Travis’ face turned a little red and he grinned while nodding. He didn’t have any ill-intent. He liked Ashlee, plain and simple. “Okay. Thanks, Angel.” Not only for patching up his hand, but for just…being there for him. It was nice knowing he could talk to her about anything without worrying about her getting upset or sharing secrets.
Ambling back to the barn, he mulled over what she’d said about the Agency. Surely, though, they were all being just a bit overprotective. He wasn’t planning on staying in town a long time with Ashlee – just long enough to eat and come home. Nothing bad could happen in that short amount of time, right? He wasn’t usually one to defy authority – let alone his dad – but…wasn’t there a way to make this happen?
“You alright?”
Travis looked up at Sparky and held up his hand. “Yeah. She got it out. I’m good to go.” Finishing up the task was a little hard with his sore hand, but he didn’t complain. Just one or two more things, then he could go riding…
…Casper came down from a trot to a walk next to Moonbeam, and Travis patted his neck. He was super easy going, and Travis appreciated that. Once he felt comfortable enough, he’d take on a different mount, but for now he was satisfied. Looking over at Ashlee, he just watched her for a few moments. She really seemed to enjoy riding and…she had a nice smile.
“Hey, um…I was wondering…” He glanced down to fiddle with his reins. “Well, I know our parents said no but…well, if I could… get us into town anyway, would you go?” He looked back over at her as they continued to ride at a slow pace. “Not just to defy them or anything,” he assured. “But…well, I just don’t think it’s as bad as they say and I think if we wanna go, we should.”
Eli’s eyebrows rose at Ryan’s suggestion. It had been a long time since she’d even mentioned hanging out with anyone. Had her time with Hunter tonight really done that much good? He really didn’t know all that much about Hunter, but he did seem okay, so if Ryan wanted to have him over – if it would help pull her out of the darkness – then Eli certainly wouldn’t have a problem with it. “Sure…I don’t see why not. Ask him, or if you want me to, I will, just say when.”
He glanced over at her, seeing she was having a text conversation, and wondering about it, but not asking. Pulling up to the apartment, he parked and just sat for a moment. “I really am proud of you… I think you’re doing great and I know you’ll make it.”
Hunter read Ryan’s text and smirked a little. She was as bad at taking a compliment as he was. She did make him feel good though. Like maybe his whim to help her hadn’t been such a bad idea after all. Like maybe he was worth more than just karate and driving. He knew he had people who cared about him. He had Kyle and Mick and… Kyle…and Mick… Okay, so maybe he didn’t have a large circle of friends anymore. Not now that he didn’t go out bar hopping. But he knew he wasn’t worthless. Helping someone out though…at least gave him a little more purpose.
Half-watching the movie, his eyes started to close when his phone buzzed. Ryan again? He hadn’t pegged her to be the talkative type with all she’d been going through.
Of course. My car never objects to just
sitting there. I do it all the time.
He sent it and thought for another moment.
Getting back in the saddle is hard.
Trust me, I know.
You’ll know when you’re ready.
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