Wedding Day

*Charlotte cant help bit grin and let out a whoop as the car spins in a circle than comes to a stop only to have it speed off again. The music was loud and Charlotte loved it. Everything about Bret seemed to match her own personalty and what she liked. As they speeded down the deserted street Charlotte bops her head the the music as she one hand taps her leg to the beat and her other arm is outside the window tapping the outside of the door. Charlotte even chimes in with some of the words carrying the toon fairly well for it being rock.

As they pull into the gas station and Bret hand Charlotte his wallet she gets out noding.*

"Pepsi, roger Roger."

*Charlotte heads inside still moving to the music coming from Bret's car. Once inside Charlotte give a nod to the guy behind the counter. Going back to the cooler She grabs a 2 liter of Pepsi and starts to look for something for herself. For a moment Charlotte's eyes drift to the left as her body steps aside too and she is stranging infront of the cooler where the beer was kept. Her eyes scaned the cases and the bottle. Finally shaking her head, she dident need that this early this morning even if she wanted alittle. If her and Bret when to the dance places he talked about tonight she could have alittle them. Moving back to the right Charlotte opens the cooler and grabs a 2 liter of moutain dew. Going down the food isle Charlotte scans the shelfs. Picking up a bag of sunchips, and trail mix. Charlotte makes her way up from and spots a bag of apples grabing them to it was something healthy. Finally making it to the counter.*

"I'm paying for the gas on pump 3 as well.."

*The man behind the counter looks at her with a smerk.*

"That will be 45.00."

*Charlotte reaches into her pocket to pull of the Cash Bret gave her and pays than head back to the car. Puting the bags back into the backseat and gets back in the front handing Bret his change back.*

"Ok, so we have gas, drinks, food, the hott guy, the pretty girl....I think we are set. Away we go again. Were is out first destanation Captin?"

*Charlotte grins at Bret and leans over turning the music up again but not to loud so she can still hear him.*

*Misty steps inside the door and takes a look around noting Carson was on the coutch. Coming over to him Misty takes note to his bloodshot eyes. Her heart giving a suddon jump. She dident know what was wrong, but she was a woman and new what those bloodshit eyes ment. Seting the water down on the table along with the bottle of asprin Misty gives alittle smile. Pushing Carson up alittle bit she slips her body underneath him and replaces his head in her lap. Gently puting the cloth on his forhead. Runing a hand though his hair Misty whispers.*

"Your great company no matter what. I just like being close to you."

*Misty continues to run her hand though his hair, as her other hand lays on his chest. No more words are said for now. Misty dident know what was wrong or what was going on, but she dident want to push. Right now she just wanted to be there for him, and give him comfort.*

*Katie returns Scott's kiss with enthuseashum. Grinig as she pulls away she looks twords the train and the moutains.*

"We could run away right now, and no one would know where we went."

*Katie looks back at Scott and leans in for another long kiss befor geting out of the van the rest of the way and heading twords the chaos with him. Seeing where her Aunt was and where she was needed.*

*Wes trudges into the workshop his dress shoes clicking on the floor. Wes showed he was only half dressing in his black suit pants, and a white tank top that was tucked in. Reading from a paper Wes dosent even see Jason and Camryn at first.*

"Clint if your still in here Wendy is going to pitch a fit cuz your not ready yet. I'd just hate to be you if she comes back in here and your still...."

*Wes finally looks up from the paper and see Jason and Camryn. His face breaks out into a gran as he aproches them.*

"Jason..I was hoping you would make it."

*Wes holds his hand out to Jason offering him a shake as part of his greeting. Than looking to Camryn he hold his hand to her.*

"Hi, Welcome to the Ranch."

*Wendy makes her way to the barn her hair done and alittle bit of makeup on. The only thing missing was her dress. Entering the shop she yells.*

"ANDREW CLINT...."

*Wes gives alittle jump as he hears Wendy's voice. Widening his eyes for a moment looking to Camryn, than Jason and than to Clint.*

"Dont say I dident warn you..."

*Moments later Wendy enters the backroom where everyone was and walks over to Clint, puting an arm around his shoulder.*

"...Con is here now, and if you dont get your head out of that car and go get ready I am going to get him to have it planted there permanintly."

*Wendy gives Clint a sweet and innocent grin followed by a quick kiss and she relizes everyone alse is now stairing on her. Stand up she cant help but shakes her head and laugg giving a wave.*

"Well why dident you tell me you went alone. I made myself look like a fool..."

*Wendy clears her throt.*

"Hey Jason, Hi Wes...."

*Wendy smiles to Camryn.*

"Hi!"

*Jamie stays close to Con she arm wrapped around his. Chiming in with him.*

"I dont know...I dont see him anywhere. I hope we dident miss him."

*As if qu one of the table cloths russle and alittle head peeks out from underneath it. BJ's face lighting up as he see Jamie and Con. Crawing the rest of the way ou BJ brushes of his little suit pants and runs to Con. Seeing his arm he slows down a bit and wraps his one arm around Con's leg and his other around Jamies.*

"Here I am, Here I am....Con, Jamie...You duyd tame back."

*BJ beams up at both Jamie and Con.*

*Lockheart follows Reese onto the mess hall taking in the sights. A normal person would feel over welms but Lockheart was use to being around strangers. This was just another day to her.*

"Everything is so nice here, and it feels so peacful dispite the chaos."

*Angel heads into the house that held Rosetta, and a few other ladys from the ranch.*

"Has anyone seen Mick? Sparky is look for him."

*Rosetta turns and looks at Angel a bit of worry in her eyes. She was so nervouse and it was only growing by the moment.*

"MICK IS missing? WHat about BJ...did you find him? What about Katie is she here yet?"

*As if on her own qu Katie enters the house smiles at Rosetta.*

"I'm here now Aunt Rosetta."

*Angel looks to Katie.*

"Maybe you can calm her down. I'll be right back Rosetta."

"ANGEL...ANGEL..."

*Angel cant help but laugh as she hears Rosetta call to her. The poor thing had been waiting for this moment for such a long time and now it was here and she couldent stay calm.

Making her way around back Angel spots and Luke and smiles coming up behind him and siting down wraping her arms around him.*

"Hey you. How ya feeling?"

Setting up

Bret watches the map fly to the backseat, giving Charlotte an expression of amusement. He grins at her coin toss. "Fifty miles was sounding too small anyway." Today was a day when he was throwing caution to the wind. He had nothing better to do, would wind up at the bar anyway, and without a goal, he was game for the adventure.

Tossing the other quarter, he fails to catch it, and it lands on the floor, tilted up at an angle. Thinking for a moment, he glances to Charlotte, back at the quarter, then back up again. "Well...looks like we'll be traveling north."

Before any more can be said, he throws his car in gear and guns it, burning rubber with a squeal as he skids around in a full circle and another half, expertly keeping the car under control as they spin and stop, facing north. He checks his mirrors seeing if anyone was around only after the fact as he straightens out the car. "Ladies and gentlemen," he speaks under his breath, "do not try this at home."

Turning up the radio and tuning to some loud rock, he speeds up again. Hitting a deserted street, they speed to the edge of town.

