Waving to the thin air a small grin was on Trey's lips. The smokes he would be able to sell and add the money he already had and the favor well when he needed it he'd call on Alec for sure. It was always good to have something like that up his sleeve.
"Later!"
Taking a bit of her grilled cheese Beth's eyes had a new light in them. Thinking on his question for a moment Beth wondered how did she feel about Zach. When she thought about it butterflys did flutter in her tummy. Did that mean she liked him?
"He's really nice and smart too. He works at a shelter and selling cars. He also has a dog named Button."
Spooning her soup and bringing it to her lips and blowing it to cool it down. She couldn't help but babble though maybe she should tone it down a little as not to be to hyper.
"How is Jared doing?"
Angelica can't help but laugh even more and in doing so she loses her own balance and falls drenching herself. Slapping the water she continues to laugh, it was all she could do in the whole situation.
"My fault? You're the one who wanted to come here."
Shaking her head and leaning back a little to fix her hair wetting it down. Shaking a little to dry it off she just sits in the water by Reese the smile still on her face.
"No one is ever going to believe we did this you know!"
Giving a nod to Jeff and taking a sip of her juice Stacy lets it slide down her throat before replying. It was hard to think what Ashlee was thinking but from what she saw that was what she could tell.
"Yeah she seemed to be fitting in pretty good. Still some things we both have to get use too but all in all I think she's doing ok."
A small dimness goes over her eyes. Thinking about how her daughter was still sad for one reason.
"She does miss Dylan though. He was one of her ownly friends here. I think she just hopes he is ok too. She has a good big heart ya know?"
2/18/12
Proud
Jeff smiles as Stacy accepts his invitation. He figured since Dylan wasn't here at the moment, she might be okay at getting away, and he was glad she'd said yes. He hoped Ashlee would want to go too.
Stacy's question makes him chuckle. "I'm as alright as a broken down cowboy can be." He grins and takes another bite of his food before nodding. "Guess I wouldn't trade it though - living here, I mean. With family. Still gets a little lonely sometimes," he admits, "but I suppose that comes with the territory. What about you? How are you and Ashlee settling in?"
Doused with water - and a bit of seaweed - Reese coughs as some of the water went up his nose. Just standing there a moment, dripping, his eyes narrow. Flicking off the seaweed, he steps forward again. Unfortunately, there was a rock he didn't see, and as his bare foot hits it, pain shoots through his toe.
Recoiling too quickly, he loses his balance. With a wail of dismay, he falls backward into the water. Despite being right on the edge, he falls far enough to become completely drenched from head to toe. Sputtering and sitting up in the water, he blinks and stares up at Angelica, unable to believe he'd just done that. "All your fault," he accuses, trying not to laugh. His face was red from both embarrassment and the stifled laughter. "This whole thing... your fault."
Still sitting in the water, he splashes a little just for the fun of it. "At least it's warm."
Jason thinks for a moment, then nods. "Yeah... yeah, sure, a movie sounds good."
Taking her hand from his shoulder, he holds it for a few seconds before lifting it to his lips to kiss it. Standing, he slips his arm around her shoulders and heads for the door. "Come on. Let's go say hi to Carson."
Sitting down with Beth at the table, Justin lifts his eyebrows at her sudden enthusiasm to tell him something. Hearing she'd been on a date, he cocks his head a little, spying a new kind of sparkle in her eye. It was fantastic. She'd actually talked to someone and went out with them without someone holding her hand. It was a huge step for her to say the least and there was so much to be proud of. The difference in her between today and when they'd first met - it was amazing. Why then did Justin find himself needing to force his smile to surface?
Letting it go quickly, he does smile. "Well good for you. I'm very proud of you. That's great that you're making a new friend."
He picks up his napkin and sets it on his leg. "So... you like him?" he teases, tossing her a wink.
A long pause implies Alec is deep in thought over his options. He finally responds to Trey. "You got a deal. I'll get the smokes to you, and at that point I'll let you know when I'll need your services." He wasn't sure exactly when that would be, but it would be soon. He was tired of the Elite knowing his every move, and if he wanted to do anything outside his bounds, he needed them to be blind to it. "Later."
Stacy's question makes him chuckle. "I'm as alright as a broken down cowboy can be." He grins and takes another bite of his food before nodding. "Guess I wouldn't trade it though - living here, I mean. With family. Still gets a little lonely sometimes," he admits, "but I suppose that comes with the territory. What about you? How are you and Ashlee settling in?"
Doused with water - and a bit of seaweed - Reese coughs as some of the water went up his nose. Just standing there a moment, dripping, his eyes narrow. Flicking off the seaweed, he steps forward again. Unfortunately, there was a rock he didn't see, and as his bare foot hits it, pain shoots through his toe.
Recoiling too quickly, he loses his balance. With a wail of dismay, he falls backward into the water. Despite being right on the edge, he falls far enough to become completely drenched from head to toe. Sputtering and sitting up in the water, he blinks and stares up at Angelica, unable to believe he'd just done that. "All your fault," he accuses, trying not to laugh. His face was red from both embarrassment and the stifled laughter. "This whole thing... your fault."
Still sitting in the water, he splashes a little just for the fun of it. "At least it's warm."
Jason thinks for a moment, then nods. "Yeah... yeah, sure, a movie sounds good."
Taking her hand from his shoulder, he holds it for a few seconds before lifting it to his lips to kiss it. Standing, he slips his arm around her shoulders and heads for the door. "Come on. Let's go say hi to Carson."
Sitting down with Beth at the table, Justin lifts his eyebrows at her sudden enthusiasm to tell him something. Hearing she'd been on a date, he cocks his head a little, spying a new kind of sparkle in her eye. It was fantastic. She'd actually talked to someone and went out with them without someone holding her hand. It was a huge step for her to say the least and there was so much to be proud of. The difference in her between today and when they'd first met - it was amazing. Why then did Justin find himself needing to force his smile to surface?
Letting it go quickly, he does smile. "Well good for you. I'm very proud of you. That's great that you're making a new friend."
He picks up his napkin and sets it on his leg. "So... you like him?" he teases, tossing her a wink.
A long pause implies Alec is deep in thought over his options. He finally responds to Trey. "You got a deal. I'll get the smokes to you, and at that point I'll let you know when I'll need your services." He wasn't sure exactly when that would be, but it would be soon. He was tired of the Elite knowing his every move, and if he wanted to do anything outside his bounds, he needed them to be blind to it. "Later."
Nice Guy
Looking up at Jeff as he sits down Stacy gives a smile. She was in a pretty good move after having a nice heart to heart with Ashlee today. Things were settled there and everything seemed to be going smoothly.
Taking a sip of her water Stacy thinks for a long moment. Dinner with Jeff tomorrow, it would be a friendly thing to do and nice to just get out of the ranch for a little bit and have a nice dinner.
"Well I'll have to see if Ashlee wants to come too but if she does I am all for it. I think a nice dinner would be good. Ash really hasn't been away since we got here and I haven't had much quiet time. It might be nice."
Jeff was definitely a nice man and having him invite her and Ashlee out to dinner and ice cream was very nice thing to do. It would also be a nice chance to see where things around town were a little bit.
Cutting her pot roast Stacy gives a smile to Jeff before taking a bit and chewing her food. She loved eating here everything just seemed to melt in your mouth and made to perfection. Not one meal had been bad in her opinion.
"That was really nice of you Jeff thanks. So how have you been?"
Angelica can't help but laugh at Reese and his comment. It felt good to let go, to be free and just have fun. It had been such a very long time for sure. Getting a lot wetter from Reese splash than originally planning Angelica squinter her eyes and points her finger at him trying to look mad, the winkle still there though showing she wasn't.
"Oh sure you wanna play nice after you drench me huh?"
Bending down and cuping her hands rather largely Angelica scoops up a bunch of water and throws it in Reese way. Not till a big lump of seaweed hits him does she realize it was there. Bringing a hand to her mouth she does her best not to laugh but can hardly contain herself as it rolls over her tongue.
Turning from the stove for a moment Beth smiles seeing the cookies. Justin's mother was so very nice. It was easy to tell Justin's must have gotten his kind heart from her too.
"That was very sweet of her you will have to tell me thank you for her."
Taking a spatula and taking the grilled cheese from the pan and putting them down on the plate Beth brings them to the table for herself and Justin. Going back for the soup and bringing it as well she sits down.
She was excited to tell Justin about last night and everything that had happened with Zach. Just leaving her food for a moment she folds her hands and looks across the table at Justin.
"I think I went on a date last night. A guy I've seen come into the bar a time or two but never drinks the alcohol asked me for coffee when I got out. His name is Zach and he's really nice. His Uncle stays at Brookshire too. Tomorrow we are gonna go and visit them than have lunch again."
Beth gives a smile to Justin. She was proud of herself and being able to make a new friend with someone else. She hopped Justin was as well. She was moving forward with life like he wanted.
Looking down at Jason Katie gives a small half a smile. Everything still felt so strange and she still found herself trying to talk with Jason from another room but it just didn't work. So there words were few over the last week and it Just didn't feel right not being able to feel at all.
"Yeah pizza sounds good. I haven't had there pizza for a while."
Katie leans against the bed and lays a hand on his shoulder. She hadn't shared with Jason how empty she felt. She didn't want to make him worried or feel bad. Maybe once a little more time had passed everything would be ok and she would get use to feeling something. After all even if she couldn't feel it she new she loved Jason right?
"Maybe after we can do a movie or something back at my place. I have a couch thats getting pretty lonely."
Giving a little jump as the phone rings it was the last thing Trey had expected. Just looking at it for a long moment, than the camera in his room than the phone again Trey picks it up not helping the wonder one who was on the other line.
"Yeah...whats up?"
Hearing Alec's voice on the other end Trey couldn't help but be a little surprised he was hearing from Alec at all. Leaning back on the bed again and Trey folds his arms. This could be his chance to be getting a few things he wanted. Or at least some stuff he could sell for money.
"It's not what I would take, but what are you willing to giving. What your asking wont be an easy task, but I can do it."
Trey thinks for a long moment what would he want, what would Alec give, and how much could he really get.
"Get me a carton of smokes and a favor later on down the road no questions asked when it happens. If you can do that You got yourself a deal."
Taking a sip of her water Stacy thinks for a long moment. Dinner with Jeff tomorrow, it would be a friendly thing to do and nice to just get out of the ranch for a little bit and have a nice dinner.
"Well I'll have to see if Ashlee wants to come too but if she does I am all for it. I think a nice dinner would be good. Ash really hasn't been away since we got here and I haven't had much quiet time. It might be nice."
Jeff was definitely a nice man and having him invite her and Ashlee out to dinner and ice cream was very nice thing to do. It would also be a nice chance to see where things around town were a little bit.
Cutting her pot roast Stacy gives a smile to Jeff before taking a bit and chewing her food. She loved eating here everything just seemed to melt in your mouth and made to perfection. Not one meal had been bad in her opinion.
"That was really nice of you Jeff thanks. So how have you been?"
Angelica can't help but laugh at Reese and his comment. It felt good to let go, to be free and just have fun. It had been such a very long time for sure. Getting a lot wetter from Reese splash than originally planning Angelica squinter her eyes and points her finger at him trying to look mad, the winkle still there though showing she wasn't.
"Oh sure you wanna play nice after you drench me huh?"
Bending down and cuping her hands rather largely Angelica scoops up a bunch of water and throws it in Reese way. Not till a big lump of seaweed hits him does she realize it was there. Bringing a hand to her mouth she does her best not to laugh but can hardly contain herself as it rolls over her tongue.
Turning from the stove for a moment Beth smiles seeing the cookies. Justin's mother was so very nice. It was easy to tell Justin's must have gotten his kind heart from her too.
"That was very sweet of her you will have to tell me thank you for her."
Taking a spatula and taking the grilled cheese from the pan and putting them down on the plate Beth brings them to the table for herself and Justin. Going back for the soup and bringing it as well she sits down.
She was excited to tell Justin about last night and everything that had happened with Zach. Just leaving her food for a moment she folds her hands and looks across the table at Justin.
"I think I went on a date last night. A guy I've seen come into the bar a time or two but never drinks the alcohol asked me for coffee when I got out. His name is Zach and he's really nice. His Uncle stays at Brookshire too. Tomorrow we are gonna go and visit them than have lunch again."
Beth gives a smile to Justin. She was proud of herself and being able to make a new friend with someone else. She hopped Justin was as well. She was moving forward with life like he wanted.
Looking down at Jason Katie gives a small half a smile. Everything still felt so strange and she still found herself trying to talk with Jason from another room but it just didn't work. So there words were few over the last week and it Just didn't feel right not being able to feel at all.
"Yeah pizza sounds good. I haven't had there pizza for a while."
Katie leans against the bed and lays a hand on his shoulder. She hadn't shared with Jason how empty she felt. She didn't want to make him worried or feel bad. Maybe once a little more time had passed everything would be ok and she would get use to feeling something. After all even if she couldn't feel it she new she loved Jason right?
"Maybe after we can do a movie or something back at my place. I have a couch thats getting pretty lonely."
Giving a little jump as the phone rings it was the last thing Trey had expected. Just looking at it for a long moment, than the camera in his room than the phone again Trey picks it up not helping the wonder one who was on the other line.
"Yeah...whats up?"
Hearing Alec's voice on the other end Trey couldn't help but be a little surprised he was hearing from Alec at all. Leaning back on the bed again and Trey folds his arms. This could be his chance to be getting a few things he wanted. Or at least some stuff he could sell for money.
"It's not what I would take, but what are you willing to giving. What your asking wont be an easy task, but I can do it."
Trey thinks for a long moment what would he want, what would Alec give, and how much could he really get.
