Genuineness

Jason listens carefully, eying Katie as she speaks. He knew he had probably known her answer without having to ask, but hearing it assured him he was still reading her correctly.

When she mentions her love though, a strange new look passes through Jason's eyes. Something that makes him stop and hesitate, not responding right away.

Looking down, he gives a short laugh, signaling the foolishness he felt. "Guess I figured when I got out of prison and saw you with Scott that you'd already stopped loving me."

Another gentle roll of thunder sounds in the distance from unseen clouds.

Taking a deep breath, Jason looks back up at Katie. Something had suddenly shifted in his emotions....there was something different...or was there? It was almost like seeing a light bulb flicker but not being sure that it really happened or not. But Jason's emotional state right now was one of total control, proving that if something really had shifted, it wasn't an accident.

"Well...I suppose that's one for our memory banks, eh?" He taps a finger on the table absentmindedly, catching Katie's eye again.

"Are you going to be okay?" He hesitates to proceed, wanting it to come out right, but fearing that it wouldn't. "I know that...if it weren't for your sixth sense about me, I would have died at least twice now. But is that...is that connection going to keep you from being happy?" He pauses. "I hope that my growing stability has helped some...I just don't want you to always live through my pain...I don't want my bad days to effect you and the life you want to pursue...with someone else. Can you...let go to the point that you can turn off that connection so you won't feel the pain?" His concern for her is genuine, his want to relieve that burden from her is sincere.


Camryn soaks in all the sights around the ranch, thoroughly enjoying Wendy's little tour. Seeing the fields, the bunkhouses, the barns...it all made it seem like a western fantasy come true. Her smile remained as she was introduced to some of the horses, admitting to Wendy that she'd ridden a lot as a little girl, but now missed it.

On their way back to join those still inside, Camryn catches sight of two figures out back, talking quietly. Taking note of who it was, she says nothing, and continues with Wendy.
Getting back to where they started out, Camryn thanks her. "This place is just so nice. It must be so neat to actually live here and experience this every day."


Scott finds Becky to turn the cameras and used film back over to her, assuring her that he needed no payment - it had been his pleasure. Now without a job though, he sighs, a little tired, and glances around the room. Couples were still dancing, the music having grown soft.

His eyes roam the faces, looking for Katie. He hadn't seen her in quiet a while. He starts to wander, saying hi to a few people, and gradually making his way to the door.


Camryn chats and laughs with Wendy and Clint some more, wishing that she wouldn't have to leave tonight. Suddenly her eye catches Scott and she sees him moving to go outdoors. Retaining her smile, she nods to Wendy. "Keep this boy in line, I'll be sure to catch you before I leave."

Turning from them, she strolls casually up to Scott. "Hey there, Mr. photographer."

Scott stops and gives Camryn a sheepish grin. "Let's just say I take pictures. I'd hardly call myself a photographer."

Camryn rolls her eyes. "If you weren't any good, they wouldn't have asked you."

Scott purposely shifts the subject away from himself. "Have you seen Katie?"

"Oh my goodness, she's been all over the place." Camryn laughs, moving toward a row of chairs against the wall, automatically drawing Scott with her. "She's probably off helping someone now - she was a real trooper helping get things ready today."

Scott strolls with her to the chairs, and feeling tired enough, sits down beside her, forgetting his intent on finding Katie for the moment.

"So," Camryn continues to speak, "What is it you do at TJY?"

Scott chuckles. "Well they call me the tech guy..."


Con automatically puts his arm around Jamie as she slips onto his lap, used to holding her, and never tiring of it.

Pete looks to Jamie with a wide eye. "Hey, that's how rumors get started," he warns. "There ain't no lucky lady, nor will there ever be," he states decidedly. "I was referring to the giant whose lap you're sitting on."

"He's being a butthead," Con intervenes. Giving Jamie a kiss on the cheek, he grins. "Personally, I think he's jealous."


Reese stands up with Lockheart, smiling. He saw the nervousness in her eyes, and tried to mask his own by forcing himself to take her hand with confidence. Drawing her away from the tables, he takes her among the other couples dancing to the slow music. He wasn't a fantastic dancer, but by no means was horrible either, and easily takes the lead, one hand in hers, the other lightly at her waist, though he does his best not to invade her space. "Having a good time?"


Bret watches Charlotte and grins, pulling his sun-dried shirt over his head. "What are you asking me for? You're the one with the quarter."

Getting his socks and shoes back on, he grabs his pack and starts with her back down the trail. By the time they reach the car, both have almost completely dried off from the hot sun.

Sliding into the car, Bret glances at his watch. "I don't know about you, but I think my stomach might override fate and chance this time." He points down the road. "If we head east, there's a little town with a diner if you're up to it."


Carson leans back in the corner of the couch, Misty tucked comfortably in front of him as they watch their movie. He was exhausted, but forced himself to stay awake for her. It had been a good day with no mishaps and enough teasing between them to keep the mood light - something he needed today.

His arm that was draped around her shifts, and he runs a hand through her hair thoughtfully. "Thanks for going out of your way for me," he mentions quietly. "I know I haven't been great company lately."