Spotting a gas station, Bret slows down and decides to fill up. Before getting out though, he grabs his wallet and hands Charlotte some cash. "I'll fill up, you get the munchies and drinks - get me some pepsi."


Carson hangs up the phone and just lies still for a while on the couch, letting his mind drift. It takes him places he really doesn't want to go, but he's too tired to fight it.

Eventually he gets up and goes to his bedroom. Pulling out the bottom drawer of his dresser, he takes out a small box. Sitting on the edge of his bed, he sifts through the few things that were there, until he comes to several old pictures. Finding the one he was looking for, he stares back at the face that he hasn't seen in over ten years. Running his thumb over it, he experiences the hurt all over again...the pain..the wondering...sorrow...anger... He'd thought it was over, but suddenly the past was being dug up once more...

...Carson lies on the couch again, a cold cloth over his eyes. Hearing the knock at the door, he recognizes it to be Misty's, and calls to her. "Yeah, come on in."

Shifting the cloth from his eyes, he squints for a moment, lifting his head just far enough to see Misty, then relaxes again. "Give me a minute and I'll get myself up to be livelier company," he comments dryly.

Finally sitting up, he rubs his eyes wearily, giving a sigh as he tries to perk up for Misty's sake. But his eyes can't lie. They're bloodshot and tired, the evidence remaining behind of the tears that no one would ever witness.


At Katie's comment of the group, Reese's eyes get as big as saucers, trying to keep them on the road. He can't even dare look in Lockheart's direction, knowing her face must be as red as his own felt.

Con turns around to throw Katie a look. "Watch it...Lockheart isn't but a few years older than me, you twerp."

Scott eyes his friend and puts on a fake punk air, lifting his chin. "Hey, whose girl you callin' a twerp, man?"

Con quirks an eyebrow. "And who are you challenging?"

Scott immediately retreats, holding up his hands. "Nobody?"

"That's what I thought."

"You give in too easily," Jason shoots back to Scott. "Remember what Jamie said about him being a teddy bear?"

"Yeah well..." Scott thinks about his words. "He's an awfully big teddy bear then."

Camryn giggles at the banter, loving every minute of it. Since the plane had taken off back in Nevada, she'd known she wouldn't regret this trip, and she'd been right. Leaning over, she whispers something to Jason.

Jason reacts with wide eyes and a glance back to Con and Jamie. Elbowing Camryn, he keeps a laugh from slipping out and shakes his head.

Once at the ranch, everybody starts to pile out of the van. Scott and Katie are last, but before she can get up, he takes her arm, giving her a crooked grin. Leaning over, he gives her a short but passionate kiss. His eyes twinkling, he brushes her cheek with his hand. "I might not see you again 'til later, so I thought I better get what I could now."


"Hey, has anybody seen Mick?"

"Where are those chairs?"

"Look out! Table coming through."

"Has anybody seen Mick?!"

"Yo Jeff, where's that stand?"

Sparky throws up his hands in disgust as he's caught in the comings and goings out behind the house. "Has anybody seen Mick???!" he shouts.

Everybody stops and looks at him. Mel comes up behind him, putting an arm around his shoulders. "There's really no need to shout, hun."

Sparky throws her a withering look. "I've been trying to..."

He's cut off as she leans around and gives him a kiss on the lips. "Relax. You'd think you were the groom instead of your brother. Now...what did you need?"

Sparky gives a little sigh, brought back down by Mel's attention. "I needed to talk to him about parking."

"See now? If you'd have been paying attention, you'd know that Eric and Wes have already been working on roping off that lot by the bunkhouses for people to park." Mel runs a finger across his head and down his neck. "Settle down, will you?"


"Jason!" Cindy spots her son from the kitchen and wipes her hands on her apron, going out to greet him with open arms.

Jason receives her hug and returns his own, a little more enthusiastically than the last time he'd been here. "Hey. Didn't know if you'd be here or up at the house."

"Oh, I'm here helping get food ready for the reception," Cindy explains. Her eyes shift to the young woman next to him. "And who do we have here?"

"This is Camryn Lane," Jason introduces. "She decided to tag along for the day just to get out of town for a few hours. Camryn, this is my mom, Cindy."

Camryn extends her hand, smiling from ear to ear. "It's so nice to meet you. Jason's told me so much. Congratulations on the upcoming arrival of a new family member."

Cindy beams. "Well thank you." She sets a hand on her tummy. "We're all excited."

"Where's Wes?" Jason questions.

Cindy shakes her head. "He and the other guys have been running around like chickens with their heads cut off. It's worse than when he and I got married." She laughs. "It's kind of nice for once to see them all confuzzlebumed instead of us women."

Jason gives her a wry grin. "Clint around?"

"Out in the shop...as always. I think Wendy's been trying to get him to clean up all morning, but he insists on finishing something in there first."

"Great." Jason nods to the door, looking at Camryn. "Want to?"

Camryn grins and holds up her hands. "Today I'm your shadow, lest I get lost in the crowd."

Cindy chuckles. "If you get lost in this crowd, honey, you couldn't be safer."

"You know..." Camryn looks around for a moment. "I believe that."


"Yo, Jase!" Clint straightens up from staring into the engine of a car, and wipes his hands on a rag, offering a shake to Jason. "Long time no see."

Jason half grins and shakes his hand. "Yeah, something like that."

"Thought you might come along with the others."

"Yeah well...though I shouldn't pass up seeing my mom again."

Clint nods and looks to the side, cocking his head at Camryn. "I see you brought company. And I thought you were alone and miserable. You been holding out on me, not telling me you had a girlfr..."

Jason cuts him off. "Friend," he emphasizes. "Camryn, this is Clint Henson - he's the nephew of the groom."

Clint eyes Jason with suspicion, but doesn't say more on the topic of girlfriends. "Glad to meet ya."

"Likewise." Camryn grins. "And you're still right about this guy being alone and miserable. I'm trying to break him of that habit."

Jason gives her arm a backhanded slap. "Behave yourself."

Camryn smirks. "So, Clint... you the mechanic around here?"

"Trying to be." Clint laughs. "Guess maybe I'm second in command. The bossman is Jason's stepdad, Wes. He's a great guy."


Jim hangs up the phone in the corner of the mess hall and goes to the kitchen, poking his head through the door and spotting his wife. "Hey, Beck...Jerry can't come."

Becky turns from the oven, a look of disappointment crossing her face. "Oh, no...what are we going to do about a photographer? Any place else in town was booked for this weekend. I was so hoping to get some really good pictures today to put in that book for Rosetta and Mick."

"...Hey...Jim."

Jim turns quickly at his youngest son's voice, a smile spreading. "Ty..." He gives him a quick but tight hug. "Glad you made it back. How's it going?"


Con wanders around back with Jamie, greeting friends along the way. Seeing the bustling group in the yard, he spots the youngster he was looking for. "And where's that little cowboy?" his voice thunders. "He said he'd be here, but I've been looking all over!"


Reese leads Lockheart into the mess hall where half the commotion was going on. "Well...welcome to the ranch." He chuckles. "It isn't normally this crazy, but everybody here is nice and if you need anything, just give a real loud holler and half of them will come running."