"Get me a carton of smokes and a favor later on down the road no questions asked when it happens. If you can do that You got yourself a deal."
Favor
Suppertime at the ranch was almost always a relaxing time. After any visitors had already eaten, it was just the families and ranch hands, able to sit and chill for a while. Though getting dark outside, a fire in the fireplace kept the atmosphere warm and inviting.
Getting his plate of roast beef and mashed potatoes and balancing it all, along with his cup of coffee, Jeff weaves through the tables before picking a spot across from Stacy. "Mind some company?" He smiles as he sits down.
Adding some butter to his potatoes, he works on his food for a few moments before looking up again. Taking a sip of coffee, he cocks his head at Stacy. "I was wondering if... maybe tomorrow night I could take you and Ashlee into town for some supper and ice cream or something?"
Reese blinks as he receives a new spray of water. All of a sudden he felt like a high school kid again, uninhibited by adult logic.
"Think you're pretty funny, huh?" Letting go of Angelica's hand, he reaches down with both hands and scoops up some water, throwing it in her direction. Only afterward does he realize that it was more than a little sprinkle, and as such, he was probably in for it now.
Trying not to laugh, he backs up a step into the water, holding up his hands in defense. "Now now, let's play nice..."
Justin grins as he's let inside Beth's apartment. She seemed rather cheery this morning, which was quite contagious. "Things are alright." He follows her towards the kitchen. "Long day yesterday but I survived."
Leaning on the counter out of her way, he sets the cookies aside. "Ma sent some cookies over for you. I was with her a while yesterday, taking her to see Jared and stuff." He still hadn't gone in to see his brother. He still hadn't had the nerve. And he didn't know which was worse - the simmering anger he still had against his brother, or knowing he was a coward.
Realizing he'd been caught in a stare, he blinks and forces a smile. "How 'bout you?"
"You wanna do supper or something?" Jason bent over to tie his shoes while sitting in the infirmary. Rick had made him stick around for a couple days of recovery, but now was finally officially released as long as he checked back in every day for a while. Though still a little weak along with a lingering headache, he was feeling fine.
Finished with his shoe, he glances up at Katie before standing. It was kind of strange. They hadn't talked a whole lot the last couple days. It was like a state of shock after everything had finally settled down. Jason still had a strange sense of emptiness whenever he tried to think of how he felt emotionally. He hadn't said anything to Rick though, figuring whatever this was would wear off after a while. He hadn't said anything to Katie either, not wanting her to think he suddenly didn't care or something.
"Maybe Mom and Pop's? I think I could handle a pizza."
"Trey... it's Alec Banks." Though it had been quite a while since seeing each other, Alec knew that Trey would remember him. Standing at the payphone, he fiddles with the extra quarter in his hand. He might look like he didn't pay attention to much, but while at TJY, he'd memorized an awful lot, much of which was still embedded in his brain. One of those things was the number for the phone in the room of the lower level where Trey was still staying. Alec had hoped he hadn't moved out yet, and it looked like he was in luck.
"Hey, listen... you know a bit about computers, right? What would it take for you to, say, hack into a certain little tracking system so the Elite would be blind to my whereabouts for, oh say, a couple hours?" Though they hadn't spoken in person in a long time, Alec knew good and well that Trey would have heard all about his fiasco with the Agency, trial, and where he was now. Everybody knew Alec wore an ankle bracelet to keep him under control.
Getting his plate of roast beef and mashed potatoes and balancing it all, along with his cup of coffee, Jeff weaves through the tables before picking a spot across from Stacy. "Mind some company?" He smiles as he sits down.
Adding some butter to his potatoes, he works on his food for a few moments before looking up again. Taking a sip of coffee, he cocks his head at Stacy. "I was wondering if... maybe tomorrow night I could take you and Ashlee into town for some supper and ice cream or something?"
Reese blinks as he receives a new spray of water. All of a sudden he felt like a high school kid again, uninhibited by adult logic.
"Think you're pretty funny, huh?" Letting go of Angelica's hand, he reaches down with both hands and scoops up some water, throwing it in her direction. Only afterward does he realize that it was more than a little sprinkle, and as such, he was probably in for it now.
Trying not to laugh, he backs up a step into the water, holding up his hands in defense. "Now now, let's play nice..."
Justin grins as he's let inside Beth's apartment. She seemed rather cheery this morning, which was quite contagious. "Things are alright." He follows her towards the kitchen. "Long day yesterday but I survived."
Leaning on the counter out of her way, he sets the cookies aside. "Ma sent some cookies over for you. I was with her a while yesterday, taking her to see Jared and stuff." He still hadn't gone in to see his brother. He still hadn't had the nerve. And he didn't know which was worse - the simmering anger he still had against his brother, or knowing he was a coward.
Realizing he'd been caught in a stare, he blinks and forces a smile. "How 'bout you?"
"You wanna do supper or something?" Jason bent over to tie his shoes while sitting in the infirmary. Rick had made him stick around for a couple days of recovery, but now was finally officially released as long as he checked back in every day for a while. Though still a little weak along with a lingering headache, he was feeling fine.
Finished with his shoe, he glances up at Katie before standing. It was kind of strange. They hadn't talked a whole lot the last couple days. It was like a state of shock after everything had finally settled down. Jason still had a strange sense of emptiness whenever he tried to think of how he felt emotionally. He hadn't said anything to Rick though, figuring whatever this was would wear off after a while. He hadn't said anything to Katie either, not wanting her to think he suddenly didn't care or something.
"Maybe Mom and Pop's? I think I could handle a pizza."
"Trey... it's Alec Banks." Though it had been quite a while since seeing each other, Alec knew that Trey would remember him. Standing at the payphone, he fiddles with the extra quarter in his hand. He might look like he didn't pay attention to much, but while at TJY, he'd memorized an awful lot, much of which was still embedded in his brain. One of those things was the number for the phone in the room of the lower level where Trey was still staying. Alec had hoped he hadn't moved out yet, and it looked like he was in luck.
"Hey, listen... you know a bit about computers, right? What would it take for you to, say, hack into a certain little tracking system so the Elite would be blind to my whereabouts for, oh say, a couple hours?" Though they hadn't spoken in person in a long time, Alec knew good and well that Trey would have heard all about his fiasco with the Agency, trial, and where he was now. Everybody knew Alec wore an ankle bracelet to keep him under control.
2/17/12
Didn't Mean
Ryan can't help but laugh at her brother. Sometimes he was a trip for sure and most of the time when he was still half asleep it was for sure. No matter what though Ryan loved him and he always kept her laughing that was for sure.
"Yeah he did. Figured if he didn't leave soon you'd kick him out or kill him. Guess he didn't want either."
Cleaning up the ice cream bowls and the cups that had been used that night Ryan puts them in the sink and than comes back to the living room looking at her brother and giving a shake of her head. going over to him she bends down and gives his head a kiss.
"Good Night Eli, I'll see you in the morning."
Angelica gives a little gasp at the water is splashed back at her. No shocked or surprised but pretending was still fun.
"You wanna play that way huh?"
Moving her foot back a little more this time she gives a bit of a bigger splash to Reese but not enough to get him totally wet. Another laugh slips out as Angelica bats her eyes at Reese a little bit.
Hearing the knock at the door Beth goes and opens it. Seeing Justin she gives a smile before stepping aside to let him in.
"Good Morning/Afternoon. I'm not sure what one it is since I only got up a little bit ago."
Beth gives a little laugh as she shuts the door and than heads to the kitchen knowing Justin would follow. Today on the menu was grilled cheese and tomato soup. She had originally planned on just making something quick and easy but she was in a rather good mood this morning and wanted to go with something that took a little more time.
"So how has everything been so far in your day?"
Finishing up helping Eric Ashlee slowly exits the take room and takes a deep breath of the nice afternoon air. Slowly making her way across the yard and to the bunk house her mom's form heading to the dinning hall catches her attachen. She still felt bad for everything she had said, and she hated being at odds with her mom.
Changing her course she heads to the dinning hall and enters. It was mostly empty and she spots her mom in the kitchen getting some coffee. Following after to her Ashlee leans on one of the counters.
"No wonder you can keep late hours with all the coffee you drink."
Ashlee trys to give a small smile but it still felt kind of awkward. She just wanted things to be ok with her and her mom.
Looking up from the her coffee as she stirs it Stacy was a bit surprised to see her daughter standing there and talking to her none the less. It had been a little while but Stacy hoped she would come around just letting her take her own time.
"I'm pretty surprised I haven't gotten immune to it yet."
Picking up the cup in her hands Stacy takes a sip and than just holds the cup looking down into it. What else could she say? It felt strange not knowing what to say to her daughter when it had never been a problem before.
Standing straight again Ashlee moves into the kitchen a little more and looks at her mother for a long moment. This was harder than she thought it would be but maybe thats what made it more sinsear.
"I...I just wanted to say I'm sorry for all those things I said the other day. I didn't mean them. I don't like being at odds with you."
A bit surprised again Stacy gives a small smile.
"You did mean them, but its ok and I forgive you."
Stacy new everything had been rough on Ashlee even if she had never voiced it before but it took her daughters words the other day to actually realize how much everything must had taken a told on her.
Giving a nod to the small table that was in the kitchen Stacy was inviting her daughter to sit down with her. Place the cup on the counter she lets out a sigh and sits.
"Ash, it took you the other day telling me I never cared before to realize thats what you really meant. But its not true, I have always cared, and always wanted to make sure you were safe even if I wasn't around much to say it. I forced you to grow up to quickly and that was wrong of me. Now we are here, and I can see your inner child trying to get out and I automatically expected you to still be grown up. I need to let you be a child and enjoy your youth while you still can."
Ashlee keeps her eyes down on the table picking at a indent that had probable been there a long time. Listing to her mothers words she is quiet till she comes to a stop and looks up at her.
"I know you've always loved me and cared for me I have never thought differently of that. I was just angry and wasnt to sure how to handle everything that was going on at that moment with Dylan. It hurt that you didn't trust me too."
Stacy's eyes held a bit of sarrow in them. That afternoon had been all wrong and how everything had been handled was too. If she go back in a way she now would see how differently she would do things.
"It's not that I didn't trust you Ash. I was so scared when we couldn't find you and if anything worse had happened to you out there I never would have forgiven myself for not paying more attachen.Your my life, and I don't know what I would do without you. God blessed me when he gave me you."
Ashlee can't help the tear that rolled down her cheek. She new her mom cared but she never new just how much. Everything became a little more clean and she understood why her mom had been so worried.
Standing up Ashlee goes over to her mom and wraps her arms around her giving her the biggest hug she can just burying her face into her shoulder.
"I love you Mom, and I am sorry."
A tear rolls down Stacy's cheek, a peace coming over her knowing everything was going to be ok between her and her daughter. This was a growing pain for them both, but they both were coming out stronger and wiser.
"I'm sorry, I love you too Ash."
"Yeah he did. Figured if he didn't leave soon you'd kick him out or kill him. Guess he didn't want either."
Cleaning up the ice cream bowls and the cups that had been used that night Ryan puts them in the sink and than comes back to the living room looking at her brother and giving a shake of her head. going over to him she bends down and gives his head a kiss.
"Good Night Eli, I'll see you in the morning."
Angelica gives a little gasp at the water is splashed back at her. No shocked or surprised but pretending was still fun.
"You wanna play that way huh?"
Moving her foot back a little more this time she gives a bit of a bigger splash to Reese but not enough to get him totally wet. Another laugh slips out as Angelica bats her eyes at Reese a little bit.
Hearing the knock at the door Beth goes and opens it. Seeing Justin she gives a smile before stepping aside to let him in.
"Good Morning/Afternoon. I'm not sure what one it is since I only got up a little bit ago."
Beth gives a little laugh as she shuts the door and than heads to the kitchen knowing Justin would follow. Today on the menu was grilled cheese and tomato soup. She had originally planned on just making something quick and easy but she was in a rather good mood this morning and wanted to go with something that took a little more time.
"So how has everything been so far in your day?"
Finishing up helping Eric Ashlee slowly exits the take room and takes a deep breath of the nice afternoon air. Slowly making her way across the yard and to the bunk house her mom's form heading to the dinning hall catches her attachen. She still felt bad for everything she had said, and she hated being at odds with her mom.
Changing her course she heads to the dinning hall and enters. It was mostly empty and she spots her mom in the kitchen getting some coffee. Following after to her Ashlee leans on one of the counters.
"No wonder you can keep late hours with all the coffee you drink."
Ashlee trys to give a small smile but it still felt kind of awkward. She just wanted things to be ok with her and her mom.
Looking up from the her coffee as she stirs it Stacy was a bit surprised to see her daughter standing there and talking to her none the less. It had been a little while but Stacy hoped she would come around just letting her take her own time.
"I'm pretty surprised I haven't gotten immune to it yet."
Picking up the cup in her hands Stacy takes a sip and than just holds the cup looking down into it. What else could she say? It felt strange not knowing what to say to her daughter when it had never been a problem before.
Standing straight again Ashlee moves into the kitchen a little more and looks at her mother for a long moment. This was harder than she thought it would be but maybe thats what made it more sinsear.
"I...I just wanted to say I'm sorry for all those things I said the other day. I didn't mean them. I don't like being at odds with you."
A bit surprised again Stacy gives a small smile.
"You did mean them, but its ok and I forgive you."
Stacy new everything had been rough on Ashlee even if she had never voiced it before but it took her daughters words the other day to actually realize how much everything must had taken a told on her.
Giving a nod to the small table that was in the kitchen Stacy was inviting her daughter to sit down with her. Place the cup on the counter she lets out a sigh and sits.
