn’t be smart enough to make a trade like that without testing to see if the password works yet?”

@willow-deighton​

“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.”

“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?”

“You know me. You should know that when it comes down to it, I am always gonna be honest with you.” A small smile came, “Aww, you want me all to yourself? Of course we can do it.”

“Yeah...I do...Sorry if I offended you,” she mumbled, before rolling her eyes albeit a little more playfully than before. “Read into it however you want. I know you’ll just do it anyway.”

“I joke with you all the time but when have I ever actually lied to you about something?” He paused. “Yes I actually had a plan. Willow, you are practically my family. Why would I not want to see you?”

“I...I don’t know...” she admitted quietly, “Jokes and lies...sometimes the line gets murky I guess,” she shrugged. “So we can’t do that plan anymore?” She ignored his last question, not wanting to tell him how forgettable she sometimes felt.

“You know, coming back you were the only one I actually planned something for?”

She quieted for a moment and looked at him hesitantly. “...Really? You’re not making that up? You didn’t make up the whole coming to surprise me thing on the spot so I wouldn’t be mad at you?”

“Or maybe you should admit that you are overreacting which is my job.”

“Is it really so hard for you to just apologize for not seeing me sooner?”

“You know, I think this bad attitude is what needs to be thrown in there.”

“If you’d just admit you should have come to see me sooner, the attitude might disappear. Instead you’re just doubling down.”