Luke sits in a folding chair and looks up to the guys working on the ribbons and flowers draped across one of the tents. "No...a little to the left....no..up...right....down...no up again..."

Jeff looks down at him from his ladder with annoyance. "Will you make up your mind?!"

"I'd come do it myself, but I can't walk today," Luke retorts. "So just do as I say."

Jeff smirks and turns back to the ribbon.

"No, I said up!"

A new chaos

*Charlotte grins as the map lands in her lap and Bret makes his comment. Snatcking on the of coins from him she grins.*

"I want to flip the one to see how far we go, and why did you give me the map. Remember, no maps, no planes."

*Charlotte toss the map into the backseat giving a laugh. Taking the coin she places in on her thumb. Giving it a flick it flys through the air before she grabs it and slaps it on her other hand. Slowly lifting up her hand she reveals the coin tails up. A grin spreads across her face as her eyes sparkle.*

"I guess the sky is the only limit we have. Now toss yours and see if we go east or west so we can get the party..roadtrip started."

*Misty smiles and shakes her head everythough Carson cant see her. He certinly did confuse her sometimes, but things seemed better now than last night so that was good.*

"Ok, let me finishing geting ready, do alittle running around and than I'll be over. Probley in an hour or two. Ok...I'll see you than Hun."

*Hanging up the phone Misty lets out a sigh and gets up off her head. She felt like she had alittle bit more energy now after talking to Carson but not much. HEading to her closet she picks out her clothing. Than cleans up her apartment wincing alittle as she move the wrong way and a pain shoots through her stomach. It was mostly healed no on the outside, but on the inside it was still alittle sore. After cleaning up the house Misty grabs her bottle of Asprin, and a few bottles of spring water from her fridge and heads out of the house and to Carson's.*

*Lockheart turns and gives alittle smile at Reese.*

"Yes, I am."

*She was happy to be here. Being with the people from JY was always nice and she liked it. The Comapnay they braught, the atmisphere they braught was always nice and comforting. From the first day of meeting everyone Lockheart felt like she was part of the group. It was nice geting away and being around them.*

*Finally landing and everyone pilling in they are off. Lockheart is seated up front with Reese.

Katie and Scott are than in the back, and Jamie and Con next. Katie lets out a loud laugh just out of the blue. Jamie leans forward and quirks and eyes bow at her.*

"Have you gone made?"

*Katie cant help but laugh again and shake her head, She wasent sure if she was nervouse for her aunt over the whole wedding that was going to be taking place or not but she new she was nervouse about something and her sillyness was proving it.*

"I was just siting here thinking, with Reese and Lockheart upfront it kind of feels like a family vacation or something. We are the kids and Reese and Loakcheart are the....."

*Before Katie can say anymore Lockheart turns in her seat her face beat red and her eyes wide.*

"DONT....even finish that statment. I'm not THAT old you know."

*Lockheart turns back around completly embarssed.*

*The ride continues everyone having fun and even Jamie, along with Katie break out in song every now and then adding to the laughter. Finally the reach the ranch where a new chaos begines. People seemed to be flying all over geting ready. A few tents were set up and flowers as well. It was nothing to fancey but it was nothing to plane eather. Though Rosetta and Mick dident want to make a big deal out of it, the guest at the ranch, old friends, new friend, and the staff couldent help themself.*

Banter

The guys all widen their eyes at Katie warning Camryn.

"Hey, what did I do?" Scott defends.

Jason grins a little at Katie. "Aw, you're too kind. I knew I could count on you to stand up for me at least." He throws Camryn a look. "Even though SOME people aren't on my side."

Camryn's jaw drops with feined shock. "Well I never!"


Ty's eyes widen at Jamie's comment. "Jamie! You realize that tank of yours is going to make roadkill out of me if you keep that up!"

"Mm-hmm..." Con mumbles as Jamie kisses him and lifts a hand to wave Ty off. At Katie's comment that pulls Jamie away, Con grins slyly and glances to Katie. "I can't think of a better way to pass out though..."

Reese rolls his eyes and sinks further down into his seat. "Still glad you came?" he asks Lockheart.


Camryn laughs with Lockheart and nods. "I have a feeling you're right. What's friendship without a few wars to keep things interesting?" She tosses Jason a challenging look.

Jason gives her a sidelong glance then a wink before buckling his seatbelt and settling back for the flight.


With rambunctious chatter from Scott, Con and Ty picking on the girls, the flight is kept interesting, not allowing anyone any extra sleep, not even Reese, who every once in a while would throw in his own sarcastic comment for good measure.

Before they know it, they're landing in Texas and picking up the waiting van that Reese volunteers to drive. Piling in, teasing arguments ensue about who will sit where, and finally the couples end up together, Jason in the back with Ty, and Camryn behind Reese with backpacks as her seatmates.


Bret grins when he sees Charlotte, and turns down the radio. "Well, good morning. So...you did decide to show up." His eyes dance with toying amusement. Leaning over, he reaches across her lap to open the glovebox and withdraws a map. Tossing it to her, he then retrieves a couple quarters from his pocket. "Alright. First toss is heads we go west, tails we go east. Second toss heads we stay within fifty mile radius, tails who cares."


Carson can't help a little smile as he talks to Misty. "Well since Reese is gone, I suppose we could get away with doing something before dinner. Tell you what - you come over any time and we'll just go from here whenever we get hungry. And bring some aspirin with you...I'm out."

He's just a big teddy bear

*Katie take her seat with Scott on the plane watching the other and laughing. As Camryn and Jason bored Katie gives a wave.*

"Hey Camryn. No matter what Kyle says watch out for this one..."

*Katie thumbs to Jason.*

"...And this one.."

*She points to Con next.*

"...Ya and this one too."

*Katie points to Scott.*

"They like to make us think they are innocent with there good looks."

*Katie cant help but laugh. Than leaning over as if to whisper to Jason she says.*

"Dont worry I'll stick up for you..."

*Katie eyes Con.*

"I'm not scaired of the Tank...he is just a big teddy bear."

*Snuggling into Con's good arm Jamie laughs and than sits up straght before falling backwords again.*

"KATIE...you wernt saposto to tell anyone I told you that."

*Jamie pants Con's leg and sticks her toung out at him.*

" I do appreciates you darling, but you are my big teddy bear. If I dident have you on this flight I would get stuck cuddling with someone alse."

*Jamie looks past Con at TY and gives alittle wave, than gives a glance back to Con before giving him a kiss.*

"You know your the only one for me, sorry Ty the jig is up. I'm only Con's now."

*Jamie leans in giving Con another kiss.

Katie looks aorund the plane at Jason, than Camryn, than Scott, to Ty, Lockheart than Reese, only to return to Jamie and Con again.*

"Oh goodness Jamie, let the man breath would you before he pass out."

*Katie quirks a grin as Jamie pulls away from Con her cheeks alittle red.

From her seat upfront Lockheart cant help but laugh alittle and looks to Camryn.*

"Somethings tells me with this bunch, a war is part of the fun."

*Lockheart looks back to Reese and smiles puting her own seatbelt on.*

"Kids!! No matter how old they get, they are still young at heart."