"Ash, it took you the other day telling me I never cared before to realize thats what you really meant. But its not true, I have always cared, and always wanted to make sure you were safe even if I wasn't around much to say it. I forced you to grow up to quickly and that was wrong of me. Now we are here, and I can see your inner child trying to get out and I automatically expected you to still be grown up. I need to let you be a child and enjoy your youth while you still can."
Ashlee keeps her eyes down on the table picking at a indent that had probable been there a long time. Listing to her mothers words she is quiet till she comes to a stop and looks up at her.
"I know you've always loved me and cared for me I have never thought differently of that. I was just angry and wasnt to sure how to handle everything that was going on at that moment with Dylan. It hurt that you didn't trust me too."
Stacy's eyes held a bit of sarrow in them. That afternoon had been all wrong and how everything had been handled was too. If she go back in a way she now would see how differently she would do things.
"It's not that I didn't trust you Ash. I was so scared when we couldn't find you and if anything worse had happened to you out there I never would have forgiven myself for not paying more attachen.Your my life, and I don't know what I would do without you. God blessed me when he gave me you."
Ashlee can't help the tear that rolled down her cheek. She new her mom cared but she never new just how much. Everything became a little more clean and she understood why her mom had been so worried.
Standing up Ashlee goes over to her mom and wraps her arms around her giving her the biggest hug she can just burying her face into her shoulder.
"I love you Mom, and I am sorry."
A tear rolls down Stacy's cheek, a peace coming over her knowing everything was going to be ok between her and her daughter. This was a growing pain for them both, but they both were coming out stronger and wiser.
"I'm sorry, I love you too Ash."
Cookies
Eli gives a start and looks up groggily at Ryan. "Hmm? Oh. Yeah. Bed would be good." Yawning, he pries himself from his chair and stretches. Scratching his head, he glances around, his eye still drooping. "Where'd Romeo go? He take off already?"
Reese's jaw drops in mock surprise at Angelica's teasing move. Lifting one eyebrow higher than the other, he returns the favor to her, giving her a light splash with his foot. The water was surprisingly warm and way too inviting. Grinning, Reese's eyes dance with humor... and a little bit of challenge too.
Zach watches Beth leaves and returns a little wave to her. Staying for a while longer and two more coffees, he finally goes home so he can get ready for work.
Arriving back at his apartment, Zack is met with a bundle of flying black fur. Laughing, he scoops up the dog in his arms, receiving a batch of very wet, slobbery kisses. "Heyo, Button, what's the matter, huh? You miss me?"
She answers with a playful little bark and he laughs before setting her down. "Yeah, I know, Daddy's not usually out all night. I'm sorry. Looks like you behaved yourself though." He grabs her leash and within moments is outside with her. The sky was gray as the early dawn broke and he takes in a deep breath of air. It wasn't country air, but it wasn't the worst city air either.
Walking around the grass with Button, he sighs with content. "I made a new friend tonight. At least I think so."
Button paid little attention.
"I'm going to see her again. Don't ask me what possessed me to go see her in the first place, because I don't know."
Finished sniffing around, Button looks up at him, cocking her head.
He laughs. "Yes, my new friend is a girl. Jealous?"
...Lunch at Beth's. Justin stood on the doorstep, never intruding without being asked in. He was glad to get away again for a little while today. He needed to run up to Brookshire, then the rest of his day was probably going to be spent returning calls to people who needed help with their computers. His mother had a ride to the hospital today, so he didn't have to worry about that. Yesterday hadn't been so bad, but he still hadn't gone in to see Jared.
Lifting his hand, he knocks on Beth's door. In the other hand was a small container of cookies from his mother.
The days were all a bit of a blur. It was so strange being stuck in a hospital bed and feeling restless, yet not having anything to do or anywhere to go anyway. Visits from Jared's mom were the highlights. She seemed like such a sweet woman and though it obviously bothered her that he couldn't remember her, she still smiled and still brought him homemade pudding or chicken broth the nurses let him eat. He had to admit, it was a whole lot better than the hospital food he was eating through a straw.
Conversations with Lydia never lasted long enough. Jared had figured out that she didn't drive, so when a visit was only for ten minutes, he assumed she had to catch rides. She didn't talk too much about her home life though... but Jared didn't even know what kinds of questions to ask, so he didn't. She mentioned church a lot... and cooking... and a few friends. That was about it, other than telling him a few stories from when he was a kid. Nothing rang a bell though, but it was fun to listen. There were times that she seemed to stop short or bite her tongue from saying more, but he didn't pry. He was sure that this whole thing was hard for her, too. Apparently, he'd been living with her - at least he didn't have a place of his own someplace that was going to pot since he couldn't be there to care for it. And at least he wasn't married or anything - that would be too much like a bad movie.
As far as his physical condition went, it was going to take much longer to get out of here than he liked. But on days when the pain was almost unbearable, he was reminded why he was here. Then, there was always the question as to whether or not he'd even be able to walk again. The doctor spoke of therapy... but only if there was some sign, such as him being able to move his toes, that would prove there were nerves healing. But so far, there was nothing. Just long days of waiting and sleeping.
Reese's jaw drops in mock surprise at Angelica's teasing move. Lifting one eyebrow higher than the other, he returns the favor to her, giving her a light splash with his foot. The water was surprisingly warm and way too inviting. Grinning, Reese's eyes dance with humor... and a little bit of challenge too.
Zach watches Beth leaves and returns a little wave to her. Staying for a while longer and two more coffees, he finally goes home so he can get ready for work.
Arriving back at his apartment, Zack is met with a bundle of flying black fur. Laughing, he scoops up the dog in his arms, receiving a batch of very wet, slobbery kisses. "Heyo, Button, what's the matter, huh? You miss me?"
She answers with a playful little bark and he laughs before setting her down. "Yeah, I know, Daddy's not usually out all night. I'm sorry. Looks like you behaved yourself though." He grabs her leash and within moments is outside with her. The sky was gray as the early dawn broke and he takes in a deep breath of air. It wasn't country air, but it wasn't the worst city air either.
Walking around the grass with Button, he sighs with content. "I made a new friend tonight. At least I think so."
Button paid little attention.
"I'm going to see her again. Don't ask me what possessed me to go see her in the first place, because I don't know."
Finished sniffing around, Button looks up at him, cocking her head.
He laughs. "Yes, my new friend is a girl. Jealous?"
...Lunch at Beth's. Justin stood on the doorstep, never intruding without being asked in. He was glad to get away again for a little while today. He needed to run up to Brookshire, then the rest of his day was probably going to be spent returning calls to people who needed help with their computers. His mother had a ride to the hospital today, so he didn't have to worry about that. Yesterday hadn't been so bad, but he still hadn't gone in to see Jared.
Lifting his hand, he knocks on Beth's door. In the other hand was a small container of cookies from his mother.
The days were all a bit of a blur. It was so strange being stuck in a hospital bed and feeling restless, yet not having anything to do or anywhere to go anyway. Visits from Jared's mom were the highlights. She seemed like such a sweet woman and though it obviously bothered her that he couldn't remember her, she still smiled and still brought him homemade pudding or chicken broth the nurses let him eat. He had to admit, it was a whole lot better than the hospital food he was eating through a straw.
Conversations with Lydia never lasted long enough. Jared had figured out that she didn't drive, so when a visit was only for ten minutes, he assumed she had to catch rides. She didn't talk too much about her home life though... but Jared didn't even know what kinds of questions to ask, so he didn't. She mentioned church a lot... and cooking... and a few friends. That was about it, other than telling him a few stories from when he was a kid. Nothing rang a bell though, but it was fun to listen. There were times that she seemed to stop short or bite her tongue from saying more, but he didn't pry. He was sure that this whole thing was hard for her, too. Apparently, he'd been living with her - at least he didn't have a place of his own someplace that was going to pot since he couldn't be there to care for it. And at least he wasn't married or anything - that would be too much like a bad movie.
As far as his physical condition went, it was going to take much longer to get out of here than he liked. But on days when the pain was almost unbearable, he was reminded why he was here. Then, there was always the question as to whether or not he'd even be able to walk again. The doctor spoke of therapy... but only if there was some sign, such as him being able to move his toes, that would prove there were nerves healing. But so far, there was nothing. Just long days of waiting and sleeping.
Drool
Letting Tal get up Ryan new he did have to go. It's had been a long day for everyone and sleep would come easy tonight. Than there was always tomorrow where more time could be spent with each other.
"Oh I guess I can let you go this time than."
Ryan gives a smile as she follows Tal to the door. Just leaning on the frame for a moment she just study's him for a long time. Tal was one of a kind and Ryan was so happy to have him. He was special in more ways than he new and it was like a breath of fresh air every time she saw him.
"Good Night Tal have a safe trip home!"
Leaning in for a kiss Tal smiles than than backs away shutting the door behind her. If she didn't than she would never let Tal go tonight. Turning and leading to the living room Ryan pats Eli's arm.
"Hey, why don't you head to your bed. Your getting drool all over the chair."
Standing with Reese at the waters edge and letting the cool feeling wash over her feet Angelica felt so at peace. It was times like these they learned to live again and she definitely would remind Reese of them.
"I definitely can do that. Life's to short not to."
For a moment Angelica thinks back to her brother. His life had been cut way to short but he had always lived each day like it was going to be his last. Trying to not miss out on anything. Now Angelica would keep that close to her heart and remember that lesson.
Looking to Reese Angelica gives a small grin before moving her foot a little and splashing some water twords Reese. She couldn't help the giggle that escaped her lips.
Giving another smile to Zach Beth gives a small wave and turns around to leave. Hitting the cool air it felt nice, and the warm feeling that passed over her even better. The smile she had planted on her lips seemed to be stuck there as the butter flys flew around in her stomach. A new friend, someone to hang out with, and was not half bad to look at either. It was a good feeling. She'd have to remember to tell Justin in the morning. He would be so proud of her.
"Oh I guess I can let you go this time than."
Ryan gives a smile as she follows Tal to the door. Just leaning on the frame for a moment she just study's him for a long time. Tal was one of a kind and Ryan was so happy to have him. He was special in more ways than he new and it was like a breath of fresh air every time she saw him.
"Good Night Tal have a safe trip home!"
Leaning in for a kiss Tal smiles than than backs away shutting the door behind her. If she didn't than she would never let Tal go tonight. Turning and leading to the living room Ryan pats Eli's arm.
"Hey, why don't you head to your bed. Your getting drool all over the chair."
Standing with Reese at the waters edge and letting the cool feeling wash over her feet Angelica felt so at peace. It was times like these they learned to live again and she definitely would remind Reese of them.
"I definitely can do that. Life's to short not to."
For a moment Angelica thinks back to her brother. His life had been cut way to short but he had always lived each day like it was going to be his last. Trying to not miss out on anything. Now Angelica would keep that close to her heart and remember that lesson.
Looking to Reese Angelica gives a small grin before moving her foot a little and splashing some water twords Reese. She couldn't help the giggle that escaped her lips.
Giving another smile to Zach Beth gives a small wave and turns around to leave. Hitting the cool air it felt nice, and the warm feeling that passed over her even better. The smile she had planted on her lips seemed to be stuck there as the butter flys flew around in her stomach. A new friend, someone to hang out with, and was not half bad to look at either. It was a good feeling. She'd have to remember to tell Justin in the morning. He would be so proud of her.
2/16/12
Help Me
Tal chuckles and nods. "I'm sure. If I stay, Eli would kick me out anyway, and probably for good reason." He bites his lip. "You have no idea how irresistible you are, do you?"
Giving her a last kiss on the lips, he pulls himself up, forcing Ryan off to the side, though he still pulls her in for a warm hug. "Thanks for the evening. I'll talk with you tomorrow."
"Huh?" Eli lifts his head and smacks his lips, looking around with half-open eyes.
"Nothing," Tal answers. "Go back to lala land."
"Right." Eli blinks and settles back into his comfy chair again, not making anyone quite sure if he was really awake or not.
Tal stifles a laugh. "No wonder Scarlet's out of town, if this is all that's back here."
Reese laughs and starts forward in the sand, keeping Angelica's hand in his. "I haven't done this in years," he admits. "Maybe all this stress at work lately has taught me that I need to step back. When I keep busy but it doesn't overwhelm me, I don't take time for peace and quiet. Only when I start sinking do I remember that these are the moments I would regret not having."
Stopping nearer the water, his toes sink into wet sand and he grins as the lapping water comes up just far enough to wash over his feet and dampen the hem of his jeans. "I think you're right about the younger part," he agrees. "You're gonna have to help me remember this so I don't forget so soon again."
Zach was kind of glad to hear that Beth was in a similar boat as he. He couldn't help but think perhaps God knew what He was doing. Zach knew nothing about where Beth's spiritual life was, but that didn't mean God wouldn't be involved. Maybe He was just giving them both a chance at making new friendships - something they both, apparently, wanted.
Letting Beth stand, Zach opts to stay for a little while longer. If he went home now, he might conk out and never get to work on time.
"Sounds like a plan. Friday. Brookshire. Eleven o'clock." He pats his pocket. "And I got your number if anything changes."
Giving her a last kiss on the lips, he pulls himself up, forcing Ryan off to the side, though he still pulls her in for a warm hug. "Thanks for the evening. I'll talk with you tomorrow."
"Huh?" Eli lifts his head and smacks his lips, looking around with half-open eyes.
"Nothing," Tal answers. "Go back to lala land."
"Right." Eli blinks and settles back into his comfy chair again, not making anyone quite sure if he was really awake or not.
Tal stifles a laugh. "No wonder Scarlet's out of town, if this is all that's back here."
