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

Best try

Now that it was Zach's turn to talk Beth falls quiet and just listens as she works on her own sub. For some reason it tasted extra good today. It could of been the fact she hadn't had one in a long time or maybe just having good company made it better!

Giving a nod as a sud don wave of sadness came over her. She thought it was horrible that not even Harry's wife came to see him. It's not his fault he was here and when they got married they made a pack. To be together through thick and thin not to bail out when something went wrong. Beth just didn't understand why someone would do that.

"It's kind of sad in a way. I bet he miss her very much. I'm just happy he has you around to come and see him Zach. I think every now and again I am gonna stop by and see him as well."

Placing her sub down again and wrapping it up to bring the rest of it home Beth folds her hands across the table and leans in a little bit. She really had enjoyed the meal, and talking with Zach. It was nice finding out more about him and sharing her own stuff as well.

"So what other kind of stuff do you like to do?"

Searching Jeff's face Ashlee could see a little bit of disappointment in his eyes. She'd dont her best not to be to hurtful but she guessed in this situation it was probable hard no matter how you looked at it or went about it.

"I will definitely keep in mind your offer. Thanks Jeff."

Looking up and seeing her mom walk in Ashlee waves her over. She might get strange vibes from Jeff but he'd done nothing but be nice so that was what she could do in return at least for now. Her mom also seemed to enjoy Jeff's company so why not try to deal with it.

"No, thats alright you can."

Ashlee smile and gives a nod to her mom as she walks over.

"Hey Mom, I got us a table and if its alright with you Jeff wants to join us."

Sitting down at the table and smile Stacy new Ashlee was doing her best to be friendly and she was thankful for that. It was nice to see that at least she was giving it her best even if she didn't want too.

"Sure that sounds great to me. How was your guys day?"