*The plane jolts and finally starts to move. Leaving the ground and Nevada behind.*

*As Charlotte turns around the courner and down the hall she was running late.Picking out clothing this morning had been more of a problem than she planed pluse spending half the night talking with her sister about Mike she slept alittle later than planed as well. Charlotte hurryed hoping Bret would still be there if he even showed up at all. Carrying alittle bag with her that had some items in it. Wairing a a black shier sleaved shirt that dipe in the front ( but not to bad : ) with a teal pattern along the neckline and dip, she always had on a pare of tighter blue jeans that flaired as they got to the bottom, with a belt that hung a chain on it. Finally making it to the courner Charlotte can hear Bret's music and can see his car, coming up to the door she opens it and slids in smiling at him. Talking alittle louder over the music.*

"Good Morning! Sorry I'm late."

*As Misty exits the bathroom she makes her way to her room. She had hoped her shower would of revived her and gave her more energy but alas it did not. Sinking down on her bed she answers the phone. Hearing Carson's voice on the other end made her a bit perkeyer.*

"Hey Hun, I'm doing pretty good this morning. I'd ask how you feel but I am sure I know your sore."

*Misty chats a bit more with Carson as she lays in bed and her to ferrits make there way up to her and fallsleep curled up in her lap.*

"So, what time did you want to do dinner? and did you want to hang out before that too?"

Dawn

Carson is tempted to stick around and make the evening last a little longer, but he knows he’s in no shape to do anything but go to bed right now.

He thinks for a moment, a little uneasy about having Misty out this late by herself, but he knows good and well she can handle herself. “Alright…I’m too worn out to argue.” He fishes in his pocket for his keys and hands them to her.

It doesn’t take them long to get back to Carson’s place and after exiting and locking the car, he lays a hand on Misty’s shoulder. “Thanks for taking care of me,” he says quietly. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Giving her one last kiss, he makes his way slowly inside, taking his time to get up the stairs and into his apartment.


Bret is prepared to pull away, when Charlotte surprises him by sliding back into the car. He’s taken totally off guard as she comes close, feeling her lips on his. For just an instant, he wants to resist out of sheer surprise, but as he experiences her kiss, he can’t help but return it, slowly…passionately, as his hand finds its way to her forearm.

When Charlotte pulls away, he can’t even find words to say, and just looks into those incredibly sharp eyes as she retreats from the car. Watching her leave, he just sits for several moments, a bit stunned.

Blinking, he shakes his head before putting his car into gear. If Charlotte had been a slower mover, he probably wouldn’t have allowed that kiss…so perhaps it was a good thing she wasn’t that slow. The taste still fresh, a grin quirks his mouth. This was totally insane, and totally revitalizing.


Reese watches Lockheart as she heads into the hotel, until he’s satisfied she’s safe inside. Yawning a little, he heads to TJY to wrap things up before heading home for the night. It was going to be a mighty early morning.


And the morning is indeed early. A gray stillness sits over the land, beckoning the sun to shine above the horizon.


“Rise and shine!” Scott meets Katie at her door, a smile pasted on his face. Though still dark, he’s wide awake, dressed in jeans and a tee, his contacts in and his new hairstyle in place. “Bus is waiting.” He grins and thumbs to the driveway where Con, Jamie and Ty are already in the TJY van.

“Have a good time!” Laura calls sleepily from her bedroom.

Scott grins and yells back to her. “Hold down the fort!” Grinning at Katie, he leans in to give her a light ‘good morning’ kiss. “Ready?”


Reese smiles his greeting to Lockheart as he picks her up at the hotel. “Good morning.” Turning out into traffic, he stifles a yawn. “I must admit…this is a bit early even for me.” He chuckles. “I’ll probably end up drifting off on the flight unless somebody keeps me awake.”


Both vehicles arrive at the airport at almost the exact same time, and after parking, everyone gets out and walks to the jet where the pilot is ready and waiting.

Con’s arm is still in a sling with limited mobility, but he’s upbeat for this time of the morning, teasing Jamie on their way to the plane, slinging his other arm over her shoulder to half drag her along.

“Anybody heard from Jason?” Reese asks once they’re boarding.

“Nope.” Con shakes his head. “Last I knew, he said he’d drive himself here, since he’ll probably be coming back before the rest of us.

The group gets settled inside the plane, Con sitting next to Jamie, and Scott claiming his seat next to Katie. Reese takes up residence near the front and Ty stretches out alone...


…Reese stands in the plane and looks out the window again, glancing to the pilot, then looking at his watch again. The sun was just starting to rise and the sky was a golden pink. “Come on, Jase…where are you?” Everyone else had been waiting for fifteen minutes already.

As if on cue, a black pickup speeds alongside the tarmac, parking in the side lot next to some other vehicles. Jason gets out of the driver’s side, but he’s not alone. Another figure gets out of the other side, also carrying a backpack, but their identity is vague in the dim morning light. Pausing to converse for just a moment, both break into a run, racing to the plane. Jason has the lead by far, and turns around halfway, running backward as the young woman laughs and pants to keep up. Reaching the stairs, Jason lets her go first, up and into the plane.

Out of breath, Jason apologizes. “Sorry guys. We got…”

“Hung up,” Camryn intervenes. She raises her hand. “My fault entirely.”

“Not quite but…” Jason looks down at her. “You certainly didn’t help.”

“Just for that, you’re sitting by yourself,” Camryn retorts. She looks down the row of seats. “Got an empty seat for a lonely passenger?”

Con grins at the antics and thumbs behind him and Jamie. “Get on board Camryn. What brings you on this adventure?”

“Oh, just some guy that picked me up off the street. I thought it might be dangerous going out of state with a stranger, but I was convinced by some friends that he really meant well, even if he did act a little funny.”

Jason rolls his eyes and gives her a shove. “Move before I walk right over you.”

“You’d like that.” Camryn smirks at him and moves down between the seats, smiling at Con before sitting down behind him.

Jason flops down across the aisle behind Scott and Katie, tossing his backpack in the seat next to him. “I expect you to be quiet on this flight.”

“Me?” Camryn exclaims. “You kidding?”

“I’ll have Con sit on you,” Jason threatens.

Con turns his head to see Camryn out of the corner of his eye. “Don’t tell him this, but I’m on your side.”

“If you didn’t have that arm in a sling, I’d come whop you one,” Jason complains.

Con stands up out of his seat. “You threatening me?”

“Children!” Reese chides. “Do you think you could behave yourselves so we can get going?”

Con starts to speak, but Reese cuts him off. “Especially you, ya big tank. The last thing we need in this jet is for you to be rolling around inside. You’d take us down for sure.”

Con offers him a sloppy salute and plops back down, throwing his good arm around Jamie’s shoulders. “Fine. I’ll just sit over here with the one person who appreciates me.”

Camryn giggles and grabs her seatbelt. “Next time I promise to not make anybody late. I don’t want to start a war.”


Later that morning…
Bret drives up the street, aiming for the familiar corner. He was five minutes earlier than the time he and Charlotte had agreed on, and still wondered if she would really show.

Pulling up to the curb, he waits, his music playing loudly.


