Summary: Samantha goes to DC with her boyfriend to meet the Fitzgerald family.
Disclaimer: I own nothing relating to Without a Trace. I am but a fan, sigh.
A/N: I know I shouldn't be doing this as I have neglected California Dreamin' which I really need to finish but I just couldn't help but start this. :) It will be a multichapter fic so I hope you're willing to read. Please Read and Review. It's very much appreciated. Feel free to provide constructive criticism as well. And so it begins...
Chapter 1:
She stared out the passenger window, barely aware of the historical monuments and federal buildings as they passed. The radio played softly in the background, but that was tuned out as well. She held her boyfriend's hand tightly as it rested on her thigh and attempted to calm herself down. Samantha Spade had never been one to meet the family, but after nearly a year of dating, it was the next logical step in their relationship. At least that's what he kept telling her.
They had met one another at a Bureau function that neither was too thrilled to attend and were introduced by his mother. She, of course, knew the Fitzgerald's from her connections with Victor at work, and he knew them simply as Mom and Dad. Seeing as they were the only people under 50 in attendance, they were more than welcome to have one another's company for the night.
As the night wore on, they sat discussing anything and everything and quickly made plans to get together again the next weekend. One date led to two and so on until she realized they'd officially been a couple for around nine months.
Nearing the half-year mark, he had become a little antsy for her to meet his family, but being the insecure girlfriend she managed to put it off a few months. Three months later, however, he was not to be deterred. Much to her amazement he'd given her an ultimatum: Move to the next step in their relationship or end it. No if's, and's, or but's about it. So instead of the heartbreak of a failed relationship with one of the most amazing men she'd ever been with, she decided to ignore her fears and insecurities and bite the bullet.
But as the car neared his family's home in Washington D.C., she almost wished she hadn't. Almost.
He was a wonderful man: respectful, charming, playful, and absolutely handsome. And she loved him. If she hadn't, she would never have agreed to such a trip. So, there she sat with his hand clutched in her own, terrified of the week to come.
What if his family hated her? Or what if they liked her, but didn't think she was good enough for him? Questions such as those flooded her mind from the time they left New York until they pulled up in front of a three-story mansion that his family called home.
She absentmindely climbed out of the car, grabbed her bags, and walked hand in hand with him up to the front door. No turning back now. She thought. He rang the doorbell and moments later the couple came face to face with who she guessed to be his sister. She had long brown hair falling in waves just past her shoulders and bright hazel eyes.
"Hey you two!" She instantly pulled them into a big hug, a smile plastered across her face. "You must be Samantha," She pulled back to look her little brother's girlfriend over, "We've heard so much about you. I'm Rebecca."
"It's nice to meet you." Sam answered, shedding her coat and walking further into the house behind the tall brunette.
"I thought I heard a car outside." Emily Fitzgerald announced meeting the three of them in the living room. "It's so good to see you again, Samantha."
"It's good to see you again, too, Mrs. Fitzgerald." She smiled hugging the small woman somewhat awkwardly. His mother was everything one would expect to see in Victor Fitzgerald's wife: she was a petite woman with sharp features dressed in a crisp, clean, cream-couloured skirt and blouse. Her eyes were a clear, bright blue, almost the color of the ocean.
"Agent Spade." Victor chimed in with a nod in her direction. He was always the professional.
"Deputy Director." She answered, feeling an arm wrap around her waist.
"C'mon I'll show you to your room."He said with a smile, tugging her in the direction of the stairs. Obviously he had seen how uncomfortable she was becoming in the presence of his parents and sister.
Her room was a large guest room on the second floor, between the bathroom and his brother's room. Being from a strong Catholic background, he didn't think it would be a good idea for them to stay in the same room while at his parents and she understood. Honestly she would feel a bit strange sleeping with him in his childhood home.
He helped her get unpacked and situated in the room before sitting with her on the plush queen sized bed. "So, how are you feeling? You aren't about to run away screaming are you?" He asked running his hand over her back soothingly.
"No. I'm ok actually. They all seem really nice." She smiled.
"Well, maybe I should get you to sign a contract of some kind before my brother gets here. He has a way of really... shaking things up." He laughed shaking his head at the thought of his brother's antics.
"Sounds like my kind of guy." She teased before kissing him on the cheek. "Don't worry. I'm sure I'll be fine, and if not ... well, I'll just get you back later."
