Management

Hal's eyes cracked open. Was that a knock at the door? He heard it again. Who on earth would be coming? It wouldn't be anyone from work - they would have called. He didn't even want to get up. But after a few moments, he finally decided he better see who it was, just out of common courtesy. 

After rolling out of bed, he shuffled to the door and opened it, half expecting a salesman. Seeing Sam instead though, he just paused all train of thought. Leaning on the door, he rested his head against it and just looked at her for a few silent moments. She was dressed for work - she'd come from the office. She was holding food and drinks - she'd stopped on her way here. She'd left the office just to come check on him. 

He sighed and gave her the best smile he could, which wasn't much, but at least he tried in spite of the dimness of his eyes. "Hi..." He backed away from the door so she could come in, and wandered into the living room where he sank down on the couch at an angle. He pulled one foot up and wrapped his arms around his leg, leaning his head back in the cushion. "Didn't get your fill of me yesterday?" he mused quietly. If he were honest, he was embarrassed. He knew he should have just gone to work today, and he was sulking miserably. He just... didn't feel like he could crawl out of his sudden slump just yet. 


Axel gave Ryan a small smile. "Eh... maybe it'll be a better kind of different around here... you never know." He paused as if to say more, but then simply turned to leave. There really was a lot more he could say - he and Ryan were...closer friends than others might think. Just because they didn't talk much didn't mean they didn't have a uniquely close relationship. But today... talking more would just make this harder. 

He was gone from the shop for at least half an hour - an odd amount of time to simply give his notice. And when he finally returned, his eyes were surprisingly bright. He made a beeline for Ryan again, not caring that she was still working on the car. Taking her shoulders and turning her to face him, he wrapped his arms around her without warning, giving her a tight hug. It was such an unusual move that the other guys all stopped what they were doing to stare. Axel hardly ever touched anyone, let alone gave someone a hug, let alone a woman. 

Drawing back, a smile was on Axel's face. He left his hands on Ryan's shoulders, the happiness showing in his eyes. "You're not getting rid of me yet," he explained quietly. "Darrel doesn't want many people to know, but he's moving, and he needs someone to take over management of J&J's..."


Jeff caught Katie's eye roll, and gave a little sigh. He knew she probably thought he was just being an overprotective parent, but he had a right to worry about her. "Wait, what?" He glanced around the surrounding area. "You sure your boyfriend isn't hiding around here close by, waiting to join us?" He was teasing, but at the same time, he unintentionally let some of his true feelings slip out. "How about saddling up? We haven't ridden together in a long time." 

The mare rubbed her head against Katie, and Jeff chuckled. "No, you've had your workout already," he chided the horse. "Hawk hasn't though." He glanced at Katie again. "What'dya say?"