Carson shuffles from the kitchen to the living room, having thrown on his jeans, but that was as much as he’d gotten dressed so far. Everything hurt.

Easing down on the couch, he stretches out on his back and puts the bag of ice to the side of his face. With his other hand, he reaches for his phone and dials Misty.

End of the Night

*Misty is taken aback for a moment by Carson's words but recovers quickly feeling his hand on her face.*

"I guess its just in my nature."

*Leaning closer and feeling Carson's lips to hers, the moment of feeling mad and upset with him pass. Basking in the sweetness of his kiss, all alse was lost.*

"I dident know I needed permission to sit in your lap. But seeing as I have it, I'm going to just for the heck of being closer to you."

*Misty leans in close to Carson again, leting her lips linger on his for a long moment beringing her hand gently to his face. Finally pulling away Misty smiles, and the fire in her eyes dances slightly.*

"Let me drive you home please? Your in no shape to drive and your apartment isent far from here. I need a good run and its a nice night out."

*Misty grabs her jacket from the hook on the wall.*

*Charlotte smiles back at Bret as she opens the car door.*

"Its not a dream and you will still relive it tomarrow, we have another date remember. Except this time you get to spend the whole day with me. and thank you as well by the way for saving me form the dulldrums. I'll see you tomarrow morning."

*Charlotte steps out of the car ready to shut the door when she stops. Life to her was about taking chansed. You never new when there might not be a tomarrow. Sliding back into Bret's car she leans over the seat bringing herself closer to him and not hesatating pressing her lips aganst him's for a long moment leting the feeling of the kiss wash over her. Pulling away Charlotte beams, as even in the darkness of the car her eyes still shined. In a soft voice she whispers.*

"I was just curiouse if your kiss and incredibley good looks match up and they do."

*Charletto lets her eyes linger on Bret's for a moment before once again exiting the car a smile glued to her face she makes her way to the Hotel. She dident know if Bret would really show up again, but something told her he would. But if he dident show as least she had some fun while she was here and she would never be left wondering if you misterous man who she met in a small crappy bar and ended up spending and incredable night with was a good kiss. Cuz she now new, he was.*

*Lockheart looks to Reese. Her night had been really good and she fully enjoyed herself. This was her first officel, unofficel date she ever had, and Reese truly had made it one to remember.*

"Thank you for inviting me. I had a really nice time."

*Lockheart opene the car door and starts to get out.*

"I look forward to seeing you again tomarrow. The morning is going to come fast. Have a goodnight sleep....Mike."

*Geting out of the car Lockheart makes her way twords the hotel. And though no one could see she wore for the first time in ages a true, genuin smile on her face.*

Thank you

Carson pauses by the door, hearing Misty’s words. Though they should have made him feel better, they didn’t. He knew why she was saying them. She was saying them because she felt guilty, and she felt guilty because he’d made her feel that way. He hadn’t manipulated someone like that in a long time, and never had it made him feel this lousy.

He turns and eyes Misty again, the dullness returning to his gaze. Reaching out, he brushes her cheek with the back of his hand. The corner of his mouth upturns, giving his face a look of irony as his cuts and bruises are a contrast to the slight grin.

“I’m a jerk, Misty…I always was, and I guess I still am. And you…” His hand stops, his thumb running along the side of her mouth and around to her chin. “…You just can’t help but turn me on, can you?”

Leaning in, he plants a soft kiss on her lips. “Of course I still want to have dinner with you. But only if you can keep me out of trouble for one day.” His eyes spark. “And if that means sitting on my lap to keep me from going anywhere, I give you permission.”


The meal at Mom and Pop’s comes to an end all too soon, and before they know it, Bret is pulling up to the curb at the street corner to let Charlotte off.

“I think I owe you a thanks for rescuing me from one boring day.” Bret looks over at her. “And if I wake up in the morning to discover it was all a dream, I hope I’ll have it all over again the next night.”


Reese smiles. He can feel the warmth rising up the back of his neck, but for once, he doesn’t care. He was enjoying himself…with a woman…for the first time in a long time. He wasn’t going to let his embarrassment ruin anything tonight.

He lets the subject fade, recognizing the good stopping point, and not wanting to put Lockheart on the spot anymore. Instead, he chooses a light topic until the meal is over…

“I had a nice time tonight, Angelica.” Reese looks at her from his side of the car as he pulls into the parking lot. “Thanks for staying even though the Brown’s couldn’t join us. I, um…guess I’ll see you bright and early then. By sunup we should be in the air.”

I think

*Carson's words sting, and Misty feels her own guilt build. Second guessing herself, maybe he really did get jumped. Misty feels lower than low for ever doubting him. Walking after him Misty looks into his eyes. Her own pain for not trusting him showing.*

"Carson, I dont need proof from you. I...I trust you and believe you were jumped. I am sorry I doubted you. I guess...I'm just tired or something. I had a rough night and that wasent reason to take it out of you. So if you will accept it I am sorry. I'd still like to do dinner with you tomarrow night like we had planed if you want to."

*Misty gives alittle smile to Carson, hoping he will forgive her. She felt horrable enough knowing she second guessed him, if he dident forgive her she would feel even worse.*

*Charlotte smiles. What started out as being a boring ordany day, turned into a night full of harmless flirting, great conversation and comapny, to having planes all weekend. Bret seemed like an ok guy, and Charlotte felt no worry about being around Bret.*

"Spontaneous sounds good to me. An adventure sounds even better Its a date."

*Charlotte slowly finishes off her meal not wanting the night to end but knowing it must. However there would be a tomarrow with Bret now and the adventure would start all over again.*

*Lockheart looks up at Reese talks, the feeling of stiffness returning it was a defence mecanisum, but she wanted as tense or upright as normal. She was going to try and take this slow. Hearing Reese voice how soft it was braught her comfort, something she never noticed before...and for the first talk Lockheart looks Reese deep in the eye as she stairs back at her a shy smile on her face,*

"I think...I like the sound of that!"

Adventure

Carson stops and looks down at Misty, showing no surprise at her reaction, though his eyes are full of shame for manipulating the situation in order to get her to have him stay.

He moves back to the table and gingerly sits again, a strange hurt showing in his eyes. Was he more hurt by the lack of trust, or by something outside of what he would discuss?

He remains quiet as Misty starts to work, cringing at the pain it brings, but uttering no complaints. Whether it made him feel out of control or not, he was at her mercy right now.

When Misty is finished and he’s cleaned and bandaged, he slowly slips his shirt back on, standing up. Sighing a little, he looks to Misty, gazing her square in the eye. “Misty…I guess I don’t deserve your trust after what’s happened in the past. But I at least hoped you’d believe me now. Maybe I haven’t handled this thing the best way…” He searches her eyes, his own reflecting a strange look. “…but I would have at least expected I wouldn’t need proof that I’d been jumped at the supermarket. You want it, I’ll get it, but if you make me, I see no reason to expect your trust in the future.”

An odd sadness passes in his eye…but it’s hard to determine whether it was directed toward not being trusted, or towards his own actions. He turns to leave again. “I’ll drive myself back to my apartment. Thanks for your help.”


