Confidence

Hunter's eyes flew open at the sound and vibration of his phone that was half-stuffed under his pillow. Groaning, he retrieved it and squinted to read the new text message. He smiled as his hand dropped again and his sleepy eyes fell shut. The second text startled him back awake and he yawned, squinting again to read. His smile reappeared. 

You up and dressed?
Half hour. I'm coming to
Pick you up.

After sending his reply, he let his eyes close one more time before finally rolling out of bed to take a quick shower. True to his word, it was half an hour later that he was pulling his motorcycle up to the curb in front of Ryan's. Figuring she'd be looking out the window, he beeped the horn and held up the extra helmet he'd brought. She probably had her own to ride with Eli, but this way they'd be able to talk to each other. 


Justin looked down for a moment before giving a slight laugh and regaining eye contact with Hope. "I guess I did let that whole thing shake my confidence a bit." It was true, and he'd dwelled too much on Nate's reaction. "I wonder if there's a reason Nate reacted like he did." He hadn't thought of that before - he'd been so focused in himself. He'd lost his temper with Garret for sure. But Nate had reacted more severely than necessary. Justin would have immediately gone back to Garret to continue working with him had Nate not stood in the way. "I'm just glad Garret seems to have pulled through. Being around that family helped a lot I think. Which makes sense, considering his past."

He got lost in thought for a few moments before sighing. "Alright, well, I'll keep working with Scott. I'm glad to see some improvement."


As Sam touched his hand, Hal's whole arm tingled. He turned his palm up but she had already withdrawn, and he retreated quickly, his eyes going to a note on the desk.

He nodded slowly before looking back to her with a crooked grin. "Deal." He'd do his best to trust her as long as he at least knew what was going on.

It was quiet for a moment before he glanced up at the wall clock. "We got a little while yet but... come lunchtime, you wanna go grab something together? We should stop by the place Kirk and Adison are recommending for the new location."