Reese laughs and starts forward in the sand, keeping Angelica's hand in his. "I haven't done this in years," he admits. "Maybe all this stress at work lately has taught me that I need to step back. When I keep busy but it doesn't overwhelm me, I don't take time for peace and quiet. Only when I start sinking do I remember that these are the moments I would regret not having."
Stopping nearer the water, his toes sink into wet sand and he grins as the lapping water comes up just far enough to wash over his feet and dampen the hem of his jeans. "I think you're right about the younger part," he agrees. "You're gonna have to help me remember this so I don't forget so soon again."
Zach was kind of glad to hear that Beth was in a similar boat as he. He couldn't help but think perhaps God knew what He was doing. Zach knew nothing about where Beth's spiritual life was, but that didn't mean God wouldn't be involved. Maybe He was just giving them both a chance at making new friendships - something they both, apparently, wanted.
Letting Beth stand, Zach opts to stay for a little while longer. If he went home now, he might conk out and never get to work on time.
"Sounds like a plan. Friday. Brookshire. Eleven o'clock." He pats his pocket. "And I got your number if anything changes."
Teenagers
"Poor Holly, sometimes tells me she might be enjoying the time along with the pups."
Ryan couldn't help the smile that spread across her face though in her eyes she was a bit sad that Tal had to leave for the night. She was comfortable and could stay like this for a while longer. Just listing to his heart beat. It was rythimatic, and had a nice lullaby.
"Are you sure you have to go?"
Her own heart beat seemed to match Tal's as she continued to lay on him. Comapired to all her other relationships this one almost felt, real. It was soft, but thrilling, and there was just something special about it. Ryan wasnt sure what but it made the whole thing a lot more worth while.
Ashlee nods taking everything in, holding and turning the bit trying to picture it all in her mind. It made sence how it worked, and how the horse reacted to it. She never new that before though and was happy to now. She really did appreciate Eric showing her.
Watching as Reese threw his phone into the trunk and than shut it Angelica raises an eyebrow. It was odd of him to do that but she wouldn't complain. Maybe he just...didn't want to be bothered right now with everything and have a nice time.
Walking hang in hang with Reese today was one of the days Angelica was happy she had a skirt on. Nothing to get dirty and leave traces of what they had been up too. Looking out at the water she gives a small sigh and the smile stays on her face. It was warm, but not to warm and the small breeze felt good.
Catching his eye Angelica wonders for a moment what was going through his head. Seeing him bend down and take his shows and shocks off she can't help but laugh a little. It almost like they were high school kids skipping class. In a way it felt nice, and made her feel young again. Not taking another second to think about it Angelica slips her heels off and bury her feet right next to Reeses. Looking to him again a twinkle forms in her eyes. This was turning out to be a good day.
"We are definitly going to have to do this more. It's....really nice and makes me feel young. I kind of don't want this day to end."
"How about we wing it and whatever we feel like doing that day..we will."
Giving a small nod and a soft smile Beth understood what Zach was saying. It never was easy meeting new people. This she new all to well. The world was a crule place and people even worse specially for someone different like her.
"I truly understand. I only have one friend and now you so that two people. I'm not the best at it so thank you for asking me for coffee as well. I have a hard time trusting people but there was just something about you. I'm happy the in cling was right."
Standing Beth new it was time to say good night. It was early hours and she new sleep was right around the corner. In the back of Beth's mind she could only hope Friday would come quickly too.
Ryan couldn't help the smile that spread across her face though in her eyes she was a bit sad that Tal had to leave for the night. She was comfortable and could stay like this for a while longer. Just listing to his heart beat. It was rythimatic, and had a nice lullaby.
"Are you sure you have to go?"
Her own heart beat seemed to match Tal's as she continued to lay on him. Comapired to all her other relationships this one almost felt, real. It was soft, but thrilling, and there was just something special about it. Ryan wasnt sure what but it made the whole thing a lot more worth while.
Ashlee nods taking everything in, holding and turning the bit trying to picture it all in her mind. It made sence how it worked, and how the horse reacted to it. She never new that before though and was happy to now. She really did appreciate Eric showing her.
Watching as Reese threw his phone into the trunk and than shut it Angelica raises an eyebrow. It was odd of him to do that but she wouldn't complain. Maybe he just...didn't want to be bothered right now with everything and have a nice time.
Walking hang in hang with Reese today was one of the days Angelica was happy she had a skirt on. Nothing to get dirty and leave traces of what they had been up too. Looking out at the water she gives a small sigh and the smile stays on her face. It was warm, but not to warm and the small breeze felt good.
Catching his eye Angelica wonders for a moment what was going through his head. Seeing him bend down and take his shows and shocks off she can't help but laugh a little. It almost like they were high school kids skipping class. In a way it felt nice, and made her feel young again. Not taking another second to think about it Angelica slips her heels off and bury her feet right next to Reeses. Looking to him again a twinkle forms in her eyes. This was turning out to be a good day.
"We are definitly going to have to do this more. It's....really nice and makes me feel young. I kind of don't want this day to end."
"How about we wing it and whatever we feel like doing that day..we will."
Giving a small nod and a soft smile Beth understood what Zach was saying. It never was easy meeting new people. This she new all to well. The world was a crule place and people even worse specially for someone different like her.
"I truly understand. I only have one friend and now you so that two people. I'm not the best at it so thank you for asking me for coffee as well. I have a hard time trusting people but there was just something about you. I'm happy the in cling was right."
Standing Beth new it was time to say good night. It was early hours and she new sleep was right around the corner. In the back of Beth's mind she could only hope Friday would come quickly too.
All-nighter
Any apprehensions are shoved to the back of Tal's mind, getting them out of the way so he could just enjoy this time with Ryan. Did she know how blessed he felt? He'd never dreamed of holding her in his arms like this. He'd only wanted to right a wrong and make sure she knew she was worth more than she'd been treated before. But in turn, he'd been given a chance of his own. A chance at a relationship. A chance at mutual feelings. A chance at calling Ryan his girl. A chance at falling in love.
The passion is slowly brought down a notch by several slow kisses until Tal pulls back slightly. His heart beat like a drum inside his chest, his pulse racing as he tried to catch his breath. Smiling, he runs a finger down the side of Ryan's face. "You're the best," he whispers. She treated him so differently than other women had. He'd been backstabbed, left and made fun of. But not with this. Not with Ryan.
Sighing deeply, he grins as Ryan moves up and down with his breathing. "I need to get going..." He scrunches his nose, proving he'd rather stay here. "Holly will never forgive me if I get home too late."
Eric follows Ashlee's gaze to the spare bit hanging on the wall. "Oh yeah - that's a bit. There are many different kinds."
Standing, he goes to retrieve it and bring it back, handing it to her so she can feel it. "Those holes in the top are where the bridle connects to it.... then down those shafts at the bottom is where the reins go. That hard bar in the middle - that goes over the horse's tongue in its mouth."
He points everything out as he talks. "A bit is used for maximum control of the horse. Their mouths are very sensitive. Imagine if you had one of these in your mouth - you'd feel every little move, right? That's how it is with the horses. During training, the horse discovers that when the bit is pulled back with the reins, it's uncomfortable - he'll learn that when he stops, that pressure is released so in turn, he'll remember when someone pulls on the reins, he's supposed to stop. The bit can be used for steering too, although with western riding, steering often comes from laying the reins over the horse's neck. At a faster or more urgent pace though, yes, the bit can pull a horse's head around. When you control a horse's head, you control the entire body."
Eric grins a little, not even realizing he'd fallen into teaching mode. "This bit here is harsher than some because of those shafts - it provides more leverage, and, in turn, more power. A rider has to be careful using one like this."
He leans down and rummages through some leather, pulling out a bridle with a different bit. "Now this one... see, it's got two big rings - that's for both the bridle and the reigns, and the bit, see it's hinged in the middle. It's a much gentler bit, but you use it the same way."
Reese grips Angelica's hand, walking with her back outside. Once to his car, he pulls his cell phone off his belt and gives it a good look. Popping the trunk of his car, he tosses his phone inside and shuts the lid again. "Okay. Now it's truly hooky."
Grinning, he slides in behind the wheel. He didn't know why he was doing this. It was far from his norm. As a matter of fact, it went directly against his usual behavior. Maybe he was just so utterly tired of the daily grind that he was willing to do anything just to break out of it for a while. Maybe work was so overwhelming that he needed a short escape just so he could breathe for a while.
A while later, he was getting out of the car again, but this time they were at the little beach on the lake. Leaving his jacket in the car, he rolls up the sleeves of his dress shirt, leaving it tucked into his jeans. Waiting for Angelica's hand again, he heads of at a leisurely pace towards the water. Stopping in the gritty sand, he looks down at his shoes, then over at Angelica's shoes. Glancing up, he catches her eye, a new grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. And within seconds, his socks and shoes were off, his toes burying themselves in the warm sand.
"Friday." Zach's eyes light up. "I've got off work too so that's perfect."
Accepting the napkin, he can't help the little bit of surprise on his face. She was actually giving him her number? Cool.
He grins and folds the napkin to slip it into his pocket. "How about... we meet at Brookshire and do that first, then... see what else we want to do that day? I don't know about you, but my preferences change day to day." He chuckles and finishes off his drink.
Glancing at his watch, he grimaces. "You know, I gotta be to work in a couple hours." Laughing though, he shrugs. "Guess this was as good a reason as any for pulling an all-nighter though." He bites his lip. "Thanks... for hanging out. It hasn't been easy for me, making friends."
The passion is slowly brought down a notch by several slow kisses until Tal pulls back slightly. His heart beat like a drum inside his chest, his pulse racing as he tried to catch his breath. Smiling, he runs a finger down the side of Ryan's face. "You're the best," he whispers. She treated him so differently than other women had. He'd been backstabbed, left and made fun of. But not with this. Not with Ryan.
Sighing deeply, he grins as Ryan moves up and down with his breathing. "I need to get going..." He scrunches his nose, proving he'd rather stay here. "Holly will never forgive me if I get home too late."
Eric follows Ashlee's gaze to the spare bit hanging on the wall. "Oh yeah - that's a bit. There are many different kinds."
Standing, he goes to retrieve it and bring it back, handing it to her so she can feel it. "Those holes in the top are where the bridle connects to it.... then down those shafts at the bottom is where the reins go. That hard bar in the middle - that goes over the horse's tongue in its mouth."
He points everything out as he talks. "A bit is used for maximum control of the horse. Their mouths are very sensitive. Imagine if you had one of these in your mouth - you'd feel every little move, right? That's how it is with the horses. During training, the horse discovers that when the bit is pulled back with the reins, it's uncomfortable - he'll learn that when he stops, that pressure is released so in turn, he'll remember when someone pulls on the reins, he's supposed to stop. The bit can be used for steering too, although with western riding, steering often comes from laying the reins over the horse's neck. At a faster or more urgent pace though, yes, the bit can pull a horse's head around. When you control a horse's head, you control the entire body."
Eric grins a little, not even realizing he'd fallen into teaching mode. "This bit here is harsher than some because of those shafts - it provides more leverage, and, in turn, more power. A rider has to be careful using one like this."
He leans down and rummages through some leather, pulling out a bridle with a different bit. "Now this one... see, it's got two big rings - that's for both the bridle and the reigns, and the bit, see it's hinged in the middle. It's a much gentler bit, but you use it the same way."
Reese grips Angelica's hand, walking with her back outside. Once to his car, he pulls his cell phone off his belt and gives it a good look. Popping the trunk of his car, he tosses his phone inside and shuts the lid again. "Okay. Now it's truly hooky."
Grinning, he slides in behind the wheel. He didn't know why he was doing this. It was far from his norm. As a matter of fact, it went directly against his usual behavior. Maybe he was just so utterly tired of the daily grind that he was willing to do anything just to break out of it for a while. Maybe work was so overwhelming that he needed a short escape just so he could breathe for a while.
A while later, he was getting out of the car again, but this time they were at the little beach on the lake. Leaving his jacket in the car, he rolls up the sleeves of his dress shirt, leaving it tucked into his jeans. Waiting for Angelica's hand again, he heads of at a leisurely pace towards the water. Stopping in the gritty sand, he looks down at his shoes, then over at Angelica's shoes. Glancing up, he catches her eye, a new grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. And within seconds, his socks and shoes were off, his toes burying themselves in the warm sand.
"Friday." Zach's eyes light up. "I've got off work too so that's perfect."
Accepting the napkin, he can't help the little bit of surprise on his face. She was actually giving him her number? Cool.
He grins and folds the napkin to slip it into his pocket. "How about... we meet at Brookshire and do that first, then... see what else we want to do that day? I don't know about you, but my preferences change day to day." He chuckles and finishes off his drink.
Glancing at his watch, he grimaces. "You know, I gotta be to work in a couple hours." Laughing though, he shrugs. "Guess this was as good a reason as any for pulling an all-nighter though." He bites his lip. "Thanks... for hanging out. It hasn't been easy for me, making friends."
2/15/12
Hookie
Being drawn into Tal's kiss Ryan doesn't resist. Thw soft feeling felt so nice but was matched so much passion it was almost overwhelming. Giving a little mermer Ryan just lets herself melt in Tal's arm. Letting her one hand cradle Tal's face she pushes her other hand under him and to the back of his head just letting the kiss continue.
Listing very intently Ashlee watches and studys each peace Eric takes out and shows her. She loved learning something new, and getting to know what each of the peaces were and how they were used. It was just an interest of hers that had now grown since she had been here.
"Mmmmm....How about this?"
Ashlee points to the metal bit that hung on one of the walls.
"I know it goes into the horses mouth and is used for searing but why? It is because it pulls on the head or because the horses dosnt like it in there mouth or....I just dont get it."