Bret can’t help his smile as he eats, unable to help but enjoy the flirtatious conversation. He hadn’t had a date like this in a long time, and Charlotte’s company felt like a breath of fresh air. “Well then…I guess tomorrow morning I’ll be picking you up on the street corner so WE can start the day right. No plans no maps…”

He eyes Charlotte’s face, his pleasure showing through his soft grin. “Adventures are better if they’re spontaneous.”


Reese finishes the rest of his food and is quiet for several moments. Lifting his eyes, he can sense that Lockheart has just laid her heart on the table. He felt badly for her, but honored at the same time, that she would choose to share these things with him. “Well…” His tone becomes gentle. “Maybe this is a chance for both of us to learn how to live again.”

YOU...

*Misty stays planted in her chair as Carson stands and starts to leave. She could tell him was still lying. The little words he said, they way me movied it said it all. Watching him leave a battle rages inside her between helping the one she hold so close and doing what is right. Her heart acked, her body pleaded to help him, but her mind stayed ferm. Giving a sigh Misty stands walks twords Carson. Giving in once again even though she new what he said was a lie.*

"I dont think you got jumped behind a supermarket Carson, because I can read you better than you know, but I dont want you trying to get to Rick and geting in a accident eather. Thats all I need right now, and a dead boyfriend wont do me any good. So come back in the kitchen and let .... me fix you up."

*Misty's eyes hold a strange look. She was disapointed in herself for giving in. It was always like this with Carson. Like he had some power over her. Was this was really caring for someone did. Made you over look someones fault and down falls. To the point where you couldent say no? Misty gives alittle scoff at herself as she grabs some sapplys she would need. Someday the time would come when she would take no more and she new it. Misty could only hope though that Carson would learn his lesson and straten out long before that.*

*Charlotte grins back at Bret before turning to her meal. It smelled so good, and she was pretty hungry. Listing to Bret and seeing the challange in his eyes Charlotte felt her adrenilen rush. Just something about Bret's eyes was almost hypnotizing, and the deepth was yerning, dearing someone to step in.*

"All that stuff sounds pretty fun."

*Charlotte pauses for a long moment, enjoying her meal. Leting the quiet rain over them. Soaking in the silence, the small noises around that made this atmisphere nice. Taking a sip of her water and puting another peace of chicken in her mouth, chewing it before speaking again. Charlotte's grin curled even more, her eyes playing in the light that shown from them revealing she had something whitty to say.*

"My predictions is Bret, that YOU..."

*Charlotte points her fork in Bret's direction before going back to her food, her smile, her grin growing by the moment.*

"... will be going on more dates this weekend, and everything you just listed YOU...."

*Charlotte tilts her head alittle as she says the last part, her voice becoming soft, her smile showing through her words. Providing proof that the thought was nice if Bret really did want another date.*

"...will be doing. And neather of US will feel alone this weekend."

*Charlotte looks back to her food her smile remaining, something that couldent be whiped away. Her aura of boldness, and love for adventure shown through. Mixing with Bret's own, loving his classy forwardness Charlotte new this weekend would prove to be intresting indeed.*

*Lockheart goes stiff for a moment as the question of her own life is braught up. She dident talk to hardly anyone about Angeal and most of the time when the subject was braught up she tryed to duck around it, or cut whoever off from talking about it. Just the thought now made her stomach churn. Trying to relax again Lockheart looks down at her plate. She had the strange urg she wanted to tell Reese but where to start.*

"I guess I should start at the begining..."

*And thats exacly where she started. Telling Reese about he life, her family, when father who passed away back in Porta Rico and how her family movied. How close they were like most hispanic family's were and slowly Lockheart worked her way into her brother...telling the story about him.*

"...I was fairly young still but old enough to understand, I was in highschool at the time when I brother was arrested. Wrong place wrong time and this gang needed someone to blame, to fram and get the law off there back. My brother was there trying to save a man's life, but he couldent. When the police showed up my brother was coved in the mans blood, and he was dead. He was a Hispanic man on the wrong end of town he new woulent they were thinking and new he was done for. "

*Lockheart goes into a bit more deapth about her brother arrest and in Cali the 2 swides of town. The rich side, and than the poor side. How when one crossed the other everything when up in smoke.*

"...So my brother got a trial and unfortunly his laywer was not on his side and one the side of the gang. He dident defent my brother he helped bury my brother. Angeal was sentinced to death."

*Lockheart stops for a moment and closes her eyes. Speaking these words outloud still hurt. The memories were still so fresh in her mind. Opening her eyes she continue. Telling Reese about how closes she was with her brother, and how much she looked up to him. Her brother was everything to her. About how untill he was put to death she would go see him, and how no matter what he always had a smile. Lockheart also go into how because of this she became a laywer, she couldent save her brother so now, she always faught to save everyone alse and thats why she worked so hard with Jason.*

"....so...like you I wrap myself in work so I am not alone. I save other people's lives and make them happy so I dont have to worry about mind. As for leting people close to me..I have a hard time trusting so i try not to get involved, and I keep myself closed off. I dont let myself smile, because than I know what I am missing. I dont go out places because than I will know how much fun I am not having. I dont let myself slow down from work because than I relize how lonly I really am. Your the first person beside my family I have ever let see me this close."

*Lockheart turns her gaze away from Reese and back to her food taking another bite.*

Alone?

Carson looks at Misty for several moments, his eyes growing dim. “You know what…I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come.”

He shakes his head and slides off the table, picking up his shirt. His jaw is starting to swell and he speaks with difficulty. “Next time I get jumped behind the supermarket by Terry’s goon and wake up several hours later, I’ll call the law instead.” He stops with sarcasm. “Oh, wait, I forgot. I am the law. Guess even we have trouble sometimes too.”

Wincing as he starts to walk, he puts a hand to his ribs. “I thought with you my reputation wouldn’t precede me, especially after our conversation earlier today. But I guess I was wrong.” Carson gives a little shrug. “I suppose I can’t blame you…I wouldn’t want to get dragged into this by helping me either. So go ahead and go back to bed and pretend I was never here. I’ll go see Rick instead.” He aims for the door, intent on leaving.


Reese cocks his head slightly as he listens to Lockheart. The words she was saying weren’t new…he’d heard them before. If not from Wyatt, from someone else. But when Lockheart said them…they just seemed…more…within reach. As if finding love again really was a true possibility. Was it just her smoothness as a lawyer, or did she really mean what she was saying?

At her apology, Reese chuckles and shakes his head. “Don’t apologize. Sometimes guys like me need to be reminded of those things every once in a while.”

He takes a sip of his water. “But what about you? You speak as someone who’s been there, Angelica. What’s behind those eyes that you haven’t let anyone see?”


“Mm…the best kind of fun is always done behind someone’s back, isn’t it?” Bret grins at Charlotte’s apparent love for getting out and doing things without her sister knowing about it.

He chuckles at her question. “Ooh, that’s a tough one. What I do other than that list on my own is entirely different that what I would do if I were not on my own.” His eyes meet Charlotte’s, a daring challenge in them. “If I weren’t by myself, I might head across the county line and aim for the lakeside beach. Or I might actually go to a movie. Sharing ice cream with someone is always fun. And then there’s the several clubs around town where loud music and dancing is a must, but once again, kinda boring to dance with yourself.”