He kissed her gently and pulled back to look her in the eyes. His brown eyes were fixed on her, reading her for any sign of insecurity. "Ok," He added pushing the hair out of her face. "Let's get back downstairs. I think I just heard the bell for dinner."
"You have a bell for dinner?"
"Hey, it's a big house." He flashed her a crooked grin, pulling her off the bed and down the stairs.
As they neared the bottom of the stairs, Samantha heard another voice join his parents and sister. Laughter erupted between them just as the couple entered the room.
"Brady! I haven't seen you in months, brother, but now I can see why." His brother said teasingly as his gaze caught Samantha's. His beautiful blue eyes sparkled along with the wide smile he wore. "I'm Brady's cooler, smarter, younger, and much more handsome brother, Martin." He added kissing the back of her hand softly.
"I think you forgot modest and soft-spoken." Sam teased, feeling Brady's arm wrap around her waist. "I'm Samantha. You're older, sweeter, and more gorgeous brother's girlfriend."
Even though she was describing her boyfriend, she couldn't help but feel attracted to his brother. His eyes were absolutely captivating. She felt like he could see everything about her: her faults, her insecurities, her fears. Never had she been around anyone who could do that, not even Brady.
Guilt slowly crept over her and she broke the eye contact between them. She rested her head on Brady's shoulder, reminding herself of everything she loved about him. They stayed in the living room until dinner was ready absorbed in conversation. She became much more comfortable around his family by the time dinner rolled around. Well, everyone except Martin.
Like Brady said, he definitely had a way of shaking things up, and she knew it would be in her best interest to steer clear of him for the rest of the week.
She took a seat beside Brady and felt her insides drop as Martin took the seat beside her. His arm brushed hers accidently as he shifted in his seat causing her to shiver slightly, which didn't go unnoticed by Brady. He smiled reassuringly at her, assuming she was still nervous.
For once, she was relieved he couldn't read her mind. She returned his smile and focused on her plate.
"Since you stole my place at the table, I guess I'll sit by you." Martin joked from her left.
"You're place?" She smirked. "I don't see your name written on it."
He flashed her a boyish grin before pointing to the edge of the hardwood table. "Obviously, Sam. You aren't looking in the right place."
She followed his finger and on the edge of the table, in capital letters, was his name.
"You've got to be kidding me." She laughed. "You carved your name into the table?"
"Yes. For instances such as this."
"Martin has always had a thing about marking his territory." Brady explained with a smile. "Must be his need for attention."
"Marty has never had a problem gaining attention." Emily said with a pointed look in her younger son's direction. "Have you, son?"
"Nope. People just can't get enough of me." He leaned back in his chair, folding his hands behind his head. He winked subtly at the blonde beside him. "Right big brother?" He asked looking at Brady over Samantha's head.
"You're right little brother." He answered with a trace of jealousy in his tone that Martin either didn't catch or chose to ignore.
She cautioned a glance at the blue-eyed brother to read the expression on his face and was surprised to find his eyes locked on her. The corners of his mouth crept up slowly, revealing the dimples on his face. She felt a smile form across her face as she took in every detail of his face.
Rebecca broke their silent staring contest with a story about a neighbor who had apparently decided to join a paranormal society after his alien encounter on a flight from Chicago to DC. Brady was unusually quiet throughout dinner, and she wondered if it had anything to do with her and Martin's interaction earlier. Clearly there were some unresolved issues between he and his brother that he was all too willing to ignore. She rested her hand on his thigh, feeling that he needed to be sure of himself around his younger brother.
"Love you." She whispered softly into his ear, resting her head on his shoulder. Despite whatever feelings she was or wasn't having for Martin, she loved Brady and she was intent on keeping it that way.
"Love you, too." He whispered into her hair.
Martin noticed the interaction between his brother and Samantha and couldn't help but be jealous. She was smart, funny, and stunningly beautiful. He could see how much his brother cared about her and instantly wished it was him that she would be going home with after this week was over. He shook those thoughts away and tore his eyes away from her.
He's happy. Martin thought. He deserves to be happy.
He watched them out of the corner of his eye. He felt an immediate attraction to this woman and knew she felt it too. But he wouldn't act on it. Not as long as she's in love with Brady at least.
Easier said than done.