Angelica gives a laugh as she stands and puts her light jacket on. The idea of Reese wanting to play hookie was a funny one, but it was like a once in a life time thing. How could she turn it down when it might not even happen again.
"Hookie deffinitly. I think looking at the lake has to be a lot better than looking at a dingy brown wall."
Linking her hand with Reese's Angelica look down at it for a moment before looking up at him and smiling again. She'd never done that before, but she liked it, and liked the way it felt. Maybe this would be something she would do a little more. Not really caring what anyone else saw.
Beth things for a moment before trying to decied when a good time was. Tomorrow she had to work in the afternoon and than hang out with Justin. The day after she worked in the afternoon, but maybe Friday.
"How about Friday for lunch? I have off that day. Maybe we can walk around the mall or see a movie too or something."
It was odd for her to mention that but hey why not. Maybe Zach wouldn't say yes anyways. Writing her number down one of the napkins Beth holds it for a long moment before finally handing it to Zach.
"Here you go. You can call anytime. If I don't answer just leave a message!"
Listing very intently Ashlee watches and studys each peace Eric takes out and shows her. She loved learning something new, and getting to know what each of the peaces were and how they were used. It was just an interest of hers that had now grown since she had been here.
"Mmmmm....How about this?"
Ashlee points to the metal bit that hung on one of the walls.
"I know it goes into the horses mouth and is used for searing but why? It is because it pulls on the head or because the horses dosnt like it in there mouth or....I just dont get it."
Angelica gives a laugh as she stands and puts her light jacket on. The idea of Reese wanting to play hookie was a funny one, but it was like a once in a life time thing. How could she turn it down when it might not even happen again.
"Hookie deffinitly. I think looking at the lake has to be a lot better than looking at a dingy brown wall."
Linking her hand with Reese's Angelica look down at it for a moment before looking up at him and smiling again. She'd never done that before, but she liked it, and liked the way it felt. Maybe this would be something she would do a little more. Not really caring what anyone else saw.
Beth things for a moment before trying to decied when a good time was. Tomorrow she had to work in the afternoon and than hang out with Justin. The day after she worked in the afternoon, but maybe Friday.
"How about Friday for lunch? I have off that day. Maybe we can walk around the mall or see a movie too or something."
It was odd for her to mention that but hey why not. Maybe Zach wouldn't say yes anyways. Writing her number down one of the napkins Beth holds it for a long moment before finally handing it to Zach.
"Here you go. You can call anytime. If I don't answer just leave a message!"
Next Time
Reese grins and nods. "Yeah. Imagine that. I don't know the last time I really enjoyed real alone time with anybody." He thinks. "Well, I guess I've had a few hours here and there with Wyatt, but that's about it."
For just a moment, his eyes dim slightly. He and his son had always gotten along. They'd always had a great relationship, able to tell each other anything. That is... until lately. And Reese wasn't sure at all what had caused the change. But he didn't like being at odds with Wyatt like this.
Recovering quickly, he stands from the table, offering Angelica a hand. "Shall I take you back to work? Or would you prefer to play hooky and run up to the lake for a few hours?"
Almost more surprised that Beth had accepted his offer more than the fact that he'd offered at all, Zach's eyebrows rise as he smiles again. "Great. What days work best for you?" Did she want to get together soon? Or later? Would she want to do it right away, or put it off until she'd forgotten about him?
"Exactly." Eric nods to Ashlee his encouragement. He loved seeing her fascination with even the simplest tasks. He was so tempted to tell her today that he'd teach her how to ride, but he knew he should wait until her birthday. At least then she'd have the boots Stacy had bought her.
"Leather needs enough moisture not to crack and break, but too much just makes it wet and slimy. Ain't worst thing that can happen, but I wouldn't want to sit in a saddle that had been over-oiled."
He reaches into the mess, drawing out a couple different pieces of tack. "This here is a breast collar... it fastens to either side of the saddle and goes around the chest of the horse to keep the saddle in place." He sets it aside. "And this, is a bridle, but see, it has a hackamore, which is different than a bit that goes in a horse's mouth.... and then this here piece is..." He stops, frowns and turns the smaller piece of leather around in his hand. "Apparently this is part of a back cinch, but looks like it's been busted. I wonder if that's the one Mick broke," he muses mostly to himself.
"Anyway... if you ever got questions about what stuff is, just ask."
"Don't be sorry." Tal tucks a strand of hair behind Ryan's ear. His voice was soft to avoid waiting Eli. "You're worth it all and more."
Shifting a bit more so he's lying on his back, he hooks his legs around Ryan, bringing her down on him so he can wrap his arms around her. He grins and kisses her nose. "Next time we call Scarlet to go take your brother out of here for a while," he teases.
But despite sleeping big brother, Tal slips a hand up behind Ryan's head to bring her lips down to his. Enveloping her in a passionate kiss, his free hand rubs her back gently, just allowing the enjoyment of the moment.
For just a moment, his eyes dim slightly. He and his son had always gotten along. They'd always had a great relationship, able to tell each other anything. That is... until lately. And Reese wasn't sure at all what had caused the change. But he didn't like being at odds with Wyatt like this.
Recovering quickly, he stands from the table, offering Angelica a hand. "Shall I take you back to work? Or would you prefer to play hooky and run up to the lake for a few hours?"
Almost more surprised that Beth had accepted his offer more than the fact that he'd offered at all, Zach's eyebrows rise as he smiles again. "Great. What days work best for you?" Did she want to get together soon? Or later? Would she want to do it right away, or put it off until she'd forgotten about him?
"Exactly." Eric nods to Ashlee his encouragement. He loved seeing her fascination with even the simplest tasks. He was so tempted to tell her today that he'd teach her how to ride, but he knew he should wait until her birthday. At least then she'd have the boots Stacy had bought her.
"Leather needs enough moisture not to crack and break, but too much just makes it wet and slimy. Ain't worst thing that can happen, but I wouldn't want to sit in a saddle that had been over-oiled."
He reaches into the mess, drawing out a couple different pieces of tack. "This here is a breast collar... it fastens to either side of the saddle and goes around the chest of the horse to keep the saddle in place." He sets it aside. "And this, is a bridle, but see, it has a hackamore, which is different than a bit that goes in a horse's mouth.... and then this here piece is..." He stops, frowns and turns the smaller piece of leather around in his hand. "Apparently this is part of a back cinch, but looks like it's been busted. I wonder if that's the one Mick broke," he muses mostly to himself.
"Anyway... if you ever got questions about what stuff is, just ask."
"Don't be sorry." Tal tucks a strand of hair behind Ryan's ear. His voice was soft to avoid waiting Eli. "You're worth it all and more."
Shifting a bit more so he's lying on his back, he hooks his legs around Ryan, bringing her down on him so he can wrap his arms around her. He grins and kisses her nose. "Next time we call Scarlet to go take your brother out of here for a while," he teases.
But despite sleeping big brother, Tal slips a hand up behind Ryan's head to bring her lips down to his. Enveloping her in a passionate kiss, his free hand rubs her back gently, just allowing the enjoyment of the moment.
Happy
Angelica can't help but laugh as she sits back. Waving to the waiter to come over with there check. They might get enough time together but the time they did get always was nice.
"huh I think I like that idea. Than alone time could really be alone time."
Smiling she didn't mind as much as one may think. She liked working so it didn't bother her but the idea of having more time alone was really a nice though.
Laying with Tal on the couch empty bowls of ice cream on the table Ryan cuddles into him a little more. The night have been a good one and being home with her two favorite boys was even better.
Shifting her head a little to look at Eli asleep in the chair Ryan looks to Tal and gives a smile. Laying here with Tal was so different than with Alec for sure. There was just something softer about it. Moving to get on him just a little bit more Ryan presses her lips against his letting it linger for a long moment, before breaking away.
"I'm sorry to have pulled you into the whole Alec mess, but I sure am happy I did."
Ryan searches his eyes. She'd seen what happened at the track even if she hadn't said anything. She hoped that would be the last of it but something told her it wouldn't be. Ryan's hope though was that Alec was smart enough to leave Tal along less he answer to Eli even more.
Taking the peace of leather from Eric and turning it in her hand Ashlee fingers running over the smooth leather. The feel was nice under her friends.
"I definitely think this peace looks good. Don't want to over oil it right?"
Ash smiles up at Eric happy to know a little more each day!
Beth gives a smile to Zach. Lunch sounded nice and Zach seemed pretty nice. He was sweet, nice, funny, and liked Animles too. He didn't seem so bad after all.
"I think that sounds like a good idea. I would like that."
"huh I think I like that idea. Than alone time could really be alone time."
Smiling she didn't mind as much as one may think. She liked working so it didn't bother her but the idea of having more time alone was really a nice though.
Laying with Tal on the couch empty bowls of ice cream on the table Ryan cuddles into him a little more. The night have been a good one and being home with her two favorite boys was even better.
Shifting her head a little to look at Eli asleep in the chair Ryan looks to Tal and gives a smile. Laying here with Tal was so different than with Alec for sure. There was just something softer about it. Moving to get on him just a little bit more Ryan presses her lips against his letting it linger for a long moment, before breaking away.
"I'm sorry to have pulled you into the whole Alec mess, but I sure am happy I did."
Ryan searches his eyes. She'd seen what happened at the track even if she hadn't said anything. She hoped that would be the last of it but something told her it wouldn't be. Ryan's hope though was that Alec was smart enough to leave Tal along less he answer to Eli even more.
Taking the peace of leather from Eric and turning it in her hand Ashlee fingers running over the smooth leather. The feel was nice under her friends.
"I definitely think this peace looks good. Don't want to over oil it right?"
Ash smiles up at Eric happy to know a little more each day!
Beth gives a smile to Zach. Lunch sounded nice and Zach seemed pretty nice. He was sweet, nice, funny, and liked Animles too. He didn't seem so bad after all.
"I think that sounds like a good idea. I would like that."
Lunch
Reese's smile widens and he lifts Angelica's hand to his lips to kiss it gently. "Then I think it's time we start making a little more time for us."
The cell phone on his belt starts buzzing, and he sighs, not appreciating the interruption. Straightening, he looks at the phone to see who it is, and shakes his head. "Pete. They can't go one hour without me, can they?" He smirks a little, giving Angelica a sorry expression for the conversation having gone full-circle back to the Elite. "We definitely need a new system with a revised chain of command so they can live without me."
Zach smiles a little, sipping his drink. It was interesting that Beth would think that situation sad. It proved she had a gentle and compassionate side. He liked that, especially since everything she said just continued to show that he'd been right about her not being a typical bartender.
Though having no idea what condition her sister was in, he finds himself nodding at her suggestion. "Yeah... yeah, I'd like that, actually. My uncle would probably like a new visitor, even if he wouldn't say so."
Zach was far from a man who dated a lot, and even farther from a man who engaged in socializing with strangers he'd met out of the blue. But tonight felt different. Tonight was fun. Light. Nonthreatening. Peaceful. He'd always been one to be cautious about meeting girls, but for some reason, Beth just wasn't fitting into any of the categories other girls had been placed in. He rather liked the spontaneity of this little date, as much as it surprised himself.
"Would you... like to do lunch sometime, then go visiting them?"
Eric chuckles again, enjoying Ashlee's open honesty. "Okay... I promise."
Turning back to the halter he'd been working on, he holds it up to examine it. "Well, I guess this has had enough tender loving care for a while. What do you think?" He hands it to Ashlee, giving her a chance to look it over.
The cell phone on his belt starts buzzing, and he sighs, not appreciating the interruption. Straightening, he looks at the phone to see who it is, and shakes his head. "Pete. They can't go one hour without me, can they?" He smirks a little, giving Angelica a sorry expression for the conversation having gone full-circle back to the Elite. "We definitely need a new system with a revised chain of command so they can live without me."
Zach smiles a little, sipping his drink. It was interesting that Beth would think that situation sad. It proved she had a gentle and compassionate side. He liked that, especially since everything she said just continued to show that he'd been right about her not being a typical bartender.
Though having no idea what condition her sister was in, he finds himself nodding at her suggestion. "Yeah... yeah, I'd like that, actually. My uncle would probably like a new visitor, even if he wouldn't say so."
Zach was far from a man who dated a lot, and even farther from a man who engaged in socializing with strangers he'd met out of the blue. But tonight felt different. Tonight was fun. Light. Nonthreatening. Peaceful. He'd always been one to be cautious about meeting girls, but for some reason, Beth just wasn't fitting into any of the categories other girls had been placed in. He rather liked the spontaneity of this little date, as much as it surprised himself.
"Would you... like to do lunch sometime, then go visiting them?"
Eric chuckles again, enjoying Ashlee's open honesty. "Okay... I promise."
Turning back to the halter he'd been working on, he holds it up to examine it. "Well, I guess this has had enough tender loving care for a while. What do you think?" He hands it to Ashlee, giving her a chance to look it over.
Promise
Angelica can't help but let her smile grow even more. She new part of Reese's heart belonged to Wyatt's mother and always would. If it didn't she would of been disappointed and she wasn't jealous of it. Not in this situation.
"Good, because I would never want to take her place, only share it."
Love was a word not taken lightly but when meant was said. Angelica believe with all her heart she meant it. Even if sometimes work got in the way, or a miss phone call happened. At the end of the day, or when life seemed to slow down for a moment, or simply she needed someone in a moment to talk to Reese would be there and always would be for her.
" And even if I don't show it all the time I think I've fallen in love with you too."
Thinking for a moment Beth gives a small nod but cocks her head too. It was a small world to think maybe Zach new a little how she felt. To go to Brookshire to see his Uncle, but it was kinda sad too.
"It's kind of sad your family trys to keep it hushed. It's not anything to be ashamed about."