Bret leans back a little as their food is brought and they dig in. “So what are you predictions, Miss Charlotte? Do you think I’m going to go at it alone this weekend? Or do you see another date in my near future?”

Not Untill

*Lockheart looks at Reese from across the table for a moment. Yes, she new all to well how he felt. Though it was different for her because she lost a brother and he lost someone deeper, they both lost someone they love and it changed there life so much, it caused them to shut down, blocking out the outside world, and not letting much emotion in anymore. The both had forgotten what happiness with someone ales was like. Forcing themselves to think they were really happy the way they were.*

“I think Wyatt is right. He’s a smart boy. Life should start again for you. It’s definitely not to late to go back and maybe find a happy ending. I am sure your wife would you want you be happy again. She knows you loved her, but its time to move on now and start life again.”

*Lockheart drizzles some dressing on her salad, than taking her knife she cuts into the lettus and the tender ray meat. She felt relaxed now having something to talk about with Reese. The tension slowly was dispersing with every word they took. Lockheart was still nervous but not nearly as much as before. Taking a bit of her food she just smile across the table from Reese before continuing what she was saying.*

“Some people never find one love in there life. They go on living being alone searching but never find it. You have the chance to have a second. That’s a rare opportunity.“

*Looking down at her plate to take another bit of her dinner Lockheart realizes just how much she has said and just how out of place she was being. A bit of color cheeps up her neck and to her cheeks.*

“Ha, look at me giving you advice on this. I’m sorry, I was out of line. I don’t normally go on rants like that.”

*Lockheart looks up from her plate to search Reese eyes. Hoping she didn’t rune the evening and he wasn’t to horribly offended by what she said. She wasn’t quite sure what caused her to on so, especially to someone she hardly even new. On top of that, she should be the last person giving love advice when she didn’t even live by what she was saying.*

*Misty sits up in bed with a start hearing the doorbell. SHe wanted sleeping but she wasent exspecting the doorbell to right at 12am eather. Slowly geting out of bed Misty takes caution not know who is at the door at this hour. Grabing her knife from her jacket pocket Misty ambles to the door. Opening it a crack and seeing Carson her face goes pale as she opens the door father revealing the knife, closin it, and sticking it in her pocket.*

"Carson what on earth...get in here."

*Steping outside her door in her bearfeet and her PJ's she slings Carson's arm around her. Helping him inside and to the kitchen moving a bunch of stuff of her stirdy table she orders him to sit. Helping Carson take of his shirt slowly Misty brings a hand to his face, looking at the cuts and bruses. Than moving to his jaw and than examing his sit pressing alittle bit.*

"Well it looks like you are going to have a nice black and blue eye once we get the swelling down. You lucky you eye dident pop out of your head. I am going to need to reset you jaw, and It looks like you have a rib that is cracked in more than one place that I am going to need to bandage up in hope it will heal right and no peaces of the bone broke off and are floting around inside of you where they could puncher your lung or worse your heart."

*Misty steps back away from Carson and grabs a chair. Siting down casuly in it Misty cross her arms, and places one leg over top of the other, not moving much to help him.*

"So Carson Banks, untill you tell me the truth about what on earth is going on. You can sit there, in pain."

*Misty's face was hard showing she ment what she said, but yet behind her eyes there was the look that if one looked close enough it was killing her inside not helping him. She was screaming at herself to moves and mend his wounds, and wrap his broken bones. But Misty dident move at all, she sat across from Carson her arms folded waiting for him to speak again.*

*Mable nods jotting down the order.*

"Ok I'll put the order in and it will be ready in a few."

*Mable turns and leaves the table heading into the backroom to give Herb the order. Poking her head out the pickup window though Mable watches Bret and Charlotte.*

"Herb who do you think that girl is with Bret?"

*Herb rolls his eyes at his wife.*

"Maybe its his wife."

"No, I dont see a ring on eather of there hands."

"Maybe its his girlfriend than. People are aloud to have thouse you know."

"But Herb where is she from? She is kind of exotic looking, and very pretty."

*Herb slaps his spatula down on the grill causing Mable to jump and pull her head back inside.*

"Would you leave them alown. Do you always have to be in everyones busness?"

"What, I was just wondering."

"Well stop and go grab me some mushrooms."

*Mable lets out a sigh and heads into the back cooler.*

"I'm here with my sister. Helping her out alittle with some work. She is heading out for the weekend though to go to a wedding, and she though maybe over the time she was gone I could get settaled here, and see the sights before I got to inthralled with her work and not be able to have any fun. Little does she know though...."

*Charlotte leans into the table and whispers for some dramitc affect as her lips turn up in a curling grin.*

"...I'll have fun anyways when she isent looking."

*Charlotte sits back up with alittle laugh taking a sip of her water.*

"So Bret, what is it you do when you'er not meeting mistery women, wallowing in a bar, or siting at home watching TV? I have to get idea's of what I am going to do on my boring weekend alone. Because if I sit in a bar all weekend long, my sister somehow will find out and WILL kill me."

*Charlotte smiles as she leans back in the booth her eyes meeting Brets and twinkling.*

Midnight caller

Reese feels himself relaxing more as he and Lockheart share small talk. Cutting into his steak, he pauses a moment at her question. He didn't often talk about this...come to think of it, the only person he had talked to about it was Wyatt.

"Well...I suppose...when a man loses his better half, it kinda takes the wind out of his sails. Not too much fun going out with the same friends anymore - you're suddenly the odd man out, the only one without a date. And doing anything else, you normally wind up alone, so it's not much fun. So..." Reese gives a little shrug and chews his food. "I guess the only thing left is work...it became my only passion so that's what I focus on." He gives a little grin, not wanting the subject to stay this deep. "Of course, Wyatt keeps warning me that that's no way to live and I need to get out more..." He cocks his head as he looks across the table. "Maybe he was right."


Carson ducks another blow from Torch, stepping back and kicking at the larger man’s midsection, hitting it as if it were a brick wall.

The thunderous shouting and stomping shake the lower level, going ignored by the two fighters.

Torch’s fist meets Carson’s mouth, sending him stumbling backward, blood and sweat flying. As he’s rammed into the cage, his mind reels. The last few guys he’d been up against had been his own size, but Terry had stepped it up, and he was really going to work for this one. The thought crossed his mind that he was going to have to be pretty quick on his feet to be able to come up with an excuse for his injuries after this one. The others had been easy…this was different, and he wished he would have argued with Terry about setting him up with someone from his own league. But it was too late now, and if he wanted to live, he had to fight.

He ducks another blow as the fight persists. They’d been at it now for twice as long as expected and both were growing weary, but neither ready to give up this war. There was too much money at stake.

As the brawl continues, Carson finally slips in behind Torch to jump on his back, wrapping his arms around his neck and a vice-like chokehold. Torch swings from side to side, trying to get Carson off his back as he would a pesky fly. He growls threats and trash talk, finally hurling himself backward.

