Stargazing

Zach's smile spreads widely. "I think Uncle Harry would love some extra company."

Being asked more about himself, he chuckles and shrugs. "I like... going for walks... playing basketball... camping... um..." He tries to think of anything interesting, but he thought his life was a rather boring one. "I like to read - my apartment is half-full of books... um... you know I like animals, obviously... I dunno, I guess that's about it." He grins. "I never think of myself as shallow until I start talking about me."


Jeff was glad that at least Ashlee wouldn't mind him there for supper. He really wished he knew why she seemed rather offish around him, but he just couldn't figure it out. Oh, well. Maybe she'd warm up if he kept trying as long as he didn't push it.

He smiles at Stacy as she joins them. "My day wasn't too bad. Looked like Ashlee here had a pretty busy day herself. I hear she got the boss' horse looking pretty good."

Throughout the meal, Jeff tries to keep some light conversation going and does his best to include Ashlee. At one point he spies Eric over in the corner watching them with a peculiar expression, but he lets it go, figuring it was nothing....


...The next two weeks seemed to fly by. Days were filled with work at the ranch and evenings with late night cards games or quiet time in front of the television. Jeff took Stacy and Ashlee out a couple more times, though was a little more aware of what Ashlee might like. She seemed to have an okay time, but most of her conversation revolved around horses or working with Eric. She still wouldn't take him up on his horseback riding lessons offer though, but he let it lie. At least he did have fun with Stacy and she seemed to enjoy herself too. It was nice to see her smile - to see her have fun. Jeff knew she was a strong woman and had handled a lot... but he also knew it hadn't been an easy life, so giving her some fun... that in itself made him feel good.

The rest of the ranch functioned pretty much as normal. Eric did finally give in to Clint to begin working on his truck, though he didn't talk about it much. He was still pretty undecided about whether or not to go back on the road or not. He was at least finding more things to keep busy at the ranch, and his sidekick was becoming more and more his shadow. Not a day went by that Ashlee didn't come looking for him in the barn. And while Eric might not admit it... she was the bright spot in his days. He'd seen Jeff spending more time with Stacy and wondered if there was anything more going on there, but he never asked. He stayed quietly out of the way. Maybe he hadn't talked to Stacy much either, but... maybe she preferred it that way anyway.

...It was another late night. Things were so quiet and still. It was late enough that even the card games were over and the dining hall was dark. Everyone was in bed. ...Almost everyone.

Eric sat on the porch of his bunkhouse, still dressed and pulling his jacket a little tighter. He'd tried for two hours to get to sleep but it just hadn't worked. So he'd wound up outside just sitting and staring up at the stars.


New Text Message
To: Dan
From: Unknown 555-3498

Give me a reason to live...

Dylan