Taking another sip of her drink and than putting the empty cup down she runs her finger around the lip for a moment thinking. It was nice, sitting here with Zach, shearing things about themselves. Beth....liked it.
"Maybe you could meet my sister one day and I could meet your Uncle!"
Ashlee can't help the smile that spread across her face. Maybe she did have more than one friend here, someone she could look up too. Even though he was older Ashlee didn't care. Eric was kind, and nice to her and helped her.
"I promise if you promise. I like the way you are, no matter what anyone says."
"Good, because I would never want to take her place, only share it."
Love was a word not taken lightly but when meant was said. Angelica believe with all her heart she meant it. Even if sometimes work got in the way, or a miss phone call happened. At the end of the day, or when life seemed to slow down for a moment, or simply she needed someone in a moment to talk to Reese would be there and always would be for her.
" And even if I don't show it all the time I think I've fallen in love with you too."
Thinking for a moment Beth gives a small nod but cocks her head too. It was a small world to think maybe Zach new a little how she felt. To go to Brookshire to see his Uncle, but it was kinda sad too.
"It's kind of sad your family trys to keep it hushed. It's not anything to be ashamed about."
Taking another sip of her drink and than putting the empty cup down she runs her finger around the lip for a moment thinking. It was nice, sitting here with Zach, shearing things about themselves. Beth....liked it.
"Maybe you could meet my sister one day and I could meet your Uncle!"
Ashlee can't help the smile that spread across her face. Maybe she did have more than one friend here, someone she could look up too. Even though he was older Ashlee didn't care. Eric was kind, and nice to her and helped her.
"I promise if you promise. I like the way you are, no matter what anyone says."
2/14/12
Special
"Yeah, I did get her from the shelter," Zach confirms. "First day I went there, I spotted her and fell in love." He grins. "I'd like to think the feeling is mutual but it might just be the doggy treats she likes."
Hearing about Beth's sister, Zach barely hears the rest of her phrase. His mind seems to halt. Cocking his head, he seems to study Beth a little more deeply. Did she know her eyes said so much? He wondered. "I do like cats," he answers absentmindedly. "Cats, dogs, birds, hamsters, reptiles - whatever."
His expression remained pensive, despite the light topic. Before he allows the subject of animals to continue, he reverts back to Beth's previous statement. "You said both your parents were gone? So... with your sister... I mean..." He wasn't trying to draw attention to it, but his tone of voice said more that he was intrigued and undoubtedly compassionate. "That's gotta be rough." There was no pity in his words - perhaps it was rather a gentle understanding. He was clueless about the situation - maybe Beth had nothing to do with her sister. But he had an inkling that wasn't the case. And maybe...maybe he did understand more than one might think.
He sips his drink and gives her a small smile. "I guess it's a small world. I... have a great uncle at Brookshire. Not too many people know about it," he admits. "The family likes to keep it quiet. Uncle Harry was in Vietnam and a few years after he got back, the memories got the best of him. His wife couldn't handle it anymore so he was taken to Brookshire and...never left."
Zach gives a slight shrug. "I go see him sometimes. Usually he's just sitting staring out the window. But every once in a while I get a smile. Sometimes he'll even converse about the weather - those days make it worth a trip."
Chuckling softly, he shakes his head. "Not even the guys I work with every day know that. Consider yourself special."
A little bit of color enters Reese's cheeks but he holds his gaze on Angelica. A smile curls his lips. "I think I like that answer." His voice had grown quieter. "You know that I... have a bit of history. A small corner of my heart will always belong to Wyatt's mother. But for a long time I didn't even think the rest of my heart could belong to anybody else. You, Miss Lockheart, have proven me wrong."
The heavy subject of the Elite is forgotten and his eyes sparkle with a renewed youthful vigor - something few would ever witness. "You're so much more than I ever thought... and you mean so much more to me than I've probably ever said. I know sometimes I get so busy with work that that's all I talk about and sometimes I forget to tell you how important you are to me. So for the record... I've fallen in love with you, Angelica. And I don't plan on stopping any time soon."
The last thing Eric expected from the young girl was a hug, so as he's pulled in, there's a moment of hesitation and his eyes go wide. But the moment is so very brief. For in that simple gesture, he felt the unexplainable warmth of innocent acceptance. No matter what anybody else thought of him... no matter his past mistakes... no matter if he felt he fit in here at the ranch or not... Ashlee accepted him for who he was, shown through her willingness to show him affection. Perhaps Eric wouldn't realize all that until later... right now, it was as simple as him feeling so very good.
Chuckling, he wraps his arms around Ashlee in a strong hug. "Well thank you too... for being you." Giving her an extra squeeze for good measure, he draws back and smiles at her. Tilting her chin up with a gentle finger, he winks. "You just keep on being you and everything will turn out just fine."
Hearing about Beth's sister, Zach barely hears the rest of her phrase. His mind seems to halt. Cocking his head, he seems to study Beth a little more deeply. Did she know her eyes said so much? He wondered. "I do like cats," he answers absentmindedly. "Cats, dogs, birds, hamsters, reptiles - whatever."
His expression remained pensive, despite the light topic. Before he allows the subject of animals to continue, he reverts back to Beth's previous statement. "You said both your parents were gone? So... with your sister... I mean..." He wasn't trying to draw attention to it, but his tone of voice said more that he was intrigued and undoubtedly compassionate. "That's gotta be rough." There was no pity in his words - perhaps it was rather a gentle understanding. He was clueless about the situation - maybe Beth had nothing to do with her sister. But he had an inkling that wasn't the case. And maybe...maybe he did understand more than one might think.
He sips his drink and gives her a small smile. "I guess it's a small world. I... have a great uncle at Brookshire. Not too many people know about it," he admits. "The family likes to keep it quiet. Uncle Harry was in Vietnam and a few years after he got back, the memories got the best of him. His wife couldn't handle it anymore so he was taken to Brookshire and...never left."
Zach gives a slight shrug. "I go see him sometimes. Usually he's just sitting staring out the window. But every once in a while I get a smile. Sometimes he'll even converse about the weather - those days make it worth a trip."
Chuckling softly, he shakes his head. "Not even the guys I work with every day know that. Consider yourself special."
A little bit of color enters Reese's cheeks but he holds his gaze on Angelica. A smile curls his lips. "I think I like that answer." His voice had grown quieter. "You know that I... have a bit of history. A small corner of my heart will always belong to Wyatt's mother. But for a long time I didn't even think the rest of my heart could belong to anybody else. You, Miss Lockheart, have proven me wrong."
The heavy subject of the Elite is forgotten and his eyes sparkle with a renewed youthful vigor - something few would ever witness. "You're so much more than I ever thought... and you mean so much more to me than I've probably ever said. I know sometimes I get so busy with work that that's all I talk about and sometimes I forget to tell you how important you are to me. So for the record... I've fallen in love with you, Angelica. And I don't plan on stopping any time soon."
The last thing Eric expected from the young girl was a hug, so as he's pulled in, there's a moment of hesitation and his eyes go wide. But the moment is so very brief. For in that simple gesture, he felt the unexplainable warmth of innocent acceptance. No matter what anybody else thought of him... no matter his past mistakes... no matter if he felt he fit in here at the ranch or not... Ashlee accepted him for who he was, shown through her willingness to show him affection. Perhaps Eric wouldn't realize all that until later... right now, it was as simple as him feeling so very good.
Chuckling, he wraps his arms around Ashlee in a strong hug. "Well thank you too... for being you." Giving her an extra squeeze for good measure, he draws back and smiles at her. Tilting her chin up with a gentle finger, he winks. "You just keep on being you and everything will turn out just fine."
By your side
Beth loved hearing about Zach and him working at the animal shelter. It showed there was a softer side to him. A side that showed he cared and that he could be gentile by nature.
"Button...thats a cute name. Did you get her from the shelter?"
Taking another sip and letting her eyes roam the little cafe for a moment Beth turns her attachen back to Zach.
"No, I don't have any pets at the moment. I've been to busy with visiting my sister..."
Beth is silent for a moment before searching Zach's face wondering what he would think.
"...She lives at the bookshire Hospital. She got sick a long time ago and never recovered from it. I've got more time now though so maybe I'll a cat. They dont need to much attachen. Do you like cats?"
Beth rolls her eyes. Real smooth.
Looking deep into Reese's eyes Angelica wondered about his question for a moment. But dosn't think to hard on it. Instead she would just let her heart speak.
"Yeah I have. Its changed alot since I met you I know that. Like I never though I would be sitting here on a date with someone before."
Angelica gives a smile as her finger absentmindedly rubs Reese's hand. No matter what she once though now being here with Reese and having his companionship she wouldn't want to trade it for anything. It was a change in her life that was good and she loved it.
"In five years from now I plan to be right where God wants me and I am hopping that, thats by your side still. If asked if I could imagine you in my life, every day for the rest of my days I would say yes."
Continuing to rub the oil into the leather once again Ashlee listens to Eric and gives a small nod. What he said made sense and she understood. Hearing his world made her feel good though and reassured. It was not harping, nagging or someone trying to say they new it all. It was simple, to the point, and soft all at the same time.
"Maybe thats why Mick was so mad at Dylan too. Because he was just scared his son was missing. I wish he was still around to tell him that."
Finished with the leather she had been working on Ashlee just holds it for a long moment mulling over Eric's words. Her nest big task would be to talk to her mom and tell her she was sorry. That was a whole new thing its itself. But Eric seemed to give her the courage even if he didn't know it.
Turning to Eric Ashlee gives a genuine smile to him. She'd never had a dad, and she never told anyone she wished she did but in those few short moments she felt that warmth that maybe was what it was like to have one.
Not saying anything Ashlee couldn't help the feeling she felt, and the warmth that seemed to spread through her. It was comforting, and it just felt good. Leaning over she puts her arms around Eric's neck and pulls him into a big hug.
"Thanks Eric, for just....being you."
"Button...thats a cute name. Did you get her from the shelter?"
Taking another sip and letting her eyes roam the little cafe for a moment Beth turns her attachen back to Zach.
"No, I don't have any pets at the moment. I've been to busy with visiting my sister..."
Beth is silent for a moment before searching Zach's face wondering what he would think.
"...She lives at the bookshire Hospital. She got sick a long time ago and never recovered from it. I've got more time now though so maybe I'll a cat. They dont need to much attachen. Do you like cats?"
Beth rolls her eyes. Real smooth.
Looking deep into Reese's eyes Angelica wondered about his question for a moment. But dosn't think to hard on it. Instead she would just let her heart speak.
"Yeah I have. Its changed alot since I met you I know that. Like I never though I would be sitting here on a date with someone before."
Angelica gives a smile as her finger absentmindedly rubs Reese's hand. No matter what she once though now being here with Reese and having his companionship she wouldn't want to trade it for anything. It was a change in her life that was good and she loved it.
"In five years from now I plan to be right where God wants me and I am hopping that, thats by your side still. If asked if I could imagine you in my life, every day for the rest of my days I would say yes."
Continuing to rub the oil into the leather once again Ashlee listens to Eric and gives a small nod. What he said made sense and she understood. Hearing his world made her feel good though and reassured. It was not harping, nagging or someone trying to say they new it all. It was simple, to the point, and soft all at the same time.
"Maybe thats why Mick was so mad at Dylan too. Because he was just scared his son was missing. I wish he was still around to tell him that."
Finished with the leather she had been working on Ashlee just holds it for a long moment mulling over Eric's words. Her nest big task would be to talk to her mom and tell her she was sorry. That was a whole new thing its itself. But Eric seemed to give her the courage even if he didn't know it.
Turning to Eric Ashlee gives a genuine smile to him. She'd never had a dad, and she never told anyone she wished she did but in those few short moments she felt that warmth that maybe was what it was like to have one.
Not saying anything Ashlee couldn't help the feeling she felt, and the warmth that seemed to spread through her. It was comforting, and it just felt good. Leaning over she puts her arms around Eric's neck and pulls him into a big hug.
"Thanks Eric, for just....being you."
Smile
"Umm..." Zach thinks for a moment. "It's the one down on Fern Street. Briarville Shelter I think. Kinda hard sometimes when a pet doesn't get adopted but... I do like working with the animals and giving them some love, no matter the outcome. I'd adopt them all if I had the space."
He grins, taking a sip of his frozen coffee before using his finger to catch some of the whipped cream and lick it off. "I've got a little black cocker spaniel named Button. She's only about ten months old so she's quite a handful, lemme tell you." He rolls his eyes. "So what about you? Got any pets?"
Reese returns a smile, enjoying the look on Angelica's face. Still holding her hand, he cocks his head. "Have you... ever thought about..." He shrugs. "I don't know... further down the road? Like... where you'd want to be next year? Or five years from now?"
Eli quirks an eyebrow, slinging his arm over Ryan's shoulders. "That he does. Let's hope it stays that way, eh?"
Not explaining, he lets her go and heads for his bike. "Enjoy the glory. I'll see ya back at the apartment."
Eric listens to Ashlee, understanding where she was coming from. He'd seen her and Dylan hanging out together a bit and knew that even though Dylan was a few years older, he was the closest friend to Ashlee's age that she had around here. Losing him must not feel very good, especially how it happened. Then to have her mom upset... yeah, he could understand.
Though Ashlee pauses her work, Eric doesn't, just continuing to rub oil into an old leather halter. He lets a few moments of quiet pass before eventually responding.
"Well... we all disappoint people we care about sometimes. We just can't let that keep us from trying again and doing our best anyway. We can't change the past... but we can change our future."