As Carson is slammed into the corner of the cage, he can hear a sickening snap to his ribcage and pain shoots through his side. His eyes automatically water with pain, though he grits his teeth, still not letting go of his adversary. This was his only chance. If he didn’t bring him down now, it was over.

Torch continues to bash Carson back against the cage, but the more energy he spent, the more out of breath he became. Finally, he’s brought to his knees. Carson applies more pressure and a couple jerks, cutting off Torch’s air supply. Eventually he feels the giant go limp, and lets go, throwing him face first onto the ring floor.

The crowd gets louder and Carson stand panting, holding his side and not caring about whether or not the onlookers liked him. Taking a step toward the exit, his world spins a little and he staggers. Before he knows it, two other large men have come alongside him to help him out and through the crowd to the back room.

Sitting down on the hard bench, Carson winces.

“Yo, man, you took a nice hit,” Dane comments, tilting up Carson’s face.

“Yeah.” Carson can already feel his left eye starting to swell, and his jaw felt like he’d been walloped by a two-by-four.

Cyrus grins. “But you made it, Eagle. Nice work. Terry will put you on the schedule for sure, now. After a win like that? That was a real upset.”

Carson manages a short laugh, though that movement alone hurts. “If I can walk.”

“That bad?”

“Ain’t great.” Carson manages to slip back on his socks and shoes, grabbing what few things had been in his pockets.

“That’s the business, man,” Cyrus reminds. “You can’t make it next week, Terry won’t let you back in, you know that.”

“I know, I know.”

Just then, the door opens again, the roar of the mob getting louder for just a moment as another match has already started. Terry gives Carson a nod. “Nice work, Eagle. Didn’t think you had it in you. Torch and you…rematch…three days.”

“Three days?” Carson rolls his eyes. “Give me Cutter first.”

“No, it’s Torch.”

“Cutter.” Carson glares up at Terry. “Or I walk. You know you’ll make good money watching me and Torch again – we just got the crowd hyped. So I know you don’t want me to walk out of here yet. Give me Cutter first.”

Terry crosses his arms and thinks for a moment. “Alright. You got it.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a roll of bills. “This is for tonight. Beat Cutter, and beat Torch again, and that’ll double.”

Carson takes the money that’s passed to him, and stuffs it into his own pocket. Standing up, he keeps an arm wrapped around himself to hold his ribs. “You’ll be seeing me again.”

“Of that I have no doubt.”

Carson is able to make his own way back outside, fighting the crowd and heading back up to ground level. The cool night air felt good, but not good enough to relieve any physical pain. Getting into his car, he finally doubles over, trying to recover. He hadn’t been willing to show how much pain he was in inside the building, but now alone, he just wanted to go curl up in some corner and sleep it away.

Finally he starts his car and pulls away, noting the late hour. It was almost midnight. He manages to get himself to his apartment, but parking in the lot, he stops to think. This was ridiculous, but he had to keep this whole thing under wraps. He simply didn’t have a choice. But how on earth was he supposed to get around this one? He needed something…some alibi…he had to come up with something good, and hopefully, after this he’d take fewer hits and it would be easier. It hadn’t been bad when he’d had easier opponents…he just had to keep this going a little longer until he had enough money.

As he moves to get out of his car, he stops, the pain shooting through his ribcage. He knew he’d broken a rib…and if he didn’t get it wrapped, it would only make things worse. But he couldn’t do it on his own.

Contemplating a moment, he shuts his door again and pulls out of the lot….

…Carson makes his way slowly up the walk and knocks on Misty’s door. He knew it was late, but knew if she was already in bed, she’d get up. Waiting for her to answer, he looks up as she appears. Swallowing hard, he looks her in the eye. “Sorry, babe…but I need your help.”


Bret smirks a little at Mabel, though his eyes twinkle with amusement. “You know I can’t handle anything too spicy.” He throws Charlotte a sidelong glance, then looks back to Mabel. “Yes, I’ll stick to my regular spaghetti and meatballs, thank you.”

As Mabel leaves, Bret focuses back on Charlotte, reverting the conversation back to where they’d left off. “Me…oh…I was born up in Colorado…but been living here for quite a while. Got a brother and sister…” He shrugs. “My life doesn’t have a whole lot of exciting twists and turns, other than meeting mystery women who appear from California.” He grins a little. “So I don’t think you ever said what brought you here.”

Its Habbit

* Misty lets out a sigh as she listens to Wyatt.*

"No reason I guess. Sometimes stairing at paper work all day, its cool to hear about the action.*

*Misty is silent for a moment more weaghing on her mind as the continue feeling of worry makes itself known. Misty and Wyatt had grown closer over the last few months but she dident want to bother him with her worry let alone not knowing the whole truth herself.*

"Ok, well sorry for bothering you. I'll see you tomarrow. Nite."

*Hanging up the phone Misty sets it down and leans back in her chair for a moment spinning it around and looking out the window.*

"Where ever you are Carson...I hope your safe."

*Misty gives a shake at a cold chill that runs down her spine as she turns back to her desk standing and puting away the stuff she was working on before heading out of TJY, to the store for some dinner and than home.*

"Fishing, I've never done that before. At least you have one thing in comman with you son that you can do."

*Lockheart gives a small genuine smile. Lockheart wouldent addmite it but inside she understood what Reese ment about work and doing nothing alse. She liked wrapping her own self in work all the time.

Lockheart listens intently to everything alse Reese says, trying to look through his layers. It was hard for her not to she was a lawyer after all and there always more to what made a person act they way they did. For a moment she felt bold, a bit of curage, and yurning to find out more. Maybe it was the face that she couldent read Reese like most people. Something about him wanted her to ask, insted of pealing back the layer without asking if it was ok.*

"So why do you wrap yourself in work so much? How come you dont go out, and find new stuff to do and try?"

*Lockheart takes a peace of bread from the basket thats on the table and puts it on her plate. Unwraping her silverware she places her napkin in her lap and gently take her knife to butter her bread.*

*Charlotte slides into the booth across from Bret. Taking the menu she scans it over trying to decied what she wanted. Giving alittle grin to Bret's questions she glances over the menu.*

"Well I was born in Puerto Rico, but moved when I was really small still. Now my Madre, Hermana, Abuela and myself live in California."

*After speaking her sentince she relized she listed off her family member in spanish. Feeling silly and not wanting to inslat Bret she explains.*

"Sorry, its habbit to just call my family there spanish names. When I ment to say was my Mother, Sister, and Grandmother. My brother also came to Cali with us but, he passed away a while after we moved here."

*Charlotte is silent for a moment, but her smile never leave her face as she looks down at her menu again before closing it and puting it down looking back at Bret.*

"So what about you? Have you always lived in Nevada?"

*As if on que with Charlotte's placment of the menu Mable makes her way over to the table giving Charlotte her water and Bret his Coke.*

"What can I get you guys tonight?"

*Charlotte looks up at Mable and smiles.*

"I'll have the Chicken Marsala please. With a side salad and ranch dressing."

*Mable quickly jots down Charlotte's order and turns to Bret.*

"What can I get you Bret? The normal or are you going to spice it up tonight?"

*Mable looks to Charlotte and than back to Bret giving a grin. She new good and well he was on a date and it only made it more fun to harass him.*