If you really mean it

As Trey comes back to the group, Ariel laughs and shakes her head. "Someone actually was smart enough to have already though up the hot chocolate and I weaseled out of any tasks."

Grinning, she holds up a steaming styrofoam cup. "Want some?"

Still watching from a short distance away, Pete remains involved in conversations, even if his mind was half dedicated to thinking about Trey. The young man seemed to be wanting to fit in here, but something was keeping him back, almost like he wasn't so sure about all this. Was it the type of crowd? The setting? Just because it wasn't Mexico? Or was he perhaps not as confident as he liked to let people believe. Either way, Pete keeps his distance, letting Trey interact with whoever he wanted until eventually, the group begins to break up.

It was getting late and the fire was burning low. A handful of people had already left, and the tables were being taken down. Pete was alone, and his eyes find Trey again, giving him a short wave and thumbs to the car. He was in no hurry, but he wanted Trey to know that he'd be waiting, whenever he was ready.

Ariel sees Pete too, and while she sits with Trey on the bench near the dying fire, she sighs. "Looks like your ride is ready to leave." She looks over to him and smiles. "Glad you came along tonight, Trey. I hope I see you again sometime."


Dani giggles and brings her head up again to shake it slightly. "Either your a good liar or blind. But I don't think you lie, so it must be your eyes." She waves a hand over his face as if to test his eyesight, though she grins. His compliment had made her blush and she was trying to ignore it.

Dalton's suggestion of calling in to work was way too appealing. "Mmm... that sounds like a wonderful idea." Dani's head falls back on his chest, gently moving up and down with his breath and she could feel his soothing heartbeat. Anything to spend the day with him. "Carson might kill me, but at least I'll die happy, right?"

Her arms slide around him, her hands tucking between his back and the couch cushions. "We could have a picnic on the river," she suggests. "That is..." She lifts her head again and gives his lips another soft kiss. "...if you really mean it about taking the day off."


Looking up to see Beth, Justin chuckles at her question. "Just a bit of hand-eye coordination. Nothing too outlandish, and nothing involving paint or food coloring."

Grinning, he motions for her to sit down. Her eyes seemed a little brighter today, her smile a little more visible. Were their short times together doing her good? He hoped so. She had yet to share with him the pictures she'd mentioned a while back, but perhaps she didn't need that anymore. Surely she was doing more growing on her own than with him anyway.

"Good morning, by the way. How ya doing?"


Reese paces his office, wishing the phone would ring. He knew Hope was going through her transfusion and he was anxious to hear from the doctor. He was supposed to call. He'd remember. Right? On top of all that, Jason was still down, though on the mend. Rick and Ty were gone. Con was off to be with Nate and Laura, as was Jamie. And Katie was helping take care of Jason. What was the office coming to anyway?

Groaning, he flops down in his chair. maybe he should call the hospital himself. Then at least he'd be happy to have some information. No... he needed to be patient. But with so many things going on at once, it was difficult.

He sighs and grabs some paperwork. It would keep him occupied for a while - at least until he got his head on straight.