He pauses, still working. "And if I had to make a bet, I'd say your mom was just more scared than anything that day. When a parent gets scared like that, sometimes it comes out like they're mad at us, but they're really just upset for not having seen it coming." He gives Ashlee a sidelong glance. "Your mom was probably more mad at herself for not seeing where you went, than at you for running off without telling her."
Finally setting aside the halter, he turns his head to look at Ashlee, giving her a gentle smile. "Growing up sucks. Just don't let it get ya down too far, okay? I miss your smile."
He grins, taking a sip of his frozen coffee before using his finger to catch some of the whipped cream and lick it off. "I've got a little black cocker spaniel named Button. She's only about ten months old so she's quite a handful, lemme tell you." He rolls his eyes. "So what about you? Got any pets?"
Reese returns a smile, enjoying the look on Angelica's face. Still holding her hand, he cocks his head. "Have you... ever thought about..." He shrugs. "I don't know... further down the road? Like... where you'd want to be next year? Or five years from now?"
Eli quirks an eyebrow, slinging his arm over Ryan's shoulders. "That he does. Let's hope it stays that way, eh?"
Not explaining, he lets her go and heads for his bike. "Enjoy the glory. I'll see ya back at the apartment."
Eric listens to Ashlee, understanding where she was coming from. He'd seen her and Dylan hanging out together a bit and knew that even though Dylan was a few years older, he was the closest friend to Ashlee's age that she had around here. Losing him must not feel very good, especially how it happened. Then to have her mom upset... yeah, he could understand.
Though Ashlee pauses her work, Eric doesn't, just continuing to rub oil into an old leather halter. He lets a few moments of quiet pass before eventually responding.
"Well... we all disappoint people we care about sometimes. We just can't let that keep us from trying again and doing our best anyway. We can't change the past... but we can change our future."
He pauses, still working. "And if I had to make a bet, I'd say your mom was just more scared than anything that day. When a parent gets scared like that, sometimes it comes out like they're mad at us, but they're really just upset for not having seen it coming." He gives Ashlee a sidelong glance. "Your mom was probably more mad at herself for not seeing where you went, than at you for running off without telling her."
Finally setting aside the halter, he turns his head to look at Ashlee, giving her a gentle smile. "Growing up sucks. Just don't let it get ya down too far, okay? I miss your smile."
2/13/12
Comfort
Sitting down and helping Eric just like the times before Ashlee enjoyed it in the tack room. Some might think it was stuff, hot, and smelled funny but for some odd reason she really did like it. It felt almost comforting to her.
Oiling one of the leather peaces Ashlee glances to the side for a moment. Letting out a sigh she shakes her head. There were many things she was thinking about over the last week, but putting it all into words was the hard part.
"Just trying to stay out of trouble I guess. Kinda missing having Dylan around too. Worried if he's ok or not, and just...trying to deal with my mom saying she was disappointed in me too. First time she ever said that so I guess its just hard to swallow."
Looking back at the leather and continuing to oil it Ashlee finally puts the peaces down and the rag too. The latter reason could be the one that bothered her the most. Her and her mom never had a falling out before even if it was something small. So the fact that it happened just hit a little hard.
Beth can't help the laugh that slips out as the sugar goes every where. Zach had a good sence of humor and Beth liked that. It seemed to make this awkward after hour coffee better, and laid back.
"Well I work at a bar. Never went to college because I really didn't fit into the group setting. I have an older sister, and both my parents are gone now."
Stopping for a moment Beth wondered how much she should tell Zach right off the bat. Maybe she should just leave it at that so he wasn't scared away right away. Maybe if he got to know her a little more first it would be better
Changing the subject Beth takes a sip of her coffee and lets the warm liquid slide down her throat. It had been a little chilly outside today so the warmth was nice. Giving another smile she continues.
"You volunteer at an animal shelter I that thats really neat. I'm a pretty big animal person myself. Never got a chance to volunteer though. What one do you work at?"
Angelica can't help the big smile that spread across her face. She enjoyed working for Reese and even more she enjoyed spending time with him. He's been the light she had been missing in life, and now she couldn't even imagine life without it now.
"Your company is just as nice. You seemed to keep me grounded and for that I thank you."
Ryan laughs again as she leans into her brother and give him a half hug. All the attachen from the crowd was nice but the best would be tonight with Eli and Tal.
"Oh ice cream, man that boy know the way to my heart."
Oiling one of the leather peaces Ashlee glances to the side for a moment. Letting out a sigh she shakes her head. There were many things she was thinking about over the last week, but putting it all into words was the hard part.
"Just trying to stay out of trouble I guess. Kinda missing having Dylan around too. Worried if he's ok or not, and just...trying to deal with my mom saying she was disappointed in me too. First time she ever said that so I guess its just hard to swallow."
Looking back at the leather and continuing to oil it Ashlee finally puts the peaces down and the rag too. The latter reason could be the one that bothered her the most. Her and her mom never had a falling out before even if it was something small. So the fact that it happened just hit a little hard.
Beth can't help the laugh that slips out as the sugar goes every where. Zach had a good sence of humor and Beth liked that. It seemed to make this awkward after hour coffee better, and laid back.
"Well I work at a bar. Never went to college because I really didn't fit into the group setting. I have an older sister, and both my parents are gone now."
Stopping for a moment Beth wondered how much she should tell Zach right off the bat. Maybe she should just leave it at that so he wasn't scared away right away. Maybe if he got to know her a little more first it would be better
Changing the subject Beth takes a sip of her coffee and lets the warm liquid slide down her throat. It had been a little chilly outside today so the warmth was nice. Giving another smile she continues.
"You volunteer at an animal shelter I that thats really neat. I'm a pretty big animal person myself. Never got a chance to volunteer though. What one do you work at?"
Angelica can't help the big smile that spread across her face. She enjoyed working for Reese and even more she enjoyed spending time with him. He's been the light she had been missing in life, and now she couldn't even imagine life without it now.
"Your company is just as nice. You seemed to keep me grounded and for that I thank you."
Ryan laughs again as she leans into her brother and give him a half hug. All the attachen from the crowd was nice but the best would be tonight with Eli and Tal.
"Oh ice cream, man that boy know the way to my heart."
Sugar
Eli smirks. "You think that boy would miss a victory party with you? Are you out of your mind?" He grins and shakes his head. "He went on an ice cream run and will meet us back at our place."
Glancing down, Reese turns his palm up so he can hold Angelica's hand. "Thank you... your support means a lot to me."
Pushing aside his plate, he leans his other elbow on the table and looks across at her, studying her eyes. "You mean a lot to me in general," he admits. "I'm not sure I'd know what to do if you weren't around." He smiles a little awkward smile. "I'd probably be in the loony bin by now," he teases.
Shaking his head, he gives her hand a squeeze. "I appreciate your input. But most of all I appreciate your company."
Zach grabs a little packet of sugar to fiddle with as he grins. "I have a very romantic job of selling hotrod cars to wealthy customers." He glances from side to side, then lowers his voice. "Actually, I just work in the showroom and try to head people to the big guys for the sales. But saying it the other way sounds better."
Still grinning, he rolls his eyes. "I went to school to learn how to run my own business and I wind up being an errand boy for car salesmen. There's something wrong with that picture. But!" He holds up a finger. "It pays enough, I get plenty of hours and I get enough days off to volunteer at the animal shelter in my spare time. How could I complain?"
He leans back in his seat, studying Beth for a moment. "So I know that you..." His voice trails off as his fingers accidentally rip through the sugar pack, sending the white contents all over the table. His eyes widen and without missing a beat, he snaps his fingers as if there was someone close by to hear. "Oh, waiter? Cleanup on table seven. We seem to have a problem with exploding sugar packets."
Ducking sheepishly, he starts brushing away the sugar with his hand. "Okay, so that was smooth." He clears on his throat before choking down a laugh. "Where was I? Oh yes - I think we need to change the subject to you before I make any more a fool out of myself."
Eric helps Ashlee to the barn, not minding the slower pace a bit. Getting into the tackroom, he gestures to a bench where she could sit. "Well, see this trunk here?" He pulls a large trunk away from the wall and opens it up, revealing a mess of leather. "This is how the tackroom stays clean... because everything that doesn't have a place gets thrown in here."
He grins and sits down next to her. Pulling out a bridle, it's obvious that everything is quite tangled up. "You can start by straightening this out, then we'll give it a little bit of oil before finding it a home on a wall peg."
The work is easy and the atmosphere peaceful. Eric chats a little but mostly concentrates on the task at hand, directing Ashlee on what to do but letting her figure some things out by herself too, like which way a bridle was put together and matching up reins. After a long span of silence though, Eric finally speaks again. "So... I couldn't help but notice you've been kinda quiet lately." He glances to the side, watching her as he continued to work. "Something on your mind?"
Glancing down, Reese turns his palm up so he can hold Angelica's hand. "Thank you... your support means a lot to me."
Pushing aside his plate, he leans his other elbow on the table and looks across at her, studying her eyes. "You mean a lot to me in general," he admits. "I'm not sure I'd know what to do if you weren't around." He smiles a little awkward smile. "I'd probably be in the loony bin by now," he teases.
Shaking his head, he gives her hand a squeeze. "I appreciate your input. But most of all I appreciate your company."
Zach grabs a little packet of sugar to fiddle with as he grins. "I have a very romantic job of selling hotrod cars to wealthy customers." He glances from side to side, then lowers his voice. "Actually, I just work in the showroom and try to head people to the big guys for the sales. But saying it the other way sounds better."
Still grinning, he rolls his eyes. "I went to school to learn how to run my own business and I wind up being an errand boy for car salesmen. There's something wrong with that picture. But!" He holds up a finger. "It pays enough, I get plenty of hours and I get enough days off to volunteer at the animal shelter in my spare time. How could I complain?"
He leans back in his seat, studying Beth for a moment. "So I know that you..." His voice trails off as his fingers accidentally rip through the sugar pack, sending the white contents all over the table. His eyes widen and without missing a beat, he snaps his fingers as if there was someone close by to hear. "Oh, waiter? Cleanup on table seven. We seem to have a problem with exploding sugar packets."
Ducking sheepishly, he starts brushing away the sugar with his hand. "Okay, so that was smooth." He clears on his throat before choking down a laugh. "Where was I? Oh yes - I think we need to change the subject to you before I make any more a fool out of myself."
Eric helps Ashlee to the barn, not minding the slower pace a bit. Getting into the tackroom, he gestures to a bench where she could sit. "Well, see this trunk here?" He pulls a large trunk away from the wall and opens it up, revealing a mess of leather. "This is how the tackroom stays clean... because everything that doesn't have a place gets thrown in here."
He grins and sits down next to her. Pulling out a bridle, it's obvious that everything is quite tangled up. "You can start by straightening this out, then we'll give it a little bit of oil before finding it a home on a wall peg."
The work is easy and the atmosphere peaceful. Eric chats a little but mostly concentrates on the task at hand, directing Ashlee on what to do but letting her figure some things out by herself too, like which way a bridle was put together and matching up reins. After a long span of silence though, Eric finally speaks again. "So... I couldn't help but notice you've been kinda quiet lately." He glances to the side, watching her as he continued to work. "Something on your mind?"
Private Victory Party
Ashlee gives a smile and a laugh as she takes Eric's hand to stand up. The reassurance was nice from him. She didn't need her crunches anymore, but she was limping still. Leaning into Eric a little though Ashlee trusted him to help her.
"So what needs to be done?"
She always though the tack room was kept neat, if it needed to be cleaned up that was a bit of a shocker. She wouldn't complain though she loved the smell of the tack room. The leather, the oils, and the horses. It was a smell she quickly got use to and fallen in love with.
Seeing Zach Beth gives a smile and a little wave drawing closer. She was unsure about this whole though but what could it hurt. At least she was breaking out of her box. If anything at least is was something new.
"Sure, sorry I was a little late."
Sitting down next to Zach and placing her order Beth sat quiet for a second. Now what...what did she say?
"Sooo...I know you came out here for work...what do you do?"
Beth couldn't help but feel a little lame!
Angelica gives a nod to Reese. She understood everything he was saying and where he was coming from. There was so much that ended to be though over and planned her own mind was spinning already thinking everything over.
"Well no matter what we deiced to do, I'll help all I can. Just let me know what you need from me and I'll do all I can."
Giving a smile Angelica reaches across the table and rests her hand on top of his. Not only did she believe in the Elite but she also believed that Reese would do what was right and good for everyone.
Looking down at her brother Ryan slips sliding from the hood of her car. Tonight had been a pretty good night between winning the race and the great feeling of Tal standing up for her early in the day it just seemed good all around.
"Did Tal leave already? He's still coming over for a private victory party right?"
"So what needs to be done?"
She always though the tack room was kept neat, if it needed to be cleaned up that was a bit of a shocker. She wouldn't complain though she loved the smell of the tack room. The leather, the oils, and the horses. It was a smell she quickly got use to and fallen in love with.
Seeing Zach Beth gives a smile and a little wave drawing closer. She was unsure about this whole though but what could it hurt. At least she was breaking out of her box. If anything at least is was something new.
"Sure, sorry I was a little late."
Sitting down next to Zach and placing her order Beth sat quiet for a second. Now what...what did she say?
"Sooo...I know you came out here for work...what do you do?"
Beth couldn't help but feel a little lame!
Angelica gives a nod to Reese. She understood everything he was saying and where he was coming from. There was so much that ended to be though over and planned her own mind was spinning already thinking everything over.
"Well no matter what we deiced to do, I'll help all I can. Just let me know what you need from me and I'll do all I can."
Giving a smile Angelica reaches across the table and rests her hand on top of his. Not only did she believe in the Elite but she also believed that Reese would do what was right and good for everyone.
