Handsome

Jim nods, a little more solemn now, but still willing to help out for Eric's sake. "Yeah sure. She needs to know about this. I'll stay here 'til you get back."

Once Angel is gone, Jim sighs and sits down in a nearby chair. "We're just trying to help," he reminds quietly.

"I know." Eric's eyes were closed again, but he was still awake at this point. "But I'm not gonna live a cripple because I ran into a fence post."

Jim rolls his eyes. "You shouldn't have been out there and you know it. Angel told you to take it easy."

Eric opens one eye for half a glare. "I walked to the barn," he states flatly. "Someone had their hands full of horses so I went and simply opened one little gate for them. That was the extent of my excursion. A horse ran into me. Plain and simple. If Angel wants to think I was disobeying her, then she can. But I was doing the best I could without suffocating myself in the bunkhouse and spending my time alone."

Jim rubs his face tiredly. "Alright.... just... chill, okay? You don't need to be getting worked up."

Letting his head sink back into the pillow, Eric tries to ignore the pain. He needed to heal. He needed to.


Drawing later in the day, Miles was already gone and so was Jed. Leo finally slams the hood down on the car he'd been working on all day. He was finally finished and was now late for his plans tonight. It didn't matter though. He really didn't want to go anyway.

Cleaning things up a bit, he grabs his jacket and clocks out. Reaching the door, he throws one last look over his shoulder at Ryan's bay then walks out.

Driving around town, he doesn't head for home. He didn't want to. He didn't know what he wanted to do. Nothing was appealing tonight. Driving past the Bullseye, he slows. He really didn't feel like going in, but what other things were better to do? He was alone and miserable. He'd only have a beer or two then go home.

Parking, he wanders inside where the rock music was playing and smoke was already hanging in the air. Heading to the bar, he grabs an empty bar stool and sits down, swiveling a little and rubbing his throbbing head. Seeing the bartender, he gives him a wave. "Just a beer.... no, make that a beer and a shot of whiskey." He probably shouldn't, but he was miserable enough tonight to do it.


"Hello, handsome." Jade walks up beside Dan, leaning on his leg and looking up at him on the fence. She grins. "Looks like you're having fun." She reaches out to run her hand along the rope, fingering the soft strands before her fingers reach Dan's hand and she holds it instead, resting her head on his leg. "I haven't seen Dad yet," she informs. "I was just-" She stops as her eyes catch movement and her heart jumps. "Oh... speaking of which...."

She straightens up a little and lets go of Dan's hand, taking a step back as her cheeks grow a little warm.

Mick wanders up to his daughter and Dan, his hands busy with a long piece of straw he'd picked up. His stride was slow but purposeful, the look on his face one that was not upset, but a little gentler than before he'd left for the McClain's.

Reaching them, he eyes Jade for a moment, mustering up a small smile. Seeing her hesitance, he nods with his head. "Come here."

Seeing the new look in her dad's eye, Jade falls into him, giving him a giant hug. "Oh, Daddy..."

Mick smiles and hugs her back. She hadn't called him that since she'd been a tiny tot. "Merry Christmas, you."

"Merry Christmas." Jade can't help the small tears in her eyes as she pulls away. "Are... are you okay?"

"I'm fine... I'm better." Mick nods with confidence and reaches out to wipe away her tear with his bandanna. Sighing a little, he squares his shoulders bravely. "And I'm sorry, too. I was very wrong... on more than one thing. I hope you don't ever think I don't want you around."

Jade sniffs and nods, starting to gain some hope again.

Mick looks up to Dan next, a little warily but willing to talk. "Dan... I see you're still hard at work."