Disclaimer: I do not own CSI, the charactors, or the actors. I'm just playing with them.

Shout out to my beta, Kasey who is helping me with this story. Thanks Kasey.

Chapter One:

Grissom was in his office after shift. He was doing his never ending paperwork. All the team had come and gone, and had said their good nights. All but one CSI. He didn't think much about it. But then there she was.

Standing in the door was one Sara Sidle. She stood there for a few minutes, waiting for him to notice if she was there. She loved to watch him work. In fact, she loved everything about this man. But he didn't seem to return the same feelings. Or so she thought.

Grissom: "Are you going to stand there, or are you going to say something?"

Sara: "I'm sorry. I didn't want to stop you. So I thought I would just wait until you looked up."

Grissom: "What's up?"

Sara: "I just wanted to say good night, and to remind you that I have the next three days off."

Grissom: "Oh I forgot that you won't be here for the next three days. Well you have a nice time on your days off. What are you doing for those three days?"

Sara: "Oh, not much. I thought maybe I would go to Lake Tahoe."

Grissom: "Are you going with someone? Never mind. That is none of my business."

Sara: "That's okay. But no, I was just going there to get away and to catch up on some reading."

Grissom: "Oh, well have a nice time. Um...Sara? Would you like to grab a bite to eat?"

Sara: "Um...well I was going to leave around noon."

Grissom: "Oh."

Sara: "But why not. I am hungry."

Grissom: "Okay, let me just get my briefcase and grab my stuff from my locker."

Sara: "You want me to follow you?"

Grissom: "Yes. Or I could drive if you want."

Sara: "Either way. It's up to you."

Grissom: "Okay, I will drive. Then I will bring you back to your car."

They left his office and walked to the locker room. Grissom grabbed a couple of things and shut the door. Sara changed her shoes and closed her locker door.

Grissom: "Are you ready?"

Sara: "Yes. Let's go."

As they walked out into the morning sun, they both threw on their sunglasses in unison. Grissom wanted to open the door to his car for her, but was unsure if she would like it or if someone would see him. So he just led her to the front of the car, unlocked the car with the key fob, and waited for her to sit down before he reached his side of the car.

They had a small conversation as they passed the diner where the whole team ate.

Sara: "I thought we were grabbing something to eat?"

Grissom: "We are. I know this place up the road where the food is a little better."

Sara: "Why haven't we been there before?"

Grissom: "I just thought you would like it a bit more."

Sara: "Oh."

As Grissom drove a ways out of the hustle and bustle, Sara was wondering where he was taking her. They drove into a quiet little neighborhood, and pulled up to a very nice looking house. From outside, it looked just like someone's home. But what most people didn't know was that it was turned into a small diner inside. A very quiet diner. A mom and pop type diner.

Sara: "What are we doing here?"

Grissom: "Sara, do you trust me?"

Sara: "Um..well...sure...I mean yes I guess."

Grissom: "Okay then, just trust me."

As they got out of the car, Grissom walked around and put his hand on the small of her back. He was a little unsure if she would let him. But when she didn't seem to mind, he led her up the walkway to the door. Sara, on the other hand, was so taken back by the gesture that she was a little afraid. But she wanted to see where this was going, so she let him lead her up the walkway.

As they reached the door, Grissom opened it as if it was his home. He allowed Sara to walk in and look around before he followed her in. The front half of the house was a dining area. It had small booths around the walls on the left side. Nice and quiet, and not real open to spying eyes. A couple of bigger tables were in the room on the right side. As you walked through a large archway, there was a counter where the baked goods were kept, and also where you paid for your meals. Behind the counter looked to be like the kitchen.

There were only four people in the place eating. And only two serving the food. It smelled like fresh baked goods. Grissom escorted Sara to a booth and sat down.

Sara: "This place looks nice. How did you find it?"

Grissom: "I know the owner real well. They are long time friends of my mother."

Sara: "Why haven't you suggested this place to the team?"

Grissom: "I didn't want to subject Gwin and Earl to the team."

Sara: "Oh, maybe you're right. The boys are a little loud."

Grissom: "Yeah, they can be."

Sara: "So, why did you bring me here?"

Grissom: "Um...I have wanted to for a long time."

Just then an older lady came to the table.

Gwin: "Gil, we haven't seen you in awhile. Where have you been?"

Grissom: "Gwin, it's nice to see you. I have been busy with work. Gwin I would like you to meet my friend and co-worker Sara Sidle. Sara, this is Gwin Bigler."

Gwin: "It's very nice to meet you."

Sara: "It's nice to meet you too."

Gwin: "Sara, we have a wonderful quiche for our special today. All our baked goods are made fresh daily. Would you like coffee, tea or juice to start with?"

Sara: "I will start with coffee with cream please."

Gwin: "And for you Gil?"

Grissom: "I will have the same without the cream."

Gwin: "Okay. I will be back with your drinks, and give you time on your orders."

Grissom: "Thank you."

Sara: "Yes, thank you."

As Gwin left to get the coffee and some water, Sara looked over the menu. Grissom already knew what he wanted. He sat with a smile on his face and watched Sara. He loved to watch her at whatever she was doing.

Sara: "This is a very nice place. Gwin seems really nice. Does she have a husband?"

Grissom: "Yes. He should be in the kitchen cooking. Earl is the cook and Gwin bakes and takes care of the patrons."

Gwin returned with the drinks.

Gwin: "Would you like to order now?"

Sara: "Yes, I will have the special and a croissant please."

Grissom: "I will have my usual please."

Gwin: "Okay Gil. Before you leave, you should go see Earl."

Grissom: "I will thank you."

Gwin left. Grissom and Sara just sat there looking at each other, searching for what to say next.

Sara: "So Griss, why did you ask me out to eat?"

Grissom: "I...um...wanted to talk to you."

Sara: "Okay, so..."

Grissom: "I wanted to tell you how sorry for the way I have been to you. I know I have been a real ass. I would like to really get to know you."

Sara: "Griss, why now?"

Grissom: "I have been thinking about a lot of things lately. I just don't know how to talk to you about this."

Sara: "Just tell me. I've poured my heart out to you. Which by the way wasn't easy for me."

Just then Gwin came back with their food.

Gwin: "I hope everything is okay. I will be around if you need anything."

Both: "Thank you."

Sara: "This looks great. I see you are having buckwheat pancakes."

Grissom: "Yes they are the best in Nevada...So...this is hard."

Sara looked at him and she wanted to cry. But she tried to hold it back and started to eat. She thought that maybe if she didn't look at him, then he could open up.

TBC

reviews are appreciated...