Looking down at her brother Ryan slips sliding from the hood of her car. Tonight had been a pretty good night between winning the race and the great feeling of Tal standing up for her early in the day it just seemed good all around.
"Did Tal leave already? He's still coming over for a private victory party right?"
Poor Girl
Reese mulls over everything as Angelica speaks, appreciating her input and perspective. "We couldn't take them to court unless something happened - we have no grounds for that," he reasons. "We really don't have one legitimate complaint. It's just a lot of little things and a judge won't take the time for something like that."
Considering Phinox, his eyes squint a little as he thinks. "I don't know... about having agents there, that is. He and I discussed it once upon a time when he was just barely getting started with his idea of a ranch. I know he needs help and I like some of his ideas, but I'll admit I'm selfish and want to keep the best agents here. We're shorthanded the way it is." He shrugs. "I do agree that his place would be the ideal setup for the rehabilitation program for Agency members we bring in - some good hard work and people to counsel them. I guess maybe I haven't seen a good solid plan yet so I'm hesitant to invest in it, you know? I like the concept and I think Phinox has a good head on his shoulders, I just haven't seen enough to want to give away any of my men or set up a branch of the Elite there."
Shaking his head, he gets back on track. "As far as the board goes, someone would have to be elected - we can't just let someone in favor of the Elite waltz in there and plop themselves in a seat. Granted, they probably would allow another member, but even then, it really wouldn't matter all that much. Brown has been our spokesman for the most part and I doubt anyone else could do more than he has."
Fiddling with his fork again, he continues to think. "Maybe just having some different levels of security would solve it. Maybe we wouldn't have to run in 'secrecy.' But the board wouldn't be able to have top level clearance and I don't know if they'd accept that or not. Someone other than me would need top clearance. Maybe they'd be happy with Brown - I'm not sure."
The crowd was still fairly thick as the race had just gotten over. A brief celebration and exchanging of bets circled around the reigning champ - Ryan had won as usual. Hunter had given her a run for her money, but had missed his one chance to pull ahead. Slowly, the racers and onlookers begin to disperse, making plans for that night, or the next time they'd all gather here again.
Tal pulls himself away from the group to amble towards his car, planning to meet up with Eli and Ryan later for a late movie. He didn't have to work tomorrow, so it was a perfect night to be up.
Sidling through the mess of parked cars, he approaches his from behind and gets in without paying much attention to his surroundings. Only when he starts the engine and tugs at his seatbelt does he realize that he's boxed in. But what was in front of him wasn't another car. He lets his seatbelt snap back into place before gripping the steering wheel tightly. He grits his teeth, knowing that this was no coincidence.
Alec sits lazily on his parked motorcycle, lengthwise in front of Tal's car. Squinting a little in the headlights, he looks to the windshield, just able to make out Tal's face. He gives a slight wave before folding his arms and planting his feet on the ground.
Tal cuts the motor but leaves the headlights on, sighing deeply. There was a car to his right, a car to his left, and one in the back. He knew that Alec knew good and well he couldn't get out. But what was his point?
Finally, he opens his door and steps out. "You're in my way," he states flatly.
Alec cocks his head, his expression showing very little. "And you're in mine."
"And how's that?"
Alec swings his gaze over to the crowd, able to just see Ryan by her car. Then he looks back at Tal. "I think you know."
"Aw, no..." Tal shakes his head. "You are not going to start this up."
"Hey, I didn't start it."
"Oh, I think you did."
"Wanna make something out of it?"
Tal hesitates. He didn't want to fight. First, it was wrong, and second, he didn't think he could take Alec. "No. I don't. So please get out of my way before I run your bike over."
Alec laughs. "You don't have the guts."
"Don't I?"
"Hey." Eli had broken away from the other group as soon as he'd seen Alec and Tal together. Just seeing Alec at all made his blood boil. "Problem, gentlemen?"
Alec gives him a look of disgust. "What? You this little boy's babysitter now?"
Eli crosses his arms. There were few people he would defend to the death - Ryan was one, and so was Tal. "You're the only one I see that needs a babysitter. What's with the macho act?"
Alec's eyes narrow. "I don't think this is any of your business."
"Oh, I know it isn't. But I like sticking my nose where it doesn't belong." Eli keeps his temper in check and glances over to Tal, then back to Alec. "How about you just get your bike on out of here before something... unfortunate happens?"
Whether Alec wanted a fight or not, he knew he probably wouldn't be able to take down Eli and Tal together, and whoever else would decide to join in. "Fine. But this isn't over."
"I hope it is. For your sake."
Alec gives him one last glare before firing up his motorcycle. His eyes swing back to where Ryan was, then he dons his helmet and takes off after revving his engine more than need be.
Eli's gaze travels after him until he's gone. His folded arms hid his clenched fists. He glances back to Tal. "You alright?"
"Yeah. I'm fine. Maybe I should just go home though."
"What? And let him win?"
Tal sighs deeply. He wasn't used to this type of thing and really didn't know how to fight it. But maybe Eli was right. "Yeah, okay. Thanks for stepping in - I really didn't want to run him over."
Eli can't help his grin. "See you back at the apartment." He points at him. "Be there. Or I'll have to deal with a grouchy sister and you know I won't be happy about that."
Tal finally smiles. "Alright. Tell her I'm bringing the ice cream."
"You got it." Eli throws him a salute before ambling back into the crowd, heading for Ryan. Had she seen the little encounter? Regardless, he wasn't willing to let it spoil his evening. He gives his sister's shoulder a teasing light punch. "Way to go there, Sis. Looked good out there tonight."
Zach swivels back and forth on the stool up at the coffee bar. The music was pleasant, the lighting was soft and there were more people here than he thought, but it wasn't too crowded. Lots of coffee options too - that was always a plus.
Unfortunately, he really wasn't sure just what he was doing here. He'd asked a complete stranger out tonight - how smart was that? He'd asked bartender out... a girl he didn't even know. What if she wasn't as sweet as she seemed? What if she really did have an irate boyfriend waiting at home? What if she was looser than he'd thought and she just wanted to have a "good time" later tonight... er... morning? What would his mother say?
That last thought makes him grin. His mother would have a fit, and the mental image was pretty amusing. He was bored... lonely... he just wanted some pleasant company. Was that all bad? He really wasn't in the habit of asking anybody out, let alone a stranger. Come to think of it, this wasn't like him at all. He was scared of asking out girls. Maybe settling in a new town was getting him out of his box for once. And who knew? Maybe he really would make a new friend.
Spinning around one more time, his eyes catch someone coming in through the door. Seeing it was Beth, a smile emerges. She'd actually come. He'd had his doubts. Sliding off the stool, he wanders over to her, hooking his hands in his jeans pockets. "You made it!" Overexcited? He takes it down a notch. He didn't want to scare the poor girl. If she really was a poor girl. Or maybe she -
He cuts of his own thoughts and gestures to a nearby table. "Care to sit with me?"
"Slow?" Eric smirks at Ashlee. "You ever seen me move in the morning? A caterpillar has more chance of getting to the barn than I do."
Grinning, he stands up again and offers Ashlee a hand. "Come on. The tack room never has and never will require speed. It just requires an extra set of hands that I don't got."
Considering Phinox, his eyes squint a little as he thinks. "I don't know... about having agents there, that is. He and I discussed it once upon a time when he was just barely getting started with his idea of a ranch. I know he needs help and I like some of his ideas, but I'll admit I'm selfish and want to keep the best agents here. We're shorthanded the way it is." He shrugs. "I do agree that his place would be the ideal setup for the rehabilitation program for Agency members we bring in - some good hard work and people to counsel them. I guess maybe I haven't seen a good solid plan yet so I'm hesitant to invest in it, you know? I like the concept and I think Phinox has a good head on his shoulders, I just haven't seen enough to want to give away any of my men or set up a branch of the Elite there."
Shaking his head, he gets back on track. "As far as the board goes, someone would have to be elected - we can't just let someone in favor of the Elite waltz in there and plop themselves in a seat. Granted, they probably would allow another member, but even then, it really wouldn't matter all that much. Brown has been our spokesman for the most part and I doubt anyone else could do more than he has."
Fiddling with his fork again, he continues to think. "Maybe just having some different levels of security would solve it. Maybe we wouldn't have to run in 'secrecy.' But the board wouldn't be able to have top level clearance and I don't know if they'd accept that or not. Someone other than me would need top clearance. Maybe they'd be happy with Brown - I'm not sure."
The crowd was still fairly thick as the race had just gotten over. A brief celebration and exchanging of bets circled around the reigning champ - Ryan had won as usual. Hunter had given her a run for her money, but had missed his one chance to pull ahead. Slowly, the racers and onlookers begin to disperse, making plans for that night, or the next time they'd all gather here again.
Tal pulls himself away from the group to amble towards his car, planning to meet up with Eli and Ryan later for a late movie. He didn't have to work tomorrow, so it was a perfect night to be up.
Sidling through the mess of parked cars, he approaches his from behind and gets in without paying much attention to his surroundings. Only when he starts the engine and tugs at his seatbelt does he realize that he's boxed in. But what was in front of him wasn't another car. He lets his seatbelt snap back into place before gripping the steering wheel tightly. He grits his teeth, knowing that this was no coincidence.
Alec sits lazily on his parked motorcycle, lengthwise in front of Tal's car. Squinting a little in the headlights, he looks to the windshield, just able to make out Tal's face. He gives a slight wave before folding his arms and planting his feet on the ground.
Tal cuts the motor but leaves the headlights on, sighing deeply. There was a car to his right, a car to his left, and one in the back. He knew that Alec knew good and well he couldn't get out. But what was his point?
Finally, he opens his door and steps out. "You're in my way," he states flatly.
Alec cocks his head, his expression showing very little. "And you're in mine."
"And how's that?"
Alec swings his gaze over to the crowd, able to just see Ryan by her car. Then he looks back at Tal. "I think you know."
"Aw, no..." Tal shakes his head. "You are not going to start this up."
"Hey, I didn't start it."
"Oh, I think you did."
"Wanna make something out of it?"
Tal hesitates. He didn't want to fight. First, it was wrong, and second, he didn't think he could take Alec. "No. I don't. So please get out of my way before I run your bike over."
Alec laughs. "You don't have the guts."
"Don't I?"
"Hey." Eli had broken away from the other group as soon as he'd seen Alec and Tal together. Just seeing Alec at all made his blood boil. "Problem, gentlemen?"
Alec gives him a look of disgust. "What? You this little boy's babysitter now?"
Eli crosses his arms. There were few people he would defend to the death - Ryan was one, and so was Tal. "You're the only one I see that needs a babysitter. What's with the macho act?"
Alec's eyes narrow. "I don't think this is any of your business."
"Oh, I know it isn't. But I like sticking my nose where it doesn't belong." Eli keeps his temper in check and glances over to Tal, then back to Alec. "How about you just get your bike on out of here before something... unfortunate happens?"
Whether Alec wanted a fight or not, he knew he probably wouldn't be able to take down Eli and Tal together, and whoever else would decide to join in. "Fine. But this isn't over."
"I hope it is. For your sake."
Alec gives him one last glare before firing up his motorcycle. His eyes swing back to where Ryan was, then he dons his helmet and takes off after revving his engine more than need be.
Eli's gaze travels after him until he's gone. His folded arms hid his clenched fists. He glances back to Tal. "You alright?"
"Yeah. I'm fine. Maybe I should just go home though."
"What? And let him win?"
Tal sighs deeply. He wasn't used to this type of thing and really didn't know how to fight it. But maybe Eli was right. "Yeah, okay. Thanks for stepping in - I really didn't want to run him over."
Eli can't help his grin. "See you back at the apartment." He points at him. "Be there. Or I'll have to deal with a grouchy sister and you know I won't be happy about that."
Tal finally smiles. "Alright. Tell her I'm bringing the ice cream."
"You got it." Eli throws him a salute before ambling back into the crowd, heading for Ryan. Had she seen the little encounter? Regardless, he wasn't willing to let it spoil his evening. He gives his sister's shoulder a teasing light punch. "Way to go there, Sis. Looked good out there tonight."
Zach swivels back and forth on the stool up at the coffee bar. The music was pleasant, the lighting was soft and there were more people here than he thought, but it wasn't too crowded. Lots of coffee options too - that was always a plus.
Unfortunately, he really wasn't sure just what he was doing here. He'd asked a complete stranger out tonight - how smart was that? He'd asked bartender out... a girl he didn't even know. What if she wasn't as sweet as she seemed? What if she really did have an irate boyfriend waiting at home? What if she was looser than he'd thought and she just wanted to have a "good time" later tonight... er... morning? What would his mother say?
That last thought makes him grin. His mother would have a fit, and the mental image was pretty amusing. He was bored... lonely... he just wanted some pleasant company. Was that all bad? He really wasn't in the habit of asking anybody out, let alone a stranger. Come to think of it, this wasn't like him at all. He was scared of asking out girls. Maybe settling in a new town was getting him out of his box for once. And who knew? Maybe he really would make a new friend.
Spinning around one more time, his eyes catch someone coming in through the door. Seeing it was Beth, a smile emerges. She'd actually come. He'd had his doubts. Sliding off the stool, he wanders over to her, hooking his hands in his jeans pockets. "You made it!" Overexcited? He takes it down a notch. He didn't want to scare the poor girl. If she really was a poor girl. Or maybe she -
He cuts of his own thoughts and gestures to a nearby table. "Care to sit with me?"
"Slow?" Eric smirks at Ashlee. "You ever seen me move in the morning? A caterpillar has more chance of getting to the barn than I do."
Grinning, he stands up again and offers Ashlee a hand. "Come on. The tack room never has and never will require speed. It just requires an extra set of hands that I don't got."
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