Company

Hunter accepts Katie's addition to the toast with a wide smile. This might be the fastest friendship he'd ever formed, not to mention the most odd. What were the odds he'd be having dinner with the same woman who had arrested him? That was fodder for a sitcom, not real life - not his life anyway. It was also the first time his stupid flirting had led to anything but shallow conversation over a couple of beers. Katie wasn't shallow though - that much was obvious. She was different. She was... the kind of company he used to keep. And in a way... it made Hunter miss his old life away from the glamor, meaningless relationships, competition and showing off. Katie was real, and she looked right past his attempts to impress with cockiness. 

Clinking his glass on hers, he takes a sip then smacks his lips. "Ahhh.... and now...." He sets his drink down and picks up his knife and fork. "We dine before my stomach eats itself." 

Cutting off a piece of juicy steak, he dips it in barbecue sauce before taking a bite and murmuring with content. "This place's steaks are the best kept secret in town," he muses. 

While eating, conversation naturally slowed, although Hunter keeps it up just a little with light chatter about his racing mostly, or the kinds of idiots he hung out with. By the time the check came, he was leaned back in the booth with an empty dinner plate in front of him.

It was getting late in the evening, but he didn't really want it to end. Sighing, he eyes the check then looks over at Katie. "You sure you won't let me pay? I promise I won't call it a date. I just want to thank you for keeping me company."

Today was a day Eric would have stayed in bed. Should have stayed in bed. His leg was killing him, and Angel had confirmed that an infection had started once again. Hopefully they'd caught it fast enough this time though, so he was back on antibiotics to take care of it. She'd warned him to take it easy, so... he would... but he wasn't going to stay inside all day. Not today, of all days. 

Rising early, he'd gone straight to Moonbeam's stall. The little bay mare had loved the extra grooming, and Eric had brushed her coat until it shone, her four white socks standing out brightly. Afterward, he'd chosen some easy tasks, helping feed but leaving the stall cleaning to Dylan. He kept his eye on the doorway though, waiting to see when Ashlee might come wandering in. There would be a little party later at lunchtime in the dining hall, but he wanted to be sure to wish her a happy birthday if he saw her beforehand.