Real or paper

Carson closes his eyes, sighing deeply. He knew Misty was right. He just.... didn't like how out of control he felt.

Suddenly the door opens, and Carson can hear Dani's keys jingling. He doesn't get up though. He'd stay in this comfortable position as long as he could.

Dani sets her purse and keys down and wanders into the living room, seeing the light on. Spotting her brother lying on the couch, his head in Misty's lap though, she stops. "Sorry guys. Didn't mean to interrupt."

Carson props his eyes open, grinning wryly. "You didn't. My pillow is getting ready to go home."

"Oh." Dani chuckles and comes up to the back of the couch, looking down over Misty's shoulder at him. "I see you did the cooking tonight."

"Mm-hmm. We have a visitor. She's sleeping in my bed tonight."

Dani's eyebrows shoot up. "You better explain quickly before my mind wanders."

Carson smirks, though he still doesn't move or even roll over to see her. "Mackenzie decided to show up today. Her idea, not mine. Tomorrow someone will be coming to pick her up."

"Wow." Dani blinks. "That's... interesting." She shakes her head, seeing that her brother wasn't in much of a mood to share details. "Alright, well... I'm heading to bed. If you need something come morning let me know."

"A ride to work would be nice so the kid doesn't have to walk."

"Sure." Dani smiles. "I can do that." She straightens up and heads for the hallway. "Night, Carson. Good night, Misty."


Axel grins a little. "You mean without being covered in grease?" The humor twinkles in his eyes as they reach their table for two and are seated.

It doesn't take long before the salads are done and their meals have arrived, providing a very tasty supper. Axel slices off another piece of steak and nods with satisfaction. "Mine's good. How 'bout yours?"

While waiting for an answer, his eyes continue to drift the room as they had since they'd arrived. But his gaze repeatedly landed at a nearby table where two couples were sitting. One of the men looked familiar but Axel couldn't place him. He could very well have simply been a customer of the auto shop at some point. But something about the foursome bothered Axel.

Stealing another glance in their direction, he realizes that the four have their heads a little closer together, their voices having become hushed. But there was no mistaking the brief pointing, and the distasteful looks towards Axel and Jess' table. Axel's ears pick up, "...him... was told... convicted..."

Axel's stomach gives a little lurch, suddenly his steak not tasting quite as good. Turning his face away from the gossiping group, he rests his elbow on the table to rest the side of his head on his hand. His eyes drift downward, and he's sure Jess had heard as well. Color comes to his face, and for a moment, he wishes the floor would open up and swallow him. Rocky had been wrong. The gossip and rumors had started.


"Um... okay." Scott pauses too. "Thanks... for calling. Rick said I could call him too, so it looks like I'm covered. Not to mention the security cameras are working. Couldn't be safer."

Despite being safe though, no amount of security would cure loneliness. "Yeah, goodnight, Hope. See you soon."


"Right." Ryder nods as he busies himself finishing up supper to get it ready. "Oh," he calls over his shoulder. "Some guy left you a message today. It's on the answering machine."

He fiddles with the chicken dish for a moment. "You